Polish berets versus RAF ones

[lnijherald]

Hi guys,
I was wondering if the blue RAF berets were a good cheap substitute for an impossible to find Polish beret?
A little while ago I saw a really nice one (made by Collett?) that also had this 3-piece construction, and I figured it would make a nice display.
I'd appreciate your comments.
Regards, Luc

[Para82nd]

Polish Berets are super hard to find, but when u get ur hands on one, Its an Excellent feeling! Love Polish berets

[lnijherald]

Yeah I guess they are virtually impossible to find, that is why I'm looking for a substitute. And I'd rather have an RAF cap if these are similar than a modern reproduction.

Regards, Luc

[Gary Jucha]

Example 1

Ok .. some photo's of an original Polish Parachute Brigade Beret ...
.... 2nd Pattern issued in 1946.
..The ranking stars of a Captain I think were embelished by the original owner after WW2 .. within the "ranks" of the Veterans association.
The middle ranking Star I believe is a legit WW2 "GR-tech" issue, which would have meant the chap was a 2nd Lieutenant.

Regards

Gary J.

[Gary Jucha]

2nd Shot

Photo 2

[Gary Jucha]

3rd Photo

3rd photo .. showing the "edge" construction of the 3 piece ..

Gary J.

[Adrian Stevenson]

Hi Luc, an RAF beret has a different cut despite it being 3 peice construction so it really would not work.


Very nice beret Gary

Cheers, Ade.

[lnijherald]

Thank you guys for your input! I just love that beret Gary, VERY nice indeed.

Regards, Luc

[GregK]

I'm late!!!!

Hi lads,

I'm late on this one. Sorry. I thought I'd show mine as well. It belonged to a man by the name of Aleksander Sudolf who jumped into Arnhem. I also have many documents belonging to Sudolf but alas no wings . It's absolutley untouched and is as it was 60 years ago. The color in the photos appears much more brown than it is and is identical to the example that Gary shows. Hope you all enjoy it.

Cheers,
Greg

[GregK]

Side shot.

[GregK]

The eagle. One of the prongs on the reverse has broken and it was stitched around the neck and edges of the shield to stabilize it and stop it from flopping around. An interesting note: the eagles on Polish para berets were slightly larger than the standard Polish beret eagle.

[GregK]

The interior. This shot shows a little more of the true dove grey color. Again...apologies for being a late poster and for posting this one again (I did post it once before) but I just love this one so much!!!


Cheers,
Greg

[Gary Jucha]

Nice Beret !

Nice Beret Greg !!! thanks for showing it ...

Aleksander Sudolf ..

Private.
1st Battalion 3rd Company.
Allocated to aircraft chalk number 22 for the initial flight - 21st September 1944.
(Aircraft was one caught in the Abort of the 21st).
Actually jumped on the 23rd September at Grave - Holland.

Parachute Badge number 3683
Combat Wreath number 649

Gary J.

[Adrian Stevenson]

Inside leg measurement?

Thanks Gary.

Great beret Greg I don't mind seeing it again

Cheers, Ade

[Gary Jucha]

Beofre of After

[QUOTE=Adrian Stevenson]Inside leg measurement?

Before or after the Arnhem Jump ?

... Cheers Ade !!

...... Gary

Forgot to add ...
The 1st Battalion were based at Easton-On-The-Hill near Stamford UK ...
.....Aircraft 22 on the reshedule of the 23rd .... took off from ...... SPANHOE !!