Read about our Victoria Cross and George Cross winners here!
(​Checkout our senior officer biographies gallery, featuring US the military.)

​Welcome! The Worcestershire Militaria Museum is an on-line museum of original artefacts and the stories relating to the men and women who served Worcestershire and the counties connected with it, from the Queen's Own Worcestershire Hussars and Worcestershire Regiment, through to the Worcestershire & Sherwood Forester Regiment and current Mercian Regiment. 
Our aim is not only to document the exhibits but preserve the memories of their original owners.

Please visit our Local Attractions page for places of interest to visit,
as well as our Education Resources page for a wealth of teaching materials,
such as learning about what the soldiers wore, their cap badges and what life was like.
​The WMM is non-profit focused​ and open to ​the public (hosting and internet connection dependent).
​​Enjoy your visit and please come again soon.​

The People Behind the Uniforms Exhibition (UK, Commonwealth & USA).

CLICK THE FLAG TO VISIT OUR US EXHIBITS

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The Worcestershire Regiment Exhibition.

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The Worcestershire Regiment is a Line Infantry Regiment that was formed in 1881, tracing it routes back to 1661. In 1970 the regiment was amalgamated with the Sherwood Foresters Regiment to become the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment. The WR regiment served Worcestershire and Herefordshire, in the West Midlands of England.

More recent in their history the Worcesters saw action in both the First World War, being awarded nine Victoria Crosses, and Second World War. Their battle honours include Gheluvelt, Gazala, Kohima, Normandy and Tobruk, as well as Malaya.

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​Pre First World War Period.

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1897 Pattern Field Service Cap.

This Edwardian period Other Rank's FS side hat would have been worn with the scarlet tunic below. It still displays its original owner's serial number, with the Infantry Regiment "L" prefix. Records from the Worcestershire Regiment website strongly point towards it having belonged to either a Private Richard Griffith 2044 of the 7th Battalion, who served from 1913 and into WW1, before being discharged for sickness in June 1916, or perhaps Private Thomas Beasley 2044, also a First World War veteran. It may have even been a pre WW1 veteran as no.2044 was first used in January 1887.

The blue Field Service cap was introduced in 1897, but was replaced by the Broderick pill-box style hat in 1902. However, a period photo from around 1910 of a 10th Battalion soldier, clearly shows the FS hat was still being worn. The regimental star cap badge was also approved in 1897 and worn by the regiment until the change over to the elongated bi-metal star in 1923.

Pre First World War Worcestershire Regiment Other Ranks Field Service Cap.

Pre First World War General List brass button.

1897 Pattern Worcestershire Regiment cap badge.

Pre First World War Worcestershire Regiment Other Ranks Field Service Cap.

• Dark blue body, curtain and peak. Bronze regimental cap badge. Brass General List buttons. Black cotton lining with serge sweatband. Maker unknown (paper label no longer present).
• c.1897 / 1913

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1905 Pattern Other Ranks Undress Forage cap.

This style of Undress cap was worn by enlisted men and Non- comissioned officers predominately during the period prior to the First World War, and during the war. This can be supported by period photograpghs from the Worcestershireregiment.com, and in particular a 1905 still of the Sergeant’s Mess as well as the portrait of Private Jones, who was sadly killed in action in 1916. Unlike later period caps, these early Undress versions had a shorter peak and a more stiff look to them.

The featured exhibit is unfortunately not named but is a solid example of what was worn by the regiment from the turn of the century, in combination with the scarlet Home Service tunic. Nowadays it is a very rare cap to encounter, especially when compared to its khaki cousins.

Pre First World War Worcestershire Regiment Other Ranks Undress Cap.

Pre WW1 Worcestershire Regiment cap lining.

Pre First World War General List brass button.

Worcestershire Regiment Undress Forage cap.

• Dark blue body with black leather chinstrap and peak. Brass regimental cap badge and matching brass General List buttons. Black cotton lining with black oilcloth sweatband. Maker unknown.
• c.1905 - 1923

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First World War Enlisted Man's Dress.

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Home Service scarlet tunic from the 7th Battalion (Territorial), Worcestershire Regiment.

This wonderful 1909 dated red tunic belonged to G. Owen. Without further research confirming his battalion, there is a strong possibility that G. Owen was George Owen 5674, who served during the First World War.

Before the widespread introduction of khaki camouflage around the turn of the 20th century, the British infantry was smartly dressed in scarlet red tunics. From the Scottish Highlands to the American War of Independence, from the Peninsula War and Waterloo to the Crimea, the thin red line would become an integral part of British history. Today the British army still maintain their scarlet tradition, however it is a tradition reserved for ceremonial duties by certain regiments, such as the Coldstream Guards, and for mess dress.

Owen would have worn this tunic with the blue Home Service spiked helmet, the Undress forage cap and the Field Service Cap. In combination with the white waist belt.

Pre First World War Worcestershire Regiment Other Ranks Home Service tunic.

Collar badge and General List button details. (Left badge as seen is a period replacement).

7th Battalion Worcestershire Regiment brass shoulder titles. WW1 period.

Worcestershire Regiment tunic.

• Other Ranks 1902 Pattern Home Service tunic. Scarlet red with white buff collar and pointed cuffs. White piping to the epaulettes, front button seam and rear. Bronze regimental shoulder titles with separate T7 distinctions. Brass General List buttons and regimental collar badges. Discrete ticket pocket left of the waist band. Maker is Samuel Brothers.
• c.1909

​Activity Alert!
Why not try your hand at making our Worcestershire Regiment model paper soldier, "Colour-Sergeant Worcester?"

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The First World War, 1914 - 1918.
In 1914 tensions in Europe were reaching boiling point. Germany was seeking to expand her empire and was rapidly rebuilding her navy to challenge Great Britain’s Royal Navy, then the world's only superpower. In the Austro-Hungarian Empire tensions were also mounting from within. The sparks of war finally ignited in July 1914, following the assassination of the Austrian heir to the throne, Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo.

The demands placed upon the Serbian government were not fully met and so war broke out. The Serbians in turn activated their alliances and so what had been a local conflict rapidly turned into a global war, with Great Britain, France, Belgium, Italy, Russia, and the USA (in 1917) facing Germany, the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the Turkish Ottoman Empire. Fighting broke out in Europe, parts of Africa, and Gallipoli.

​It was to be a global conflict that lasted four dreadful years, causing millions of casualties and the downfall of the German, Austro-Hungarian and Russian monarchies. It also resulted in advancements in technology, such as medicine, telephone communications, motor vehicles, and aircraft, as well as bringing about a change in society structures. 

The war left mass destruction across Europe, with heavy reparations for the vanquished nations resulting in resentment and fuelling the rise of nationalism and fascism during the decades to come.
​
The Worcestershire Regiment’s ranks swelled considerably during the First World War, like many other regiments in the British army at the time, and men from the county found themselves fighting knee deep in mud on the Western Front, or sweating under the Turkish sun in Gallipoli. A total of 9 Victory Crosses were awarded.

Worcester Cathedral war memorial

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Officer's Forage cap of Captain Louis H. Tosswill. (Late Royal Flying Corps.).

Captain Louis Hope Tosswill was commissioned into the Worcestershire Regiment in 1914, as a Second Lieutenant in the 6th Battalion, a training battalion. In early 1915 he was promoted to Lieutenant and served with the 2nd Battalion on the Western Front. 

During the Battle of Festubert he was wounded, and it would appear that he was posted back to 6th Battalion (Reserve) to rest and recuperate from his wounds. In mid 1915 he was promoted to Captain and in December of 1916 he was seconded to the Royal Flying Corps, where he served until the end of the First World War. 

During the Second World War, in 1941, Captain Tosswill was recalled to active service, holding an emergency commission with the Royal Artillery. 

The 6th Battalion was amalgated into the 5th Battalion in early 1918.

First World War Worcestershire Regiment Officer's Forage cap.

Worcestershire Regiment cap.

First World War Worcestershire Regiment Officer's Forage cap.

Worcestershire Regiment cap lining.

Worcestershire Regiment cap side button. Pre 1923.

Worcestershire Regiment Forage cap badge. Pre 1923.

