Royal Anglian Regiment '60s Beret Badge Backing

[HMS-Troutbridge]

Hi All,

I'm interested in getting a definitive answer on Royal Anglian Regiment beret badge backings soon after its formation. I'm familiar with the later drab beret with black tombstone backing but I'm intrigued by photos of men of the regiment in South Arabia in the mid to late '60s, particularly the photo below, amongst others, which seem to show an oblong/square, possibly in dark green.

https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/i...ject/205189877



Is this perhaps a carry over from units transferred from the Forester Brigade or am I over-thinking this? Any help/advice much appreciated.

Many thanks

Hi

That's a great photo. Here's some info from a R ANGLIAN site: https://www.vikingveterans.com/regimental-dress/

The khaki beret in its present form was first adopted during the Second World War. Nobody wore a beret (except the RTC) before 1940, but most of the Army went into khaki serge berets and later the standard dark blue beret during the war. The 1st Battalion, The Royal Norfolk Regiment joined 24th Guards Independent Brigade Group under “Boy” Browning in 1942; the Guards Officers wore a khaki beret and the 1st Battalion adopted it at the time, adding the distinctive black patch. The beret went out of use after the war but was readopted in 1960, and has continued in use ever since. It was adopted by the rest of the Royal Anglian Regiment in 1970 and the wearing of it extended to Warrant Officers. The Regiment complete went into khaki berets in 1976. The black patch behind the badge commemorates the burial of Sir John Moore at Corruna in 1709 by Officers and men of the 9th Foot, the rearguard of the withdrawing British expeditionary force.

[Mike H]

Could it be the brigade badge ?
There is some sort of square or oblong patch definitely. It doesnt look like a black tombstone though.

[Mike H]

If the IWM is correct on date then it's likely the 4th Battalion Royal Anglian. So as was mentioned they could well be in their old berets rather than Royal Anglian ones.

[gb64]

If I remember correctly weren’t the regiments merged to form Royal Anglian while in Aden ?

Gerard

[norfolk regt man]

Originally Posted by gb64

If I remember correctly weren’t the regiments merged to form Royal Anglian while in Aden ?

Gerard

That would be east anglian brigade