Modern era Para Beret Op Herrick 8 Opinion

[Phill Lockett]

Hi Team

I won this Para Beret and would like opinions.

The badge has F&S stamped in canopy on the reverse.

I do not know if this is a put together or legit "Op Herrick 8" -2008.

Here are several q's:

When do para's use the blackened badge?Is it individual based or unit base or commanders descretion?

The removal of the lining is this common practice with the Para's?

cheers

Phill

[Colin S]

Removing the lining is common - it helps when moulding it to the desired shape.

The black badge is only used when the beret is worn in the field and it was common in Northern Ireland. However, nowadays helmets are the usual wear in combat dress, so the beret will only be worn in camp. Each battalion will have their own rules on the subject and badges to be worn, but it won’t be unusual to see ‘mixed dress’ in the field - colour and subdued wings, formation flashes etc.

Your beret is impossible to date accurately, so it’s whether you’re satisfied with the source. All I would say is that there is nothing shown which would ring the alarm bells for me.

[Phill Lockett]

Thank you Colin

Appreciate the reply and the added info.

Its good to know that it doesnt send alarm bells and it could possibly Op Herrick worn, which is an area I collect , ,mainly US but will now add Para cloth insignia to my collection.

cheers

Phill

[Phill Lockett]

Hi Simon/Team

Would F&S refer to Firmin and Sons and would this have been made current era ie 2001 onwards.

cheers

Phill

[bess55]

Phil, F&S is indeed the maker mark for Firmin & Sons. Whilst I dont have a new metal Parachute Regt cap badge made black, I'm they may well be issued, but potentially more likely a PRI or private purchase item. I will of course be proven wrong I'm sure!
Colin is spot on with his comments above.
Op Herrick 8, 2008 with 2 PARA in Sangin District.

[Phill Lockett]

Thanks for confirmation Bess
Opinions and comments are always welcomed because it adds to the discussion.

cheers mate

Phill

[Alan O]

The Para Regt provided Toms with black badges from regtl sources for the 1990's NI tours. Since then they are private purchase. As helmets are the norm for exercises and ops the black badges are not seen so much as they used to especially as the cut down jungle hats in MTP are generally worn when helmets are not.

Of all the SFSG Paras I saw on Herrick they wore berets with w/m badges when in Bastion either going to the PX or flying in/out.

[Phill Lockett]

Thanks Allan

Much appreciated for the reply,unfortnetley all I have to go by is what was on the auction site. Will ask the seller if he could find out more.

cheers

Phill