Royal Dragoons beret and cap badge question - WWII North Africa - British & Commonwealth Military Badge Forum

WWIIBuff · #1 01-02-16, 09:32 PM

The Royal Dragoons were armoured reconnaissance in North Africa during WWII and operated in armoured cars. Can anyone tell me if they would have worn the black beret of the armoured corps or another color? Also would they have worn their own regimental cap badge or that of the RAC?

Thanks

John

GriffMJ · #2 01-02-16, 09:48 PM

Grey Beret with the small brass eagle on a slider. Ordered to wear the Blue beret and Royal Crest after North Africa. Officers carried on wearing their Grey Beret and S/G small eagle (x2 looped E/W) ....of course.

Trooper Prigmore c1942 & Sandifer c1945.

1RD in North West Europe c1945.

mooke07 · #3 01-02-16, 10:15 PM

And a very fine infantry regiment they were !

Just cannot keep the cavalry out of our infantry lines - we may have to form squares.

Good job its you Griff - nice pics

Cheers Dean!

WWIIBuff · #4 02-02-16, 12:10 AM

Thank you gentlemen! Nice pictures Griff!

Would you by chance have a full-on picture of the small cap badge they wore in the desert, or just a picture of the actual badge itself?

WWIIBuff · #5 02-02-16, 04:40 PM

I had posted my original question on another forum at the same time I posted it here, and yesterday I received the following reply:

"According to Michael Barthorp's "British Cavalry Uniforms since 1660", the Royals unofficially adopted a grey beret in 1941, after they were mechanised, and it was formally approved by King George VI in June, 1943.
However, the King was reminded that as the regiment was now part of the RAC, the black beret must be worn, and the decision was reversed in 1944, with the grey berets being replaced."

So now I am confused, did they go to a dark-blue or black beret after North Africa? Unfortunately I do not have that book to double check what is being quoted.