A nice and classic Kangol Wear Limited 1945 dated black beret

This a a good example of a nice and classic Kangol Wear Limited 1945 dated black beret. After the end of the Great War the Royal Tank Regiment finally had time to develop a unique uniform for the new service. One of the problems faced by tank crews was the dirty and cramped condition within early tanks. Traditional service dress caps were too bulky and were too easily soiled or damaged. Taking inspiration from the 70th Chasseurs Alpins, billeted nearby, General Eles the commander of the RTR recommended the black beret be adopted as a distinctive and practical choice of head wear. Wrangling with the War Office meant it was 1924 before the King finally signed off and approved the adoption of the black beret which was to become the Tank Corps distinguishing feature. This beret dates from the end of the Second World War and is made of black cloth with a leather binding to the brim. Inside the cap is clearly marked as having been made in 1945 by Kangol and that it is a size 7. Kangol was founded in the 1920s by a Jewish veteran of the Polish armed forces and by the outbreak of war had three factories specialising in woollen hats and berets; they quickly won large orders for the British Armed Forces. The beret is in a nicely condition with some minor wear.

Code: 51113