sas cloth badges

[rockape560]

hi all,

this is likely a stupid question for all you sf buffs but just out of interest

when sas cloth badges are first issued to sas troops do they come on a square background and then shaped by the troops or do they come shaped .

one of each example below


http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/British-Ar...#ht_258wt_1018


http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1980s-Old-...6#ht_82wt_1255

many thanks

philip

[SAS1]

Usually those lucky enough to be given one were given precut badges already attached to the beret. The square one shown is not original.

One reason why sand berets don't always appear with a badge preapplied is because they can be 'badged' with other unit badges, Sigs being the most obvious.

[rockape560]

hi sas1,

many thanks for that.

so when a sas member leaves do they hand beret and badge back in or are they offically allowed to keep the badge and wings.

just something iv always wondered

philip

[johanwiegman]

Originally Posted by rockape560

hi sas1,

many thanks for that.

so when a sas member leaves do they hand beret and badge back in or are they offically allowed to keep the badge and wings.

just something iv always wondered

philip

Hi Philips,

SAS beret badges were mostly manufactured as a rectangular patch and cut to a shield shape before being sewn unto a beret, most of the time by a tailor. That is the reason most SAS beret badges are slightly different in shape.

Modern SAS beret badge are mostly manufactured already in a shield shape.

The rectangular beret badge on Ebay is not original.

At a military tailor in Aldershot many years ago I saw a drawer full of SAS beret badges, all uncut. The tailor would cut them into a shield shape on the spot.

A SAS beret is not handed back when leaving the unit. However, the wearer may not continue to wear it when going back to his parent unit (unless as a veteran at certain veteran occasions).

SAS wings are awarded 'in perpetuity' so may continue to be worn by the person who earned the wings, also when leaving the Regiment.

Cheers,

Johan

[rockape560]

hi guys,

many thanks for the help and great information

regards

philip