Page 72 - RADC Bulletin 2021

Fig 25 – RADC Stable Belt – new pattern
side fastening buckles worn over the left hip. (Fig 24) In the early 2000s a new style of fastening consisting of a central union buckle with Corps name and badge was adopted. (Fig 25)
REGIMENTAL PULLOVER
The green RADC V-neck regimental pullover was introduced in the 1980s and can be worn by officers and warrant officers of the Corps as an alternative to issue heavy wool jerseys in No 13 Dress (Temperate Barrack Dress). (Fig 26) Currently this item is rarely seen due to the reduced opportunities to wear No 13 Dress.
FIELD SERVICE CAP (SIDE CAP)
Originally issued briefly to the Army between 1896 and 1902 Field Service Caps (FSC) were then withdrawn from general use, although they continued to be privately purchased and worn by officers as an item of undress uniform. They were re-introduced as an all-khaki version for the Royal Flying Corps in 1912 and in 1937 for the rest of the Army. Coloured regimental patterns quickly followed and whilst the issued khaki version was replaced in 1943 by the General Service Cap (GSC), coloured regimental versions purchased at private expense are still in
use today. The FSC can be worn with some orders of Dress in lieu of the Forage Cap, SD Cap, or beret on informal occasions when
Fig 26 – RADC Regimental Pullover
not on parade. The gold piping on the peak in Fig 27 indicates an officer of field rank; those below field rank have no piping on the peak and soldiers wear an anodised cap badge and two 24 ligne anodised Corps buttons as opposed to the officers’ embroidered cap badge and silver and gilt mounted Corps buttons.
CRAVAT
Introduced in the 1960s, green regimental cravats were commonly worn in Barrack Dress shirt sleeve order. They fell into disuse in the 1990s with the advent of Combat ’95 and the reduced use of barrack dress. The example in Fig 28 has faded with age.
SUMMARY
For over one hundred years those who serve and have served in the Corps, as a group with a unique common purpose and identity, have expressed that individuality in their Corps’ name and in various items of uniform and insignia worn. As uniforms
Fig 28 – RADC Cravat
have changed to meet evolving military requirements so there has been a persistent thread of adaptation and variation of insignia and elements of uniform that has maintained a visual recognition of the Corps’ identity which persists to this day.
REQUEST FROM THE AUTHOR
In researching this article, it has become apparent that many of the finer details around some items are unclear or have, perhaps, become lost over time. Therefore, if any readers have either more information from their own experience, or knowledge of any existing, relevant references, I would welcome their input. Information can be forwarded to me through the Editor at radc.bulletin@gmail.com using the heading “RADC UNIFORM”. Any assistance in this would be greatly appreciated.
70 RADC BULLETIN 2021
Fig 27 – Field Officer’s Side Cap
HISTORY