Royal Air Force Uniform Caps, Hats and Helmets

[Michael Ryan]

Hi, This is intended to be a sister thread to my thread on British Army Visor Caps. Like the Army thread, it is open to anyone who would like to comment on or show RAF uniform headdress or ask any questions that either our members or I can try and answer. Initially, I had intended to present the caps that I show in order by types i.e. Side caps and Band caps etc. However, perhaps it would be more appropriate to follow a random format like that of the Army thread??? It is quite a large subject so perhaps it would be better to have several specialist threads? Your opinions would be appreciated. In any event, I will start with some Side Caps of various ranks.

For information, there are only two crowns employed on RAF cap insignia. From 1918 to 1952, covering the reigns of Kings George V, Edward VIII and George VI, the crown employed was the Imperial Crown or King's Crown. From 1953 to date, during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, the crown employed is the Edward Crown or Queen's Crown. All RAF cap badges bearing the RAF Eagle feature the eagle looking to its and the wearer's left or to the wearer's rear. The bird featured on all RAF headdress insignia is the RAF Eagle and not an albatross. The Other ranks badge is based on that worn by the Royal Flying Corps of WWI and is considered to be the old "Corps" pattern

OR 243 WWII vintage overseas cap for wear by all ranks up to the rank of Flight Sergeant inclusive. Brass King's Crown (KC) cap badge.





WO 251 Current cap worn by all Warrant Officers and Master Aircrew with gilt miniature Queen's Crown (QC) cap and beret badge.





JO 252 Junior and Senior Officer's cap of post 1953 and current pattern worn by Officers in the ranks of Pilot Officer to Wing Commander inclusive. Gilt two part cap badge with the QC. It should be noted the this style cap and badge was, until recent times, also worn by Warrant Officers, Master Aircrew and Group Captains.





AO 256 Air Officer's Cap of current pattern worn by all Air Rank officers from Air Commodore to Marshal of the Royal Air Force inclusive. Gilt RAF Eagle superimposed over the center of a gold wire wreath and Queen's Crown and the piping if of Minerva blue

[Jerry B]

Very nice Mike, great to see these and I look forward to the others you, I am certain, will have.

[reneblacky]

Great, I'm to be on long service leave in the next couple of days so I'll have lots of spare time, I'll pull out what I have and take new pictures

[Michael Ryan]

Cheers Jerry, I do not think that you will be disappointed. One question though, which format, random, by typ or specialist threads would you like to see?
Regards MichaelR

[Michael Ryan]

Hi Rene, Long time no speak!!! I thought that you had perhaps emigrated to Outer Mongolia or worse, New Zealand?? LOL Long Service Leave?? from what may I ask? I am looking forward to some of your knowledgeable and witty comments on this thread. In the mean time, thank you for your comments etc. One question though, which format, random, by type or specialist threads would you like to see on this subject? Today, I will stick with side caps and am looking forward to your participation on this thread. I have not seen too many items on RAF uniform and headdress so hopefully, it will take off??????????????????????????
Regards Michael R

[Michael Ryan]

Hi One and all, Today, I will stick with side caps but would be very interested in your preferred format please. The RAF and its peripheral or satellite organizations encompasses quite a few caps so do you think that one thread divided by cap types, one thread in random format or individual threads by type/organization is best? Or indeed open to your suggestions on a different format??
Cheers MR

OR 244 Standard issue WWII vintage Other Ranks side cap. Whilst the buttons are manufactured in black plastic rather than brass, the badge is brass painted matt black and the cap inner is stamped with the "Government Property" arrow and manufacturing details. The badge and button combination is a common configuration on these caps and should not be viewed with suspicion.





JO 253 Standard issue WWII up to 1952 Officer's side cap manufactured in higher quality materiel with a brass two part RAF Eagle and Crown (KC) badge and a brass shaped backing plate with three nuts and bolts.





SO 552 Recently introduced private purchase Group Captain's side cap with Minerva blue piping. Other than the cap badge which is a standard gold wire and gilt miniature officer's beret pattern, again of private purchase quality, this cap is identical to those worn by RAF Air Rank Officers. The manufacturer is Snaith and the buttons are in anodized aluminum.





AO 257 This is a high quality private purchase Air Rank Officer's side cap sold by Gieves of Saville Row London. The badge is the the standard miniature AO pattern also worn on the all ranks beret and finished in gold wire with a gilded eagle. The buttons are of Mess Dress quality and the cap was owned by an Air Commodore RAF Engineering Officer.

[Michael Ryan]

Hi, Sticking with side caps for today.

OR 245 Standard pattern but probably of private purchase WWII Airman's side cap.the cap badge is of the black plastic economy pattern whilst the buttons of of polished brass. The brass fold over lugs on the reverse of the badge can be clearly seen on the inside of the cap.







OR 246 1943 dated RAF issue side cap bearing the date, Government arrow and manufacturer's detaisl stamped on the inside. Both the badge and buttons are in polished brass.





JO 254 A bit mothed but none-the less, a nice officer's cap of WWII to 1952 period and of private purchase quality with a gilt brass RAF Eagle and Crown cap badge.





JO 555 This apparent WWII vintage Officer's side cap may not be what it appears to be so it could be a lesson in "buyer beware" . The cap badge is original with a silvered finish and typical Canadian type nuts and bolts. The buttons are standard RAF pattern brass with the King's Crown. So far so good. however, the cap is of low quality and the liner appears to be very modern despite having Spitfire aircraft woven into the liner fabric. On inspection of the liner, the original outline of the OR cap badge backing disc is clearly visible as are the second set of holes where the original badge was located. There could be several reasons for the evidence ergo, the cap was owned by an airman who was later commissioned or promoted to Warrant Officer and merely replaced the badge? In my opinion, a more plausible explanation is that although all of the elements are original, the cap has been cobbled together to turn it into a saleable WWII Officer's cap?? What do you think???

[reneblacky]

Hi Rene, Long time no speak!!! I thought that you had perhaps emigrated to Outer Mongolia or worse, New Zealand?? LOL Long Service Leave?? from what may I ask? I am looking forward to some of your knowledgeable and witty comments on this thread. In the mean time, thank you for your comments etc. One question though, which format, random, by type or specialist threads would you like to see on this subject? Today, I will stick with side caps and am looking forward to your participation on this thread. I have not seen too many items on RAF uniform and headdress so hopefully, it will take off??????????????????????????
Regards Michael R

Cheers Michael, long service leave from work so I have a good three months to bum around, as to the format I'm open on it

[Michael Ryan]

Hi Rene, Cheers Sorry, I forgot the formality and upside down protocol!! G'Day, Cheers for your message. I am looking forward to your inputs so don't let me down!!

Regards Michael

PS Are you still keen on East and West German??

[Jerry B]

Cheers Jerry, I do not think that you will be disappointed. One question though, which format, random, by typ or specialist threads would you like to see?
Regards MichaelR

Mike, I think RAF caps are an area in their own right so post them any way you think best, as you are doing.