Hi! this is my first search for information. I'm a reenact from Spain so please forgive my English. I've got a question regarding the use of black buttons and cap badge by the 6th Bn during WW2: Did soldiers of 6th DLI wear black buttons and black cap badge in their Field Service Cap (and later black badge in the General Service Cap) with the battledress uniform during the whole war? Thanks!
Hi, No, regimental custom was suspended for the duration, costs and the ability of an enemy to identify a unit being some of the reasons. According to the DLI museum the tradition was only revived in 1950 with the Red Square behind the badge being replaced with a Red Diamond and the black buttons being reintroduced? `Edit to remove Museums dead link and add image instead` Kyle
Suspension of regimental customs for the duration did not necessarily end them. I don't know about the 6DLI however have come across all sorts of ways and circumstances battalions maintained their individuality in the increasingly drab wartime (there is a splendid Fougasse cartoon relating to this if I can find it....). Hoolig - yes, '46, '47 and '49 pattern Battledress had an open collar specifically for OR's to wear it with a tie. Whilst not insisted on 'in the field', the tie with web equipment combo was worn a lot around barracks - formal guards, training, for shooting competitions, etc. e.g. IWM image BER 49-205-005 The blackened webbing is the other tradition for former 'Rifle Volunteer' battalions who took their lead from Rifle Regiments. Keith
Hoolig - yes, '46, '47 and '49 pattern Battledress had an open collar specifically for OR's to wear it with a tie. Whilst not insisted on 'in the field', the tie with web equipment combo was worn a lot around barracks - formal guards, training, for shooting competitions, etc. . Keith Not in my mob, The SLI
so others can see it Portrait of one of the competitors at the British Troops Berlin Rifle Meeting which took place during the final stages of the Berlin Airlift, 21 July 1949. BRITISH FORCES IN BERLIN, GERMANY 1949 - 1960. © IWM (BER 49-205-005)IWM Non Commercial Licence
Thanks Owen - Before anyone else comments, yes I know he is a WO which may skew things a touch. I stand by my point.