Hi Roy
The beret indicates wear unlikely before mid 1942 (not sure of date No.3 adopted the beret but No.4 was in the autumn 1942).
Very roughly and without consulting notes
No.3 Cdo had been formed (in June 1940) - with many Dunkirk veterans in its ranks
From Nov 40 to March 41 it was paired with No.8 Cdo as one of the 5 Special Service Bns of the original SS Bde
Prior to No.8 sailing to the Middle East in Feb 41, transfers were made between between No.3 and No.8 (mainly to strengthen No.8 before departure).
Battalion structure of the SS Bde had proved unsatisfactory and from March 1941 Commando designations were resumed in the UK.
No.3 was then rebuilt
In short, with diverse recruitment (originally from Southern Command), potential inter-unit postings, and subsequent rebuilding - the range of cap badges in No.3 Cdo (and many other Cdos) would be numerous.
We therefore rely on a good clear image to identify which unit it could be.
I hope this is useful, and would not be surprised if you knew much of this already. It is just that I would like to help, but a good image is required, particularly given my less than perfect eyesight.
All the best
Mike
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