*British Army, Late 20th Century, Khaki Wool Beret with Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment (PWRR) Blue & Yellow Backing Patch, Small Size*
A British Army issue khaki wool beret, retaining its black leather headband and rear adjustment ties. The beret is fitted with a square woven cloth backing patch in royal blue with a central yellow stripe (blue–yellow–blue), stitched to the left side in the correct position behind where a regimental cap badge would have been mounted.
The patch shows clear evidence of prior badge attachment, with small holes and thread impressions consistent with a standard two-lug British Army cap badge. No badge is present.
The interior is lined in black cotton with visible hand-stitching and no surviving maker’s label or size marking, likely lost through service wear or laundering.
Approximate size appears X-small, suitable for a smaller head size.
History Note:
This style of coloured backing cloth is associated with regimental distinctions within the British Army, worn behind the cap badge on the beret. The blue–yellow–blue combination is commonly linked with the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment (PWRR), formed in 1992 through the amalgamation of earlier regiments.
Such backing patches were used to provide immediate regimental identification in the field or on parade, particularly where metal badges alone were less visually distinctive.
*Condition*
Service-worn example. Wool shows light age and handling wear. The backing patch is original to the beret but loosely and hand-stitched, with fraying and small holes from a removed badge. Interior lining worn but intact. Leather band supple with age-related wear. No labels present. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
JAQ