• Officer's Forage cap. Non-padded top, gilt WR side buttons with plain patent leather peak. Bi-metal cap badge. Maker is Hawkes & Co Ltd. of London.
• c.1916 (WW1).

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The Inter-war years, 1919 - 1938.
After the war the regiment was reduced in numbers and over the next twenty years found themselves posted to various parts of the British Empire on garrison duties, such as Germany, India, Malta, Ireland, and Palestine.
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Officer's Forage cap.

Forage caps were worn by Officers on ceremonial occiasions with the dress uniform. This particular example dates from between 1920 and 1923. We can tell it dates to pre 1923 from the style of the cap, but most obviously, from the cap badge and side buttons, which the WR used from the start of the 20th Century until 1923. After this date the elongated star minus the scroll was used.

Interestingly, as caps and uniforms were an expensive piece of kit, it was not unusual for an Officer serving past the 1923 date to change the cap's badges and buttons to the newer versions.

This style cap was used by Lieutenant Colonels and Majors holding Field rank distinction, denoted by the gold-wire band positioned onto the peak. Junior Officers wore a similar cap but with a plain peak. A Second World War and a 1960s example can be seen below.

This cap may have been worn by W. Etnel, although the hand written script is hard to decipher clearly.

1922 Worcestershire Regiment Field Officer's Forage cap.

Worcesters Forage cap maker's mark.

Pre 1923 named Worcesters Forage cap.

Pre 1923 Officer's gilt cap button.

• Field Officer's Forage cap. Gilt WR side buttons with gold-wire band peak detail. Bi-metal cap badge. Non-standard chinstrap. Maker is Hawkes & Co Ltd. of London.
• c.1922.

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Officer's Mess uniform of Major J. N. C. Chichester.

Major Chichester was commissioned into the Worcestershire Regiment in 1928. In 1936 he became the Adjutant of the 7th Battalion (TA) with the rank of acting Captain. By the start of the Second World War he was a confirmed Captain and served with the 1st Battalion in 1943. Major Chichester retired from active service in 1948.

Late 1930s Worcestershire Regiment Officer's Mess jacket.

Late 1930s Worcestershire Regiment Officer's Mess trousers.

• Officer's mess jacket. Scarlet red with black felt lapels and red lining. Has QC embroidered rank crowns on epaulettes denoting rank of Major. WR collar badges mounted on lapels (left one is missing). Maker is Hawkes & Co. Ltd. Dated 1938.

• Matching mess trousers to jacket. Heavy black cloth with 1/4 thickness red stripe down each leg. Button fly. Leather boot fasteners at ankles. Maker is J. B. Johnstone.
• c.1938.

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Officer's Service Dress jacket and knickerbocker breeches, belonging to a 2nd Lieutenant.

This uniform group, unfortunately unnamed, is typical of those worn by Officers during the inter-war period and very early on, in the Second World War.

The tunic has had its WR collar badges and rank pips removed, but still shows evidence of where they were originally fitted. An officer's Sam Browne belt would have been worn with this tunic, or alternatively a cloth belt similar in style and configuration to that worn on the following tunic example, depending on the occasion. Found in the a pocket were two Worcestershire Regiment cap badges (with slides attachment).

Matching to the jacket's colour and material is a pair of Knickerbocker breeches. These Officer's breeches are not so "balooned" as the Mounted pattern, and would have been worn with cloth puttees, (a length of cloth wound around the shin area of the leg so as to cover the top of the boot and the lower seam of the breeches). 

An example of how this grouping would have looked when worn can be seen on the Worcestershire Regiment Website.

Worcestershire Regiment Officer's Service Dress tunic circa late 1930s.

Worcestershire Regiment Officer's Knickerbocker Breeches, circa late 1930s.

• Officer's service jacket with brass WR buttons (made by J. R. Gaunt, London). Missing rank pips denoting that of 2nd Lieutenant. Maker is Alkit Ltd.

• Matching Knickerbocker breeches to jacket, with side trouser pockets. Knee length with clay/brown buttoned fly and blackened metal buckles, used to tighten each lower leg seam. The inner waist lining is "pijama" style - white with blue pinstripes.
• c.Inter-war - 1941.

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Other Rank's 1901 Pattern Service Dress cap.

The 1901 Pattern Service Dress cap was introduced, as its name suggests, at the start of the 20th Century. Its overall design altered little over its lifespan, although early and First World War examples featured a narrower chinstrap and different lining, while later examples also had a sewn seam at the top of the band as can be noted below. World War I examples would also have been fitted with the bronze pre-1923 cap badge.

The highlighted example is the last version of this cap, which was used by the Worcestershire Regiment during the late 1930s and into the early years of the Second World War, before it was quickly dropped in favour of the more practical FS cap. 

When the 1st Battalion was sent to Palestine in 1938, to support the garrison during the Arab Revolt, the 1901 Pattern cap was clearly being worn. For more information on this deployment as well as some excellent photographs showing such caps in use, please spare a few minutes to visit this link.

Worcestershire Regiment Other Rank's Service Dress cap.

1901 Pattern Other Ranks SD cap lining. Late interwar period.

• Bronze GL side buttons and bi-metal cap badge, with slide attachment. Maker unknown.
• c.WWII.

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Provost Sergeant's Armlet

An armband from a soldier of the Worcestershire Regiment, acting as a regimental Provost Sergeant. Worn on the upper right sleeve of the Service Dress jacket.

Provost Sergeant armlet.

• Grass green cloth armlet with brass lettering and bi-metal cap badge. Maker unknown.
• c. Post 1923.

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Books attaining to Lt. Colonel Michael Alured Hamilton Cox.

Lieutenant Colonel Hamilton Cox was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in 1911. Just prior to the start of the First World War he was serving in Cairo, Egypt with the 1st Battalion. The battalion was swiftly shipped back to Britain and saw action on the Western Front. In September 1914 Hamilton Cox was promoted to Lieutenant and was one of the lucky survivors of the 1915 Battle Neuve Chapelle, where the battalion was decimated. In August 1915 he was promoted to Captain and after the war, in 1921, became Adjutant. By 1926 he was serving in Allahabad, India, in charge of "A" company. In 1933 Hamilton Cox was further promoted to Major and when the Second World War began he was quickly promoted again to Lieutenant Colonel. He retired his commission in late 1945.

​"Map Reading Made Easy" and "Map Reading for Beginners" belonged to Hamilton Cox and were used by him during the 1930s. The books are both named while the former includes a hand written calculation note on a scrap of paper, as well as a small set of celluloid map reading instruments and a 1932 dated letter from the Worcestershire Regiment concerning a war game exercise.

 To see a photo of this fine officer and read more about his posting to India please visit this link.

Map reading books from Lieutenant Colonel Hamilton Cox.

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​The Second World War, 1939 - 1945.
In Europe the seeds of war had already been sewn in 1919 with the German felt humiliation at the Treaty Of Versailles. When Adolf Hitler became Chancellor in 1933 he set about creating his vision of a greater Germany, secretly started re-arming and rebuilding the air force. In 1938 through coercion, he annexed his southern neighbour Austria in a “peaceful” invasion. Hoping to avoid another war, European leaders, following a policy of appeasement, ceded Czechoslovakia to Germany. However, this policy failed when Hitler then turned his eyes on Poland and invaded in September 1939. Poland activated alliances with France and Great Britain and so the Second World War began.

A brief period of quiet, come to be known as the “Phoney War” followed, when the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) in France and the French army faced off against the imminent German attack, which finally came through neutral Belgium. The German “Blitzkrieg” offensive was quick, pushing the allied armies back to the coast. In May 1940, at a small seaside town called Dunkirk, remnants of the BEF and elements of the French army were evacuated back to Britain. France fell a month later as Italy joined the war on Germany’s side. Norway also fell under German control in June 1940.

With most of Europe under his control Great Britain was next in Hitler’s sights. In July 1940 until October the German Luftwaffe and the Royal Air Force fought tooth and nail over control of Britain’s airspace. With the Luftwaffe defeated the invasion was cancelled. In June 1941 Germany attacked Russia, bringing them onto the side of the Allies. With Japan’s surprise attack on the US naval base at Pearl Harbour in December 1941, followed by declarations of war from Germany and Italy, the United States of America joined the war, with their huge manpower and industrial might behind them. On the 6th of June 1944 the Allies invaded Normandy and sparked the liberation of western Europe.

