1st Armoured Car Regiment (BCOF) beret - circa 1946
 

Khaki heavy cloth beret with 'Rising Sun' badge and colour patch of the 1st Australian Armoured Car Squadron - circa 1946.

The 1st Australian Armoured Car Squadron was raised at Puckapunyal, Victoria in January 1946 from 4th Armoured Brigade volunteers. Following two months training it deployed to Japan as part of the occupation force joining the Australian 34th Brigade. The squadron was equipped with Canadian Scout Cars and Staghound Armoured Cars. The latter were found to be unsuitable for patrol duties on Japanese roads and replaced with additional scout cars. The 1st Armoured Car Squadron returned to Australia in December 1948 and became the basis for the 1st Armoured Regiment.

Source: 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Collection, North Bandiana

Enjoy!

Mick

Thanks Mick

Another great post, keep them coming.

Regards

Phil.

Japanese made colour patch too. Nice.

Keith

Interesting item. My sister's father-in-law was an officer in the unit but wore the 1945 regulation Armoured Corps black beret with large rising sun badge and colour patch. Here is a link to one of two youtube items on the topic I made for him in 2011:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMUTjQAsvV0

He also served in the Korean War, seconded to 2RAR, and in Germany with the Royal Dragoons on attachment to the BAOR. He passed away last year aged 93.