hello can any WW2 RAC member tell me when your CORPS was allowed to wear the Black Beret. While not armoured myself, I was privileged to wear it at the 2nd Cavalry Regiment RAAC. Here in Australia the RAAC has been stopped from wearing it,whilst SAS and Commandos are allowed to wear theirs. Double standards and the RAAC representatives were very reluctant to fight for their rights. Lt Gen Gillespie stated it was for health reasons Sun Smart and yet the other two Regiments not even a Corps must be immune to the sun. If I can prove that the RAC were wearing their Berets prior to those others, there may be a case for redress or at the very least all parties treated equally.
Hi VietVet & welcome aboard. If you click on this link: http://www.ww2talk.com/forum/weapons-technology-equipment/30465-black-berets-how-they-were-worn.html you will see that we have discussed this topic before. When my LAA mob was disbanded in Italy in December '44 I can remember that one of the only real pleasures I got out of the situation was swapping my brown field service beret for an RAC black one. (see my Avatar) When in 2011 I attend the commemoration services at the Cenotaph I still wince to see all those black berets on parade that have no connection at all with any armoured units, but then, that might just be me Ron
Click the link below for a history on berets http://www.ww2talk.com/forum/weapons-technology-equipment/23400-orgins-british-army-beret.html#post250608