​Hitler committed suicide in 1945 as the Russians advance on Berlin, with the war in Europe ending in May 1945. In the east the Japanese fight on until the US drop two atomic bombs over Hiroshima and Nagasaki, ending the Second World War in September 1945. 

The 7th and 8th Battalions of the Worcestershire Regiment fought with the BEF in France and Belgium during 1940 prior to being evacuated at Dunkirk. They were then sent to India and Burma, where the 2nd Battalion was already stationed. The 1st Battalion fought Rommel in the desert at Tobruk and then was reformed, taking part in the Normandy campaign after D Day. 

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Officer's Uniform of A/Captain Roger Eustace Cleverley.

​Born in Bedworth, Warwickshire in 1916, Roger Eustace Cleverley attended King’s School in Worcester before working at Glenn’s Outfitters on Broad Street. Whilst at school he was a Cadet in the King’s School (Worcester) Contingent, Junior Division O. T. C. On the 26th of October 1938 Eustace Cleverley was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the 8th Battalion Worcestershire Regiment, C Company, Territorial Army. He was married in November 1939 just two months before arriving in France with the British Expeditionary Force, 144 Brigade, on the 16th of January 1940. By now Cleverley had been promoted to Lieutenant and was the CO of 14 Platoon. On the 28th of May, positioned at Bambecque, his platoon was attacked by overwhelming SS infantry and armour, wounding him and making him a POW.

Whilst wounded in a ditch he was shot in the back by an SS Officer but luckily survived and was later recaptured by regular soldiers and treated. Cleverley narrowly escaped the fate of those POWs massacred on the same day in Wormhoudt, less than 10 miles away, including half a dozen 8th Battalion men and a large number of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment, Cheshire Regiment, Queens Own Worcestershire Hussars, Royal Artillery, and French soldiers.
 
Following his capture and his wounds treated, he was to spend the next 5 years as a Prisoner of War in Austria and Germany. As a POW he helped organise theatre productions and created clothing for the Escape Committee as well as participated in escape attempts. His last camp before being liberated by US soldiers was Oflag IV- C, otherwise known as Colditz. After a well-deserved leave, he was prompted to Acting Captain and posted as Mess Officer to No.3 Military Collecting Unit. Several months later he received a Medical Discharge but remained on the Territorial Army Reserve List of Officers until January 1966. R.
 
His autobiography, "Battlefield to Castle Keep: Memoirs of Life as an Officer in the Worcestershire Regiment and Subsequently as a Prisoner of War 1939-1945" is based upon his diary and notes that he made during his years as a Prisoner of War, and is not only an interesting and enjoyable read but a valuable account of a soldier’s experience of the Phoney War and subsequent life as a POW. Captain Roger Eustace Cleverley lived in Court Road, near Barnard's Green in Malvern, before passing away in 2002.
 
Although not named a note naming the tunic to Cleverley was discovered inside one of the pockets, whilst it was acquired from very a reliable source. There is no doubt that this is the jacket and cap worn by Captain Cleverley during his last posting.

Second World War Worcestershire Regiment Officer's Service tunic.

Second World War Worcestershire Regiment Officer's Service cap.

A hard to find copy of the book "Battlefield to Castle Keep: Memoirs of Life as an Officer in the Worcestershire Regiment"

• Officer's service jacket with brass WR buttons and rank pips denoting that of Captain. Campaign medal ribbons, including that of the Territorial Efficiency Medal.

• Officer's Service Dress cap. Brass WR side buttons and silver cap badge. Maker is Thomas & Stone of London.
• c. 1945.

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Colonel's War Economy Service Dress jacket.
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Unfortunately there is no supporting information as to whom originally owned this tunic, being un-named and having had it's maker's label cut out. However the jacket itself does tell us something about its original owner. He was a distinguished officer, evident from where his medal ribbon was once attached, and most probably served as a Commanding Officer of one of the wartime Battalions, before being promoted to Substantial Colonel.

The jacket is a mid wartime economy pattern, lacking the pleated lower pockets as well as any inner pockets. It also still retains its original Worcestershire Regiment buttons, as opposed to those worn by a full Colonel, confirming it as being an economy measure resulting from promotion in wartime. Interestingly the upper shoulders seem to show where a square division patch was once sewn. Perhaps that of the 43rd Wessex Division.

Second World War Worcestershire Regiment Colonel's Service Dress jacket.

• Senior officer's service jacket with bronze regimental buttons and rank insignia denoting that of full Colonel. Red felt collar gorget with red cord detailing. Missing medal ribbons but shows evidence of where once was. Maker unknown.
• c.WWII.

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Deputy Lieutenant‘s Uniform jacket of Colonel William Ralph Prescott M.C., T.D., D.L., J.P.
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William Ralph Prescott was born in 1894 in Kensington. After a distinguished military career he became a Deputy Lieutenant, possibly from late 1940 until 1953, as well as a Justice of the Peace. In 1982, at the age of 87 he passed away.

During the First World War he served on the Western Front and in Italy, winning the Military Cross on no less than three occasions, twice in one year, as well as being Mentioned in Dispatches. In 1917 he was wounded at the Gillemont Farm action and a year later during the last Austrian push of the war.

After the war he served in the 2nd, 4th and 7th Battalions, as an Adjutant of both the 2nd and 7th, before becoming the CO of the 7th Battalion from 1932 - 1936. In 1932 he was also promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and then Substantive Colonel in 1936. During the Second World War he briefly commanded the 184th Infantry Brigade before taking over command of the 9th Battalion in October 1939 until October 1940. After retiring from the army Colonel Prescott MC DL became the honorary Colonel of the 7th Worcestershire Regiment.

This tunic was acquired by Lieutenant Colonel Prescott in 1939 and worn by him through the war with the Worcestershire Regiment and then during his tenure as a Deputy Lieutenant. More information about him can be found here.

Deputy Lieutenant‘s Service Dress jacket of Colonel William Ralph Prescott M.C., T.D., D.L., J.P.

Bronze Deputy Lieutenant of an English county epaulette rosette insignia.

Medal ribbons of Colonel William Ralph Prescott M.C., T.D., D.L., J.P. including the MC with two bars.

Colonel William Ralph Prescott M.C., T.D., D.L., J.P. late of the Worcestershire Regiment.

• Named officer's service jacket with bronze King‘s crown Deputy Lieutenants buttons. Red felt collar gorgets with blue cord detailing. Brass English DL epaulette insignia. Medal ribbons for Military Cross with bars, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal with oakleaf, War Medal 1939-1945, 1935 King George V Silver Jubilee Medal, 1937 King George VI Coronation Medal, 1953 Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal, Territorial Efficiency Medal. Maker is H. Huntsman & Sons Ltd. of London.
• c.WWII.

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Officer's Battledress Blouse.

A typical late war example of a Canadian made British Officer's Battledress Blouse. Originally adopted in 1936 for Officers and men, the Battledress was used well into the postwar years, worn in conjunction with the Service Cap, FS cap, GS cap, beret or steel helmet. The maker's markings, along with the button collar tab and distinctive button shape show this Blouse's Canadian origin. The centre seam at the rear also indicates it as being a wartime example.

While the Blouse is unnamed we are able to tell that the Officer saw service in North West Europe, possibly enlisting in 1941 and acquiring his commission in late 1944, which would account for the Officer's low rank but long service acknowledgement.

Second World War Worcestershire Regiment Officer's Battledress Blouse.

Late war "Worcestershire" regimental designation, with scarlet background and white lettering.

Battledress collar tab and button detail. The medal ribbon bar is attached with split pins.

Canadian Battledress marking for Tip Top Tailors.

• Officer's Battledress Blouse jacket with Worcestershire shoulder titles and cloth rank pips denoting that of Second Lieutenant. Worn on the lower sleeve are four red Service Chevrons signifying 4 years of active service. The campaign medal ribbons display the 1939–45 Star, the France and Germany Star and the Defence Medal. Maker is Tip Top Tailors.
• c. 1945 (WW2).

