As my long time followers know, I volunteer at the MC Tsen Uniform collection held at Doddington Hall. Over the last few weeks, following the installation of CCTV, Smoke Detectors and Sprinkler systems, we’ve been moving the hundreds of Forage Caps and Berets that used to sit on the rails where this equipment has been placed. I am surprised by something each time I am at the collection and this item was no exception.
It’s my Corps (and @casablanca father’s Corps) but it’s not a Beret, it’s a Caubeen and it’s from the 40th (Ulster) Signal Regiment (Volunteers), circa 1950.
From Wikipedia - The caubeen (Irish: cáibín) is an Irish beret, originally worn by 16th-century Irish men. It has been adopted as the head dress of Irish regiments of Commonwealth armies
The data we have is that it’s an Officer’s headdress, which I would contest as it’s a metal ‘Jimmy’ Mercury badge and Warrant Officers Class One and all Commissioned Officers have embroidered cloth badges.
What is also striking about this headdress, is the plume, in the Royal Corps of Signals colours of Green, Navy Blue and Sky Blue, signifying the “O’er land, sea and air.” I have never seen anything like this for my Corps before.
A fascinating item which I have placed in view and incorporate in my presentation if I am leading the tour.
@louannwarren It’s the correct colour of my Corps headdress, Beret and No2 Dress Hat, so it’s not in error. Majority of the Caubeens in the collection are, as you’d expect, Irish Green. It’s certainly not something I’ve ever seen before.
Interesting info on your regiment & Casa’s dad…..she will be thrilled to read this. Hard work clearing stuff but lots if finds I expect. It’s rather a pretty caubeen.
Love it! And totally agree. Cloth badge for officers, metal was for NCO's and WO's. Something about it doesn't add up, does it? How interesting. Wonder where they got their original data from......
April 21st, 2026
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