WW2 SAS WHITE BERET

[ARTE ET MARTE]

Hi,
This has been discussed on other forums, never to a conclusion.
So, has any member of this forum ever seen or handled an example of the original white SAS beret? ( hearsay accounts or views not accepted )
I believe it existed but have never seen one !!,
over to you, many thanks.

[johanwiegman]

Liam,

In my books I have several pictures of the original SAS white beret being worn, so I am sure it existed.

Haven't you seen those pictures?

Never seen such a beret in a collection or handed one.

Cheers!

Johan

[2LBH]

+1 Johan. Yes, the white beret existed. Among those famous pictures mentioned is the one showing Lt-Col Cooper wearing the white beret.

[johanwiegman]

Hi,

The pictures I have seen are from Jim Almonds and Bob Lilley plus a group of 5 early SAS members standing in a row and one more picture of SAS trooper Jim Storie. Since I am not at home I cannot dig into my books, but will do so later today.

Best regards,

Johan

here is white berets beening worn

peter

white beret.jpg

[David Tremain]

Since they were only worn for a short period of time and were unpopular it is highly likely that any remaining ones would've been discarded in favour of the sand-coloured, or official maroon ones. If any of the white ones were to emerge the price would be through the roof, and, I imagine, out of most members' price range. The picture posted is the only one I've seen of anyone wearing one. I can't remember whether I've ever read the rationale as to why white was chosen. Not very practical!

[Spr Jock]

Originally Posted by peter616

here is white berets beening worn

peter

Attachment 36832

Peter ,
here is the rest of that photo

Standing from left to right, three men of L.R.D.G. (Long Range Desert Group), Alan H.C. Nutt, F.R. Brown and I.G. Mc Culloch 'Snowy'. Sitting: Sergeant Edward John Almonds 'Gentleman Jim' and Lance-Corporal Robert Lilley. These two are S.A.S. men and wear the white beret , mocked and contested by New Zealand and Australian troops.

http://www.silviotasselli.com/en/art...f-the-sas.html

cheers ,
Jock

[pittaway]

herewith IWM's example

[HamandJam]

This is the chocolate brown as worn by the RSR. The also wore the tan sas beret though.

Cheers,
JB