BUCKINGHAMSHIRE BATTALION DRESS 1939-1946


 

HEADRESS
Between the wars the battalion black maltese cross cap badge had acquired a red cloth backing cut to the outline of the badge showing 1/8th inch and this was worn on the Khaki FS cap.

The Khaki Field Service Cap clearly showing the black buttons and red backing to the cap badge.

REGIMENTAL ORDERS PART ONE 1942
379. BADGES CAP. P.O.
The correct position of Badges, cap is 3 ½ inches from the front of the cap to the centre of the badge, and 1 ½ inches from the top of the cap to the centre of the badge. Companies will see that this is corrected forthwith. 
 
The FS cap was worn until the introduction of the General Service (G.S. Cap) on 31st October 1943.


GENERAL SERVICE CAP or CAP G.S.

The General Service or G.S. Cap and "plastic" cap badge.

COLOURED FIELD SERVICE CAP
The Battalion also wore for more formal occasions and "walking out" although a private purchase a Black Field Service (side) Cap which had Red piping to the crown. Various mentions were made in battalion Orders stating that the cap badge was not to be worn on this cap. However Officers and Warrant Officers wore on the front of the cap a Red Cord Boss upon which was borne the Silver Swan badge.

REGIMENTAL WAR CHRONICLE VOL2

August 1941
With the Denbury parade ground avail­able, the commanding officer invited the honorary colonel, Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Kent, to inspect the Battalion.

Several full-scale rehearsals were held, including drill parades before breakfast every morning for a week. The parade itself on the 21st August went without a hitch, the chief feature being the Battalion wheel at the double to the tune of “The Keel Row.” The band and buglers wore their black Battalion forage caps officially for the first time on this parade.

The commanding officer led the march past on a horse. This added an impressive touch to the parade. There can have been few ceremonial parades during the war when the commanding officer was mounted.

The 1st Buckinghamshire Battalion band showing off their Black Battalion Forage Caps.

1st Buckinghamshire Battalion Serjeants Mess along with the Honourary Colonels and Commanding Officer. Note the WOs with the boss badges and the CSjts and Sjts without.