ROYAL NAVY RATING'S CAP - DATING

[Mike B]

Unfortunately I can not find a previous thread where guidance was given regarding the dating of Royal Navy Ratings Caps. From recollection the shape changed from Round to Oval, however I can not recall the date of the change.
Which shape would be worn when please? particularly in WW2?
Hoping a fellow Forum member can enlighten me.
I appreciate cap tally construction changed too - but again, this is something I know very little about.
Regards
Mike

[Guzzman]

Hi Mike

Rating's caps are continually changing shape (especially since the end of WWII), but I presume that you are referring to the big change in design that happened at the end of World War II?

Caps worn during the war were round in shape. The pattern worn during the war was introduced in 1932.

The oval shape cap was introduced in September 1945 under A.F.O. 5563/45. This pattern was considered more comfortable to wear than the old round pattern. The crown of the new cap was 1 1/4in longer in the longitudinal axis. The new shape also helped to prevent the cap being worn 'flat-a-back'.

Stocks of the new caps were acquired very slowly, and round caps were still listed in stores books alongside the new oval caps as late as 1952.

Pete

[Mike B]

Pete
Many thanks for the comprehensive and highly informative response.
Fantastic information thank you - exactly what I needed.
Regards
Mike