I have always suspected that most VBs wore side caps, sometimes with collar badges, until the introduction of the NP caps (Brodrick) in 1903. A few VBs wore these with full sized cap badges. Many did not. In 1905 the peaked cap comes into use and whilst some VBs still wear side caps this does see full sized badges: but only for 3 years until 1908.
Some FSC might have full sized cap badges whilst some units wore the Boer war inspired bush hat (despite being in UK) with or without badges. For example in the Dorsetshire VB's case, they only had 2 badge designs (but similar) that I suspect were only worn on FSC and no full sized cap badge for wear on peaked caps exists until TF days.
There was no universal rule or practice so you see some VBs with full sized badges and some with out.
It's a shame these were not recorded at the time or soon after as it's now too late in the day to find out for many units.
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