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 Posted by RodShack » Tue Feb 26, 2013 10:14 pm
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 Lance Corporal Registered user Posts: 11 |
| Hi there
Whilst I assumed that 1st Battalion wore the maroon beret associated with Airborne troops, post '42, I was shown a green beret by a current serving forces friend who has an avid interest in the Borders, as he is ex KORBR. The beret was apparently from a Border veteran and had the standard BR white metal cap badge. It's dated 1944, is a dark (almost racing) green colour, with a cloth headband. My friend said he'd been told by the vet that after coming back from France in 1940 and losing a lot of uniform and equipment en-route, green berets were issued in lieu of side-caps. When 1st became airborne, the old hands retained the green beret as the sign of an "old salt", rather then wear the maroon beret. With few colour photos around at the time, could this be true? I had just thought that Airborne troops would be glad to show off their new status as a new fighting arm. After trawling the internet, I can't find anything to substantiate this claim of the green beret. Could it be true? Thoughts welcome. Thanks |
| Posted by IanT » Tue Feb 26, 2013 10:31 pm
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.png) Major Registered user Posts: 252 |
| I have a 1945 photo of Dad that looks like it was hand tinted & the beret is maroon not green. Ian |
| Posted by RodShack » Wed Feb 27, 2013 2:08 pm
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Lance Corporal Registered user Posts: 11 |
Thanks for your input Ian 
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| Posted by IanT » Wed Feb 27, 2013 3:42 pm
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Major Registered user Posts: 252 |
| I've uploaded the photo to the gallery
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