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Officer's No.1 Dress Uniform of Captain George Chesshire MID, 7th Battalion.

George Pountney Peregrine Chesshire was born in Dorset, in 1910. On the 15th of July 1939 G. P. P. Chesshire (92383) was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the 7th Battalion Worcestershire Regiment, having been a Cadet in the Weymouth College Contingent Junior Division O.T.C.. When the British Expeditionary Force was sent to France in 1940, he was the Signals Officer of the Signals Platoon, and was one of two officers, alongside the Commanding Officer and a body of men, who managed to escape to Dunkirk on the 30th of May, disembarking a day later. For his conduct during the withdrawal he was mentioned in dispatches.

After Dunkirk the 7th Battalion was reorganised and saw home service before being sent to the Far East in 1942. In 1944, now an Honorary Captain, the Battalion were in Secundrabad, India (where Captain Chesshire was photographed), before moving to Assam and Burma. In April 1945 Chesshire’s War Subs rank of Lieutenant was confirmed. When the war ended he continued in the Territorial Army, retiring from the Reserve of Officers List on the 18th of May 1960, retaining his Honorary rank. In civilian life George Chesshire was a partner at a Solicitors firm in Southampton, until the 1970s. He passed away in Hampshire in 1988, aged 78.

Such caps as these are junior officer's Forage cap, worn by the ranks of Second Lieutenant, Lieutenant and Captain. It is interesting to observe how the cap badge is worn over the chinstrap, which also corresponds to period photographs.

1939 Worcestershire Regiment Officer's Forage cap.

Worcestershire Regiment General List cap side button.

Moss Bros. Worcestershire Regiment Officer's cap lining.

​Despite its moth nipped state this set has been beautifully tailored and is an excellent example of an immediate pre-war Officer’s dress uniform, named and dated to July 1939, just two months prior to the start of the Second World War. Unfortunately the medal bar has been removed but its ribbons would have reflected Chesshire’s service in Europe and the Far East, with a Mention in Dispatches oakleaf spray. On a side note, it is also interesting to observe that the tunic set was actually made in Worcestershire, by a local outfitter. Lye, now being a part of the West Midlands.

1939 Blue Patrol jacket from Capt. G. P. P. Chesshire MID.

1939 Blue Patrol jacket matching trousers.

Worcestershire Regiment Patrol jacket insignia.

• Officer's Forage cap. Silver & Gilt regimental cap badge. Gilt General List side buttons. Red silk lining. Maker is Moss Brothers of London.
• Officer's blue patrol jacket with bronze regimental buttons, made by Firmin Ltd. Browned bronze rank pips denoting that of Captain. Bi-metal collar badges. Maker is M. Lavender & Sons of Lye, Stourbridge.
• Matching trousers with narrow red band running down the outer leg seam. Button fly. Leather boot fasteners with blackened metal buckles. Plastic buttons marked M. Lavender & Sons, Lye. No Makers label but buttons and tunic suggest Lavender is also the maker.
  
• c.1939.

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Field Officer's Forage cap.

​A Wartime Forage cap worn with the dress uniform. Such a cap can be seen in a period portrait photograph of Captain H. W. Sargeant (B Echelon), who served at Tobruk.

Second World War Worcestershire Regiment Officer's Forage Dress cap.

Worcestershire Regiment cap side button. 1923 - 1970.

Worcestershire Regiment cap lining.

• Field Officer's Forage cap. Gilt WR side buttons with gold-wire band peak detail. Maker is Moss Brothers of London.
• c.WWII.

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General Officer's Forage cap from Major General Sir Leslie Gordon Phillips K.B.E., C.B., C.B.E., M.C. M.I.D. L.o.H.
​Late of the Worcestershire Regiment and Royal Corps of Signals.

This beautiful senior officer's peaked cap, clearly named to Phillips, may have belonged to Major-General Sir Leslie Gordon KBE CB CBE MC MID LoH, who went to Sandhurst before being commissioned into the Worcestershire Regiment in 1911. During the First World War he served with the 1st Battalion and was mentioned in dispatches three times, as well as being awarded the Military Cross. A wartime photograph of Phillips can be seen on the Worcestershire Regiment website.

After the war he transferred to the Royal Corps of Signals and gradually rose through the ranks, promoted Major General in 1941. Phillips served as Director of Signals until his retirement in 1946. During WW2 he was awarded the United States' Legion of Honour and became a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire. A set of 1946 photographs of General Phillips, from the National Portrait Gallery, can be seen here. His medal ribbon clearly show a distinguished career. Sir Leslie Gordon Phillips passed away in 1966.

Such caps were worn on more formal occasions, such as for inspections and ceremonial duties, as opposed to everyday. It is a perfect example of a Second World War General's dress cap, in this case, as worn by an officer of the Worcestershire Regiment who reached command level and on of the highest ranks in the British Army.

Visit our Behind the Uniforms Exhibition for his more detailed biography.

Second World War General Officer's Forage Dress cap.

Second World War General Officer's side button detail.

Second World War General Officer's cap badge detail.

• Field Officer's Forage cap. Goldwire King's Crown General Officer's cap badge with gilt General Officer's side buttons and a double row of gold-wire oakleaf on the peak. Maker is Herbert Johnson of London.
• c.WWII.

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Officer's Service Dress cap.

This attractive saddle shaped service cap is made from the typical barathea wool and most probably dates to late war period. It features rather subtle browned bronze regimental side buttons and interestingly has had the sweatband cut out by its original owner. Whilst that is unusual it is by no means unheard of, making the cap more comfortable to wear, especially if the officer was wearing it constantly for everyday use.

Second World War Worcestershire Regiment Officer's Service cap.

WWII Worcestershire Regiment Officer's SD cap.

Worcestershire Regiment browned bronze cap button.

Worcester Regiment SD cap lining.

• Officer's Service Dress cap. Browned bronze WR side buttons with silver plated cap badge. Maker is Rowans of Glasgow and Birmingham.
• c.WWII.

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Soldier's Slouch hat. 7th battalion Worcestershire Regiment. 2nd Division.

The slouch hat (or bush hat) was issued to those units sent to fight the Japanese, in the Far East. The hat is iconic and typically associated with Australian forces as well as the Gurkhas.

Its felt body would provide good sun protection for the head and shoulders and a moderate protection against rain. The side flap on the left could be folded up to allow the hat to be worn when shouldering arms. Regimental or unit designation was shown by flashes or patches either worn on the pugaree or on the upturned flap. 

The Worcestershire Regiment wore a green diamond patch on the left of their pith helmets and slouch hats, which is stated in pith helmet dress regulations. Although on this particular example the patch appears larger, while its colour is slightly darker than the two Coloured FS cap examples below, suggesting that the green shade could vary, and perhaps as mentioned below in the account of 2nd Lt. Edwards, this example was theatre applied.

"Major D. H. Nott DSO MC... was dressed in a sheepskin jacket and an Indian Army cap, similar to an Australian hat with the left side brim up and an emerald grass green diamond supporting the regimental badge on the turned up part of the brim. I soon acquired similar headgear". 
2nd/Lieutenant Hugh Knowles Edwards,  1st Battalion Worcestershire Regiment, 1942. 
Source: The Worcestershire Regiment

Aside from the stated use of slouch hats by members of the 1st Battalion at Tobruk in 1942, both the 2nd and 7th Battalions of the Worcestershire Regiment serving in the Far East would have been issued with such a hat. Whilst the hat's history is unknown, it is most probable however that it is from a member of the 7th Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment who served in Burma, from 1942 - 1945, as the hat appears to be a mid-war pattern without a rim. 

​More importantly however, a near identical hat can be clearly seen in a 1945 period photograph of a group of men from the 7th Battalion, at the Worcestershire Regiment website.

Slouch hat showing the normal style of wear, revealing the unit flash.

Slouch hat showing flap worn in the up position.

Close-up view of flash with regimental badge.

• Khaki felt body with tan pugaree band. On left of the band is a green emerald diamond patch fitted with a WR collar badge. The sweatband is missing and thus the maker and hat's date. Brown leather chinstrap. Flap rivets maker is Newey Brothers of Birmingham.
• c.WWII.

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Soldier's Slouch hat. 7th battalion Worcestershire Regiment. 2nd Division.

