Boonie Badge History
 

Guys,

I am trying to make a small booklet about Boonie badges / Combat Cap Badges. It will take the same format as my Cloth Beret Badge booklet.

I have been trying to gather pictures of badges to add in and I'll include a bit about the history of the badges with any pictures I can find of them being worn.

I am looking for a bit of help on dates etc and different versions of badges. I have a PDF of the badges I have in my collection, if anyone can help out with dates of wear and pics of them being worn and any different versions I would be most grateful.

If you'd like the PDF too look at and help out please email me.

Regards, Bill

Hi Bill,
A difficult project. The combat cap badges were authorized for the permanent force circa 1966 when combat caps came on issue. They exist for all regular force units, services and corps. The reserves were not authorized combat cap badges and many units acquired badges at their own expense. These are very difficult to date. Some units had more than one issue of privately purchased badges. These often are made in atypical colours (not the official OD 107) and are of unusual construction. In the early 1990's, DND decided to issue combat cap badges for all reserve army units. These typically have a plastic backing. Either clear, white or black.
There is a synopsis history of the combat title issue in my booklet Canadian Forces Combat Titles.

Thanks Bill,

I did think it was going to take a bit of work. I'm not going into it in a big way, more of a pictorial reference of different versions to help collectors.

I am emailing DND and a few regiments to guage their answers with regards to images and dates etc so will see what comes back.

I'll have a wee look at your book too when I get home to see about the titles but I will only be concentrating on the hat badges.

Thanks again as always, Bill

Weren't some, such as the RCR, worn prior to the intro of OD64 on the old wool combat caps?

Richard, I don't believe so. At least not the OD 107 type. By old wool combat caps, do you mean the cap comforter?

I have also seen them worn on the bush dress cap (the un-pc Jap-Cap). That would either pre-date the combat cap, or worn concurrently.

Darby Whitbone, Canada has already produced books on them

Bob

Bob,

I have been trying to get one of those books for quite some time now with no luck :( That's why I had the idea of producing a smaller version as a quick reference, mainly for myself but also for anyone that wants it.

Regards, Bill

I have been trying to, I await yours

I believe the first boonie type cloth cap badge was worn in WW2 by the RCAF, I have a picture somewhere. Of course there was no boonie hat worn in WW2, the pictures I have seen it was worn on a winter hat, and had a Kings crown.

Bill,

I was referring to this cap. Photo courtesy Mike Reintjes.

https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...68&oe=5A0A0491

Winter Cap with Combat Cap Badge
 

Interesting cap and badge combination although unless someone can find an image of that combination in use, I would treat it as suspect.

Ask and ye shall receive.

https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...65&oe=59C30549

Excellent Photo!
 

Richard, excellent photograph showing an unbelievable combination of Combats and BD during an era when dress and deportment was tantamount to proper soldiering. Is it in Europe? Thank you for posting it.

Veltins beer sign on the wall behind. A good German beer.