He is wearing the 1916 New Specification (NS) ‘soft cap’ in drab wool. It’s purpose was to be easily stowed in large or small pack or pocket for donning when steel helmets were not worn ‘out of the line’. A cotton gabardine version was issued in 1918. The splitting of the chin strap was an affectation to secure the cap badge in place so that it could not move upwards out of its slot and be lost.
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