This regimental slouch hat shows obvious character and signs of field use. It was worn by an NCO or soldier of the 7th Battalion, who served in the Far East under the command of the 2nd “Crossed Keys” Division from 1942 onwards, until the end of the Second World War.

The soldier‘s serial number is written inside the hat, which seems to match that of Regimental Sergeant Major W. C. M Parry who was served in Burma and was Mentioned in Dispatches in April 1945. Alternatively it may have belonged to a member of the 7th Battalion who was repatriated in or after 1946. Further research in this area may serve to confirm either. More information of the 7th Battalion‘s war service during the Second World War can be read in their regimental history or on the worcestershireregiment.com website.

The original proud owner has sewn a grass green diamond patch onto the left side of the brim and a black crossed keys patch to the right side of the hat band. As can be noted in many period photographs of the battalion in the Far East, along with the hat’s more Trilby style crown crease, as compared to the other slouch hat exhibited, which has a distinctive gutter dent crown.

7th Battalion Worcestershire Regiment slouch hat.

7th Worcestershire Regiment, 2nd Division slouch hat.

Close-up view of divisional flash.

Close-up view of flash with regimental badge.

• Khaki felt body with tan pugaree band. On right side of the band is a black embroidered divisional patch while an emerald green diamond patch, surmounted by a bi-metal WR badge, is sewn to the left brim turn-up. Brown leather sweatband. Missing brown leather chinstrap. Maker is Moores of London.
• ​c. 1942.

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1st Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment Other Ranks Wolseley Pattern Sun helmet.

This helmet was most probably worn by an enlisted man from the 1st Battalion in North Africa, just before or early on in the Second World War, as can be seen in this photo of the Battalion in the Sudan and Eritrea in 1941. (Note the lack of the coloured green dome vent).

Unfortunately, as this example is unnamed we cannot discover much about who its original owner was. Although from its Second World War characteristics and lack of manufacturing markings it would suggest having been made by Helmets Ltd, who glued a small paper label to their helmet‘s sweatband. Regrettably, and all too often nowadays with world war militaria, an incorrect World War One War Department marking has been added to the helmet sometime postwar.

According to Dress Regulations Worcestershire Regiment solar helmets should have a diamond green flash and green dome vent. Whilst this was certainly the case and is well documented with the battalions in India, interpretation of this in the field or during wartime appeared somewhat broad, such as the various shades of Worcestershire emerald grass green.

1st Battalion Worcestershire Regiment Wolseley WW2 helmet.

1st Battalion Worcestershire Regiment Wolseley pattern sun helmet.

Wartime Wolseley helmet lining and interior.

Close-up view of flash with regimental badge.

• ​Khaki covered cork shell with 3 fold tan pugaree band. On left side of the band is an emerald green diamond patch. Brown leather sweatband. Evident of aluminium lining skin. Missing brown leather chinstrap. Not maker marked.

• c. WWII.

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1st Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment Grouping.

This set came from a house clearance in Evesham, Worcestershire and presumably belonged to the same individual, with the regimental service number 5257010. He served with the 1st Battalion in Western Europe during the Second World War and continued with the regimental band until the late 1950s. This grouping includes his steel helmet, post war Patrol jacket and a pair of First World War leggings.

The helmet is of particular interest being a refurbished World War One steel helmet shell that has been refitted with a World War Two chinstrap and liner. Known as the Mk.I* these helmet’s were pressed into service as the threat of war loomed, during the late 1930s and into the first year of the war, to meet demand before Mk.2 production geared up fully. However, what gives it extremely rare historic value is its double regimental markings. On the left side it displays a regimental cap badge decal, used by the Battalion in Western Europe. The original owner has also scratched his service number into the helmet's rim.
​

1st Battalion Worcestershire Regiment helmet. World War II.

1st Battalion Worcestershire Regiment helmet decal.

Worcestershire Regiment Mk.I* helmet lining.

• ​Mk.I* steel helmet. Khaki shell with regimental badge decal on left side. Maker is Hadfield Ltd. Liner maker is Briggs Motor Bodies.
• c. 1940.

His dress uniform patrol jacket ranks to a private, and features removable "wings" on the shoulders to show membership of the regimental band. The bandsman trades badge is also displayed on the right sleeve, as can be noted in the period photograph of the 1st Battalion Band in 1965.  Perhaps he is among them.

1956 Blue Patrol jacket, 1st Battalion Band, Worcestershire Regiment.

1st Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment Bandsman Wings Band blue/Emerald green.

British Army Bandsman's trade badge.

Worcestershire Regiment Patrol jacket insignia.

• ​​​​​Private's blue patrol jacket with bronze WR buttons and goldwire embroidered Bandsman qualification badge worn on the upper right sleeve. Emerald green trim detailing. Fitted with removeable Bandsman's wings, maker is S. M. & G. Co. LTD. Tunic maker is H. Lotery & Co. Ltd.
• c. 1956.

The leather leggings are unusual and most probably belonged to the soldier's father, as they are WW1 period Stohwasser pattern, used by mounted troops, motorcycle dispatch riders and officers. However, it is more probably that his was father was a trooper in the Queens's Own Worcestershire Hussars, perhaps with the 2/1st QOWH who were formed at the outbreak of the war in Worcester and remained on Home defence duties.

First World War Stohwasser leggings,

• Pair of leather Stohwasser leggings, with strap and buckles. No maker markings.
• c. WWI.

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WW2 Officer‘s collar/cap badge.

Similar to the officer’s cap badge in design, the collar badge was notably smaller, measuring 35 mm in height.
​It was worn as a matching pair on the Service Dress tunic, Patrol jacket and mess dress. While the right badge reflects the cap badge, the lion on the left one is facing inwards. Furthermore, Officer’s patterns were usually more expensive although, as with the Other Ranks, bi-metal was also worn.

This single right pattern badge suggests that it was not used as a collar badge, but instead as a cap badge, most probably from an officer’s Coloured Field Service cap.

A special thank you to Mr Peter Downing for kindly donating this exhibit.

Worcestershire Regiment officer's badge rear side.

Worcestershire Regiment officer's badge.

• Regimental collar badge cap badge, with prong and loop attachment.  Maker is J. R. Gaunt of London.
• c. WWII.

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Officer's Field Service Hat.

A nice example of an officer's wartime FS cap with the period measure General List pattern buttons. Interestingly the hat features a smaller sized badge, that used on the tunic collar, as opposed to the regulation cap badge. No doubt this gave the wearer a little extra personal style and also reflects how officers wore their badges on the coloured side hat versions, as can be observed below.

Second World War Worcestershire Regiment Officer's Field Service cap.

General List button close-up.

Badge close-up.

• Brown barathea body with Sterling silver regimental collar badge cap badge, made by Gaunt of London. General List bronze buttons. Badge is the prong and loop type. Beige cotton lining with brown khaki velvet sweatband. Not maker marked.
• c. WWII.

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Other Ranks' Field Service Hat.

Field Service caps were introduced in 1937 to replace the stiff and unpractical Service Dress peaked caps, worn extensively during the First World War and interwar period. Made from serge wool the FS hat featured a peak and side curtain that could be folded down affording the wearer a small degree of protection against the wind and cold. Other Rank FS caps, like this example dating to 1941, were fitted with brass General List side buttons with the regimental cap badge was worn on the left side. From 1943 the lesser favoured General Service hat (as can be seen below) began to replace the FS cap. The FS hat was not only issued to regular units but the Home Guard also.

World War II Enlisted Man's Field Service cap.

Other Ranks FS hat lining.

OR cap badge close-up.

• Brown serge body with WR badge and General List bronze buttons. Badge is the slide variant. Beige cotton lining with brown khaki sweatband. Maker is L. Silberston Ltd.
• c. 1941.

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Officer's Field Service Cap.

Coloured Field Service caps were private purchase caps which were only allowed to be worn off-duty.

Second World War Worcestershire Regiment Officer's Coloured FS cap.

• Fine dark emerald green felt body with dark blue flaps, featuring heavy gold-wire piping. The WR badge is as that used on the tunic collar. Maker is Hawkes & Co. Ltd of London.

• c.WWII.

