WWII PERIOD RAF PRIVATE PURCHASE CAP / BERET
 

Hi Chaps
I can not find out much about this item but its like the army private PURCHASE GS Beret slightly diffrent ie black band much stiffer named to a M LANE I can only gess it dates from the WWII period and may even be a WOMANS ROYAL AIR FORCE officers cap . steve

It's a standard issue Princess Marys RAF Nursing Service (PMRAFNS) beret. WW2 and post war issue worn with full sized cap badge. I have one myself along with uniform and storm cap from the same lady. Made in stiffened barathea wool, the maker is probably 'Boyd Cooper' who made medical clothing and were the main producer of wartime PMRAFNS uniform. If not Boyd Cooper it probably dates from the late 40s or early 50s.

During the war RAF officers and Warrant officers wore the two piece eagle and Crown on standard blue/grey berets. The miniature RAF officers and Warrant Officer cab badges were introduced in 1947.