Army Air Corps Parachute Squadron Red Beret, Anodised Cap Badge and DZ Backing Flash

A rare example of the pattern worn by members of 664 & 658 Parachute Squadrons Army Air Corps during the 1970's. The red beret with anodised Army Air Corps cap badge set onto a nylon miniature of the units DZ badge. The interior retaining NATO issue label of the early style with UK head size. Later issue, late 1970's 1980's would have NATO standard head size details. Slight age wear and a few small moth nips, but overall in good condition and rare.

See British Airborne Insignia by Oliver Lock. Page 219 states worn by these two Squadrons from 1973 until 1977 only.

In 1973, ‘Parachute’ had been incorporated in to the Squadron title, as most of the aircrew and LAD were trained parachutists and everyone wore the Red Beret. With the disbandment of the Parachute Brigade on 1 April 1977, these entitlements were withdrawn. As the 2i/c, Tony McMahon noted:

‘ In March 1977 the squadron exchanged its red berets for the AAC berets on a small parade outside the squadron hangar, with many a tear shed by those who held the para association dear. In fact, there was one REME SNCO who took it so badly that he avoided wearing blue beret whenever he could..."

See also the following url: http://www.656squadron.org/history/farnborough/

B22

Code: 58369