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Officer's Field Service Cap.

A private purchase Coloured Field Service cap. Note the varied shade of emerald green compared to the other example featured. Interestingly the cap still displays it original price label and although it is not named, it has a cotton label with a partial serial number written.

Second World War Worcestershire Regiment Officer's Coloured FS cap.

• Fine emerald green felt body with dark blue flaps, featuring heavy gold-wire piping. The WR badge is as that used on the tunic collar. Maker is Flights Ltd of London.
• c.WWII.

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Enlisted Man's Coloured Field Service Cap of Alfred Neale.

Alfred Neale was enlisted into the 11th Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment in 1940 and became part of the newly reformed 1st Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment in 1943*. After extensive training the 1st Battalion (43rd Division) disembarked in Normandy on the 22nd June 1944. Shortly afterwards Alfred Neale was wounded in action near Caen and was then shipped back to Britain.

* Following the near decimation of the 1st Worc. R at Tobruk, in June 1942, the Battalion was reformed on the 1st of January 1943, using the 11th Battalion as its core.

Second World War Worcestershire Regiment Enlisted man's Coloured FS cap.

• Emerald green body with dark blue flaps. The WR badge is the slide variant. General List bronze buttons. Black cotton lining. Maker is G. A. Dunn of London.

• c.1940.
  

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General Service Hat. 1st Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment.

The Worcestershire Regiment‘s use of the General Service, cap was in Europe at the end of the war and into the postwar years, with a period photo showing it being worn even up until 1950 by the regiment's Training Company  of the Territorial Army . It was introduced to be a working replacement for the “Dad’s Army” style side cap, with a more comfortable and secure fit, but looked awkward and proved unpopular. It was eventually replaced in favour of the beret. Being a military garment it was suppose to be worn as military directives indicated, however most men preferred to push it back over their foreheads.

Similar in style to the Scottish Tam o' Shanters, it was made from a single piece of circular khaki serge wool sewn to three side panels, which were sewn onto a narrow headband. The hat was padded with hessian and wool, then lined in durable cotton. The regimental cap badge was secured at the front, which in most cases was positioned over a coloured backing. Two metal vent holes were positioned at the rear.

Whilst the two examples in the museum were made from different materials, serge and rougher wool, their green badge backing dimensions are nearly identical.

WW2 Worcestershire Regiment 1st Battalion General Service hat.

WW2 Worcestershire Regiment GS hat badge detail.

The soldier's preferred style of wear for the GS cap.

• Brown khaki serfge wool body fitted with a bi-metal cap badge, prong and loop type, on an emerald green felt patch. Khaki cotton quilted lining. Maker is British Beret Basque Ltd.
• c.1943.

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General Service Hat.

​The General Service hat, or GS hat, was introduced in 1943 to replace the FS cap, however it wasn't until 1944 that many soldiers received theirs. The hat was not favoured highly by those that wore it and became know as the "Cap Ridiculous".

This example is typical of those worn by the 1st Battalion Worcestershire Regiment in 1944 and 1945, in North West Europe, featuring a rectangular/square emerald green patch surmounted by the regiment badge. A near identical hat can be seen on the excellent worcestershireregiment.com website in a period photograph of Lt. Ronald Henry Jauncey, who took part in the advance on the Rhine river in 1945.

In most cases Worcestershire Regiment GS hats exhibited a square patch, until the end of the war when a diamond patch was worn prior to the hat's replacement by the khaki beret. It is interesting to note looking at the various coloured examples of greens shown here, as well as from other sources, how liberally the regulation term of "Emerald Green" was interpreted.

WW2 Worcestershire Regiment GS hat.

• Brown khaki wool body fitted with a bi-metal cap badge, with slide, on an emerald green felt patch. Khaki cotton quilted lining. Maker is S & P Harris Ltd of Glasgow.
• c.1945.

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Post-war, 1946 - 1970.

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Soldier’s General Service Hat. Early post-war.

This General Service hat was worn by the regiment from around 1946 until 1948, particularly evident in period photographs of
52nd Platoon, Z Company, 23rd ITC based at Norton barracks. The ITC was an abbreviation for Infantry Training Centre, where recruits undertook basic training. The hat’s diamond patch certainly reflects back to the regiment’s sun helmets and slouch hats, although prior to 1946 a square green patch was worn on GS hats for a short period.

Post WW2 Worcestershire Regiment GS hat.

1946 pattern Worcestershire Regiment GS hat badge detail.

Post WW2 Worcestershire Regiment GS hat.

• Brown khaki wool body fitted with a bi-metal cap badge, on an emerald green felt diamond patch. Khaki cotton quilted lining. Maker is A & J Gelfer of Glasgow.
• c.1945.

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Grouping to Lt. R. E. Leak.
​
Lieutenant Robert Ernest Leak served from 1944 - 1948. In 1944 he was a cadet at 164 OCTU Barmouth, before accepting a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the Worcestershire Regiment, in 1945. According to his family, he served most of his time in Egypt.

His group includes a set of printed shoulder titles with two pairs of Lieutenants rank slides. Also included is a regimental history booklet given to or purchased by new recruits, a booklet on the C.W.G truck and his cadet's college magazine, offering a rare insight into various aspects of being a cadet in 1944.

The C.W.G booklet is well annotated and named, which may suggest that Lt. Leak was in the motor platoon?

• Red felt shoulder title badges, with white printed lettering and paper backing.
• Two sets of khaki embroidered rank slides for Lieutenant, on scarlet backing.
• The History of the Worcestershire Regiment booklet, dated 1918.​
• C.W.G booklet, dated 1945.
• O"C"TUPIA Coy's Magazine, dated November 1945.
• c. 1945.

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Worcestershire Regiment beret.

From studying period photographs of the Worcestershire Regiment it appears that the FS side cap was replaced by the GS cap sometime in 1944, with images showing a square green cloth patch being worn behind the cap badge, or in some instances no patch at all.

At the end of the Second World War a diamond patch was being used on the GS cap, before it was gradually replaced by a khaki beret. As with the later GS caps, berets prior to 1948 had a diamond green patch. Afterwards the patch shape changed to square and remained as such. It would seem that sometime in or around 1955, the khaki beret was replaced by the dark blue version, worn until 2007. 

The featured beret is typical of those worn from around 1948 to 1955, as can be seen in this photograph of Major Denis James Patrickson giving the salute at the Kings Birthday Parade in 1948.

Postwar Worcestershire Regiment beret.

• Khaki body with black leather rim joining at the rear. Bi-metal cap badge with slide, on grass green felt patch. Black cotton lining. Maker is Surpak Manufacturing Co. Ltd.
• c. 1948.

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General Officer's beret - Late of Worcestershire Regiment?

This early postwar beret is somewhat of a mystery. Khaki berets were used by Officers as well as certain regiments, including the Worcesters, from late WW2 onwards until the mid 1950s. As above, this example also features a grass green patch. however a period Queen's Crown General Officer's cap badge has been neatly sewn onto the green patch. The beret and cap badge appear consistent to each other.

Who wore this beret and why is a mystery. Could it have been a Worcestershire Regiment officer promoted to senior rank, keeping the green patch? Such as with RAChD or Dental Corps. senior officers displaying their distinctive coloured band on their Forage cap.

Any information would be welcomed.

Early postwar General Officer's beret. Late of Worcestershire Regiment?

Post 1953 General Officer's badge.

• Khaki body with brown leather rim joining at the rear. Goldwire QC General Officer's cap badge, on grass green felt patch. Black cotton lining. Maker is Kangol Wear limited.
• c. 1947/1953+.

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Officer's Battledress Blouse. Mercian Brigade.
An un-named early postwar officer's battledress jacket displaying the 1st pattern shoulder patch of the Mercian Brigade. Evident from his rank and medal ribbons, this officer was a veteran of the 1st Battalion, serving in Western Europe during the Second World War.

Post Second World War Worcestershire Regiment Officer's Battledress Blouse.

Regimental shoulder title and infantry branch King's Crown Major's insignia.

Mercian Brigade patch, Worcestershire Regiment.

