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CA
MPA
IGN
1914
30 31
most notably the much disliked ‘cap, forage, new pattern’,
of state for war, although he actually had nothing to do with the
cap itself. It was to be universal for all other ranks, except for
Scottish regiments and troops serving in hot climates. In style
peak. There were only a few minor changes, mostly to the way
the cap was made up and some of the lining materials, during
chinstrap changed from a double-ended adjustable type (as on
Five men of the Army Service Corps. Three are wearing the
service dress cap and two the winter service dress cap. All
man standing at the left are much darker; the shades of khaki
varied considerably, but these are so dark that they could be
wearing a waterproof cap cover. These were issued for wear
in wet weather as the cap was not waterproof alone. Although
considerably smarter than its precedent, this was the only
advantage; the cap offered no real protection from the weather,
provided no warmth, and was little seen at the front as the
needs of the soldier changed during the war.
CA
MPA
IGN
1914
Five men of the Army Service Corps.
The cap is covered with the same khaki wool cloth as the
service dress jacket and trousers. The band is formed of
stiffened buckram, card and black oilskin, correctly ‘American
Cloth’, with a band liner of the same material. The peak is of
stiffened card, covered on the inside with green paper-cloth.
This is stitched to the cap body. Two eyelets on each side
over the ears provide ventilation. The cap is lined to the crown
with American cloth, and the crown is stiffened with a wire to
maintain its shape. The leather chinstrap is attached with two
small General Service buttons.
4
CA
MPA
IGN
1914
CA
MPA
IGN
1914
32 33
close inspection however, this appears original to the cap. It is
nearly identical to the previous cap in construction. The small
peak is one of the easiest ways to recognise a wartime cap;
although very similar patterns of this type of cap continued in
but these are easy to distinguish for other reasons, i.e. the use
of plastic materials in the manufacture.
buttons were just one of many items in short supply with the
sudden increase in demand, so alternatives were sought.
Leather buttons were also made in different sizes throughout
the war for jackets, greatcoats and leather jerkins. One is
missing here, with just the backing and shank remaining.
The stamp here was added at the point of inspection. It shows
the inspectors number, war department initials and broad
arrow and the letter referring to the depot it passed through.
Although absent in both examples shown here, a maker’s
stamp is often present, which may include the date and size.
The date of issue, regiment and the soldier’s number are also
sometimes found.
The chinstrap could be adjusted by the two small brass
used when occasion required it.
The large ventilation eyelets are another visible sign of a correct
WW1 period cap. They were reduced in size post 1921,
however some, but not all pre-war caps also have smaller
eyelets.
CA
MPA
IGN
1914
34 35
The band is similarly padded, and again lined with shirt
material. The pull down neck curtain is thickened by layers
of cotton material between inner and outer khaki cloth. This is
multi-stitched to hold it in place and provide some stiffening.
Two cloth ‘keepers’ are sewn to the ends of the chinstrap side
pieces. These serve to keep the pieces together and allow
them to be pulled tight around the chin, or over the top of the
cap when not in use. The peak is soft, although reinforced
internally with extra layers of material to give it some shape.
looks than functionality. The cap had a neck curtain that
could be pulled down over the ears and held in place with the
‘chinstrap’ that folded over the top when not in use. There was
in shape.
These were made of the same khaki wool cloth as all other
with with shirt material. A spiral of stitches held the padding in
place. The only labels in these caps are as here – a small paper
disc glued to the shirt lining showing the size.
The shortcomings of the service dress cap were obvious. The
winter service dress cap was introduced in November 1914
to at least provide some warmth, though at the expense of
appearance. It soon earned the nickname ‘gor- blimey’,
apparently uttered by passing NCOs more concerned with
CA
MPA
IGN
1914
The band is sim
material. The pull
of cotton material
multi-stitched to
Two cloth ‘keepers
pieces. These s
them to be pulled
cap when not in
internally with ex
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