• Officer's 1949 Pattern Battledress Blouse jacket with Worcestershire shoulder titles and cloth KC rank pips denoting that of Major. Worn on the upper left arm, under the title is a Mercian Brigade patch. Sterling silver regimental collar badges. The campaign medal ribbons display the 1939–45 Star, the Defence Medal and the War Medal 1939 - 1945. Maker is Albion Ltd.
• c. 1951.

​​​

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1st Worcestershire Regiment Officer’s 1949 Battledress Blouse. British Army of the Rhine (BAOR).
​
Unfortunately we cannot tell who this jacket was worn by, but the officer was most probably commissioned just after the end of the Second World War, which would account for it’s lack of wartime medals. The pre 1962 General Service Medal ribbon may have been awarded for his involvement in the Berlin Blockade - Berlin Airlift (1948 - 1949) or the Malaya Emergency from 1950 - 1953. The jacket also shows an unusual and interesting addition of a parachute skill qualification badge, showing that the officer completed parachute training but did not serve in an Airborne unit.

The Blouse is dated to 1952 and has the Queen‘s crown Major‘s insignia which shows that the officer was promoted to Major after 1953. It is also interesting to note that embroidered rank pips and crowns were worn on the Battledress Blouse, while metal versions were worn on the Service Dress tunic.

1950s Worcestershire Regiment Officer's 1949 Pattern Battledress blouse.

1950s Worcestershire Regiment Officer's 1949 Pattern Battledress blouse.

1950s parachute arms qualification badge.

British Army of the Rhine 1950s shoulder patch.

1950s Worcestershire Regiment blackened brass - subdued collar badge detail.

• Officers's 1949 Pattern Battledress Blouse jacket with Worcestershire shoulder titles and cloth shoulder rank pips denoting that of Major. Blackened brass regimental collar badges. Worn on the upper arm, under the titles are a set of  BAOR patches. "Light bulb" parachute qualification badge on left sleeve. The General Service Medal ribbon is displayed. Maker is Prices Tailors Ltd.

• c. 1952.

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OCTU Cadet's National Service grouping.

​This group comprises of a Cadet Officer's Worcestershire Regiment beret cap badge, regimental tie, shoulder titles and tunic buttons. The addition of the white disc denoted the status of Officer Cadet, an example of which can be seen in this photo from the Leicestershire (P. A. O) Yeomanry. 

• Bi-metal WR cap badge on white Ivorine plastic disc.
• Regimental WR silk tie.
• Red felt shoulder title badges, with white embroidered lettering (also whitewashed!) and hessian backing.
• Brass WR buttons, made by Firmin & Sons Ltd, London / Buttons Limited, Birmingham. 
• c. 1950s.

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Corporal's Battledress Blouse.
​
This initialled 1949 pattern other ranks battledress jacket was worn by a Corporal from the late 1950s onwards. As Sergeant Coltman's example exhibited, it also sports a matching pair of 48th Army Corps. shoulder patches. Other Rank's 1949 Pattern Battledress Blouses differ from officer's versions by the sewn seams above the front pockets.

Post Second World War Worcestershire Regiment Corporal's Battledress Blouse.

• Other Rank's 1949 Pattern Battledress Blouse jacket with Worcestershire shoulder titles and cloth rank stripes denoting that of Corporal. Regimental collar badges. Worn on the upper arm, under the titles are a set of 48th Army Corps. patches. Maker is B. Bloom Ltd.
• c. 1956.

​​​

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NCO's Battledress Blouse to Sergeant Coltman GSM

As of yet little is known about Sergeant Coltman. It appears that he saw operational service in Malaya, with C Company, 1st Battalion Worcestershire regiment, around 1952/1953. Perhaps being promoted fom Corporal in early 1953, serving in HQ Company. The General Service Medal is no doubt related to his Malaya service.

Interestingly the cut of this particular 1949 pattern battledress lacks the waist belt detail.

Post Second World War Worcestershire Regiment NCO's Battledress Blouse.

Worcestershire Regiment staybright collar dog.

Worcestershire Regiment battledress insignia.

• Other Rank's 1949 Pattern Battledress Blouse jacket with Worcestershire shoulder titles and cloth rank stripes (white washed) denoting that of Sergeant. Anodised Aluminium regimental collar badges marked Firmin. Worn on the upper arm, under the titles are a set of 48th Army Corps. patches. A machine gun marksman arm badge is worn on the upper right sleeve. The General Service Medal ribbon is displayed. Maker is J. S. Thomson Ltd.
• c. 1953.

​​​

Matching Worcestershire Regiment blue beret.

This beret is typical of what would have been worn with the Battledress Blouse above as well as by those men on National Service with the regiment.

When National Service began in 1948, the dark blue beret was initially used along side the khaki beret until its replacement, albeit without the green badge backing panel. A 1949 period photograph of Sergeant F. V. H. Lynch (later Lt.Col Lynch MBE) serves to support this. As does an example on display at the Regimental Museum in Worcester.

Postwar Worcestershire Regiment beret.

• Dark blue body with black leather rim joining at the rear. Bi-metal cap badge with slide. Black cotton lining. Maker is British Beret Basque Ltd.
• c. 1954.

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Worcestershire Regiment blue beret. Mercian Brigade.

From 1958 to 1969 the Worcestershire Regiment, along side other Midland regiments, wore a standardised cap badge on their peak caps and berets. The Mercian Brigade cap badge featured a doubled headed crowned eagle with outspread wings, similar to what was later adopted by the Mercian Regiment in 2007. Compare the badges here. The 7th Battalion (TA) and Cadet Cadres were an exception to the Mercian Brigade cap badge directive, which was discussed in Parliament in 1957, and so continued to use the traditional regimental badge on their headdress.

An image of the beret being worn can be seen below, while more information about the Mercian Training Brigade can be read at the Karkee Web Homepage.

Postwar Mercian Brigade, Worcestershire Regiment beret.

• Dark blue body with black leather rim joining at the rear. Bi-metal cap badge with slide. Black cotton lining. Maker is Kangol Wear Limited.
• c. 1950/1958+.

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Other Ranks service issue Forage cap.

This cap is quite a scarce example of an early postwar Worcestershire Regiment enlisted man's No1. Dress cap, which dates to the early 1950s. While it is un-named it still retains the last four digits of the original owner's serial number. Such caps were used on formal parades and ceremonial occasions. The use of Staybrite buttons indicates the cap as being from 1952 onwards, while its regimental cap badge confines its date to before 1958.
​

1950s Worcestershire Regiment Field Other Rank's Dress cap.

Worcestershire Regiment cap side button. 1952 - 1970.

Worcestershire Regiment Other Ranks service issue cap lining.

• Other Rank's No.1 Dress cap. Anodised Aluminium regimental side buttons with bi-metal regimental cap badge. Leather chinstrap and peak. Maker is J. Compton Sons & Webb Ltd. of London.
• c.1952 - 1958.

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Officer's caps  of Lt. Colonel A. L. O. Jerram MBE.

Lt. Colonel Anthony Lionel Oldershaw Jerram MBE graduated from Sandhurst in 1958, as a Second Lieutenant, and gradually rose through the ranks before achieving that of Lt. Colonel. In 1978 he was awarded an MBE and in 1989 retired from active service.

In 1961, an Officer of "A" Company, 1st Battalion Worcestershire Regiment, he was posted to Middlesex, British Hondorus, to help deal with the devastation left by Hurricane Hattie. More information can be found at the Worcestershire Regiment Website here.

Lt. Col. A. L. O. Jerram served both the Worcestershire Regiment and through into the Worcestershire & Sherwood Foresters Regiment, however as his Service cap still retains it original WR buttons, one would assume that he purchased a newer cap upon promotion to Major in 1970, which is when the Regiment was amalgamated and WFR side buttons introduced.

​Major Jerram's Dress cap still retains it original Worcestershire Regiment side button which suggests that it was purchased prior to the regimental amalgamation. Interestingly, Dress caps worn between the period of 1958 - 1969 would have had the Mercian Brigade cap badge, as was the case with this example.

The Mercian Brigade badge was to be adopted in 2007 for the Mercian Regiment, which can be seen in a following gallery, albeit with a few minor differences.

1960s Worcestershire Regiment Field Officer's Dress cap.

• Field Officer's Forage cap. Stay-bright WR side buttons with gold-wire band peak detail. Missing bi-metal cap badge. Maker is Herbert Johnson.
• c. 1970.

1958 period Worcestershire Regiment Officer's Service cap.

• Officer's Service cap. Stay-bright WR side buttons. Missing WR cap badge. Maker is Herbert Johnson.
  
• c. 1958

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Officer's Field Service Cap.

This coloured side hat is quite unusual being a late 1960s period Worcestershire example, considering that the regiment was amalgamated in 1970. The buttons are Anodised Aluminium and as on the previous exhibits, it displays a collar badge. As with all such officer hats the quality and workmanship is exceptional.

1960s Worcestershire Regiment Officer's Coloured FS cap.

Staybright button close-up.

Badge close-up.

• Fine emerald green felt body with dark blue flaps, featuring heavy gold-wire piping. The WR badge is as that used on the tunic collar. AA side buttons. Maker is Herbert Johnson.
• c.1960s.

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7th battalion Officer’s Uniforms belonging to Lieutenant Colonel C. P Love TD.

Charles Patrick Patrick Love was commissioned from a Cadet to Second Lieutenant in the Royal Army Service Corps., on National Service,  in September 1954. On the 1st of March 1956 he was promoted to Lieutenant and was confirmed a Lieutenant in the 7th Worcestershire Regiment, Territorial Army, on the 20th of March 1957. The Territorial Army unit of the Worcesters was the 7th Battalion.

In December 1959 he was promoted to Captain and in October 1966 further promoted to Major. In 1967 he transferred to the Royal Corps. of Transport, upon the disbandment of the 7th Battalion. By the 1st of April 1977 he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel Territorial Army Volunteer Reserve. Prior to transferring he wrote an excellent article on the Worcestershire Militia, in the 1969 July edition of Firm, the regimental magazine, shortly before the amalgamation into the WFR. In July 1969 he was also awarded the Efficiency Decoration, with a 1st Clasp added in June 1975.

The No.1 Dress Uniform was worn by Captain Love from the 1954 onwards and is also named to a Major C. Flint, which is not particularly unusual, as officers would sometimes sell their surplus uniforms upon significant promotion or retirement. 

Early 1950s Worcestershire Regiment Officer's Blue Patrol uniform.

Worcestershire Regiment Patrol uniform trousers.

Worcestershire Regiment Officer's Anodised Aluminium cuff buttons.

• Officer's blue patrol jacket with brass WR buttons and rank pips denoting that of Captain. Missing collar badges. Maker is Flights Ltd of Camberley.

• Matching Trousers with a wide red band running down each leg. Maker is Joseph May & Sons (Leeds) Ltd.
• c.1952.

The 1949 Pattern Battledress blouse was bought by Captain Love just before his promotion to Major. Obviously Major Love took a pride in his appearance as the jacket shows some stylish edits, in the cropping of the waist belt, shoulder pads and a popper to fasten the collar more smartly. The red backing of the Queen's crown Major ranks denote the Infantry, while the attractive silk formation badges are for the 48th Army Corps.

Early 1950s Worcestershire Regiment Officer's 1949 Pattern Battledress blouse.

Collar personalization for a smarter appearance.

1950s Worcestershire Regiment Major's rank insignia and regimental title.

48th Army Corps. patch.

• Officers's 1949 Pattern Battledress Blouse jacket with Worcestershire shoulder titles and cloth shoulder rank pips denoting that of Major. Anodised Aluminium regimental collar badges. Worn on the upper arm, under the titles are a set of 48th Army Corps. patches. Maker is H. Edgard & Sons Ltd.

• c. 1960.

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Officer’s No.1 dress uniform of Colonel R. W. Jameson. OBE.

Colonel R. W. Jameson was commissioned from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst into the Worcestershire Regiment, in September of 1959. He was made Captain in 1965, Major in 1971, Lieutenant Colonel in 1978, and joined the Staff as a Substantive Colonel in mid 1983.

During his career Jameson served a term as CO of the 4th battalion on secondment. In 1980 he was made an Additional Officer of the Military Division of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, for distinguished service in Northern Ireland.

1950s Worcestershire Regiment Officer's Blue Patrol uniform.

Patrol uniform trousers.

Post WW2 Colonel's rank insigna.

Close-up medal ribbon and AA tunic button.

• Officer's blue patrol jacket with Stay-bright WR buttons and rank pips denoting that of Substantive Colonel. Scarlet Colonel‘s gorgets with staff pattern buttons. Displays the medal ribbons for the OBE and General Service medal. Matching belt with anodised aluminium buckle. Makers are Conway Williams of London and Camberley.
• Matching trousers with a wide red band running down each leg. Maker is Hawkes & Co. Ltd.
• c.1959.

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NCO's No.1 Dress Uniform.

In comparison to the Officer's example above, featured is a 1950/1960s Sergeant's Dress Uniform Patrol Jacket. The soldier would have belonged to the Mercian Brigade and been based in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The single medal ribbon suggests that he began his career towards the end of the Second World War.

Close-up detail of the epaulette grass emerald green piping.

Worcestershire Regiment gold braid and emerald green sergeant's chevrons.

• NCO's blue patrol jacket with Stay-bright WR buttons and goldwire sergeant's chevrons worn on the right sleeve. Emerald green trim detailing. Fitted with its original bi-metal WR collar badges. Tunic displays the medal ribbon for the War Medal 1939 - 1945. Maker is Jackson.
• c. 1950/1960s.

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Three late editions of FIRM, The Magazine of the Worcestershire Regiment.

These key magazines are interesting in their own right, but importantly show the attitude of the regiment during the last years of the Mercian Brigade and indeed the regiment itself before its amalgamation. It gives a broad perspective of everyday "news", such as platoon updates and sporting achievements, as well as listing many of the serving officers. The 1969 edition details life on a peace keeping tour of Cyprus, while the 1970 edition is particularly relevant.

• Paperback editions of FIRM, The Magazine of the Worcestershire Regiment.
• c. 1967/1969/1970.

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The Worcestershire Home Guard. 
(1940 - 1944).

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The overall command of  the Worcestershire Home Guard, designated as the Worcester Zone, Central Midlands Area, fell on the shoulders of  Colonel Sir George A. Weir K.C.B., C.M.G., D.S.O., a former British Army General. It was made up of 12 Battalions covering the various regions of Worcestershire. Each battalion consisted of a number of companies and platoons responsible for sub-divisions of their Battalion's area, such as the 4th Battalion Worcestershire Home Guard, which covered Evesham and its immediate surrounding area, while the 7th Battalion Worcestershire Home Guard covered the Malverns.

Interestingly, the 7th Battalion of the Worcestershire Home Guard, Madresfield Platoon, was responsible for guarding and defending Madresfield, a village less than 2 miles east of Malvern Link. During the Second World War, due to its ideal location, Madresfield Court was chosen as a temporary seat for the British Royal Family, should the Germans have invaded in 1940, and Buckingham Palace evacuated. For more details about Madresfield Court's role read the Daily Telegraph's story here.

1st Worcestershire (Worcester City) Battalion.

The 1st Worcestershire (Worcester City) Battalion was under the command of Lieutenant Colonel V. N. Johnson D.S.O who was a retired Colonel. Whilst a prize for the enemy, the City of Worcester held the key defensive advantage of the River Severn, making an armoured assault difficult.

The 1st Battalion was responsible for guarding vulnerable positions and establishments around the city, with a defensive plan drawn up involving an anti-tank island and machine gun posts, should the enemy have ever tried to attack. In fact, in 1943 a battle did take place between the Worcestershire Home Guard and battalions of the Warwickshire Regiment as the invaders, which became known as the "Home Guard Battle of Worcester". To read about this battle visit the excellent Staffs Home Guard website.

The exhibit shows the Field Service side cap worn by Kenneth Burbridge, who lived on Church Road in the Rainbow Hill area of Worcester. Mr Burbridge was a member of the 1st Battalion Worcestershire Home Guard. Without much doubt, Mr Burbridge would surely have taken part in patrols, exercises and the preparations to defend Worcester. Mr Burbridge was a builder by trade and passed away in 1982.

Second World War Worcestershire Regiment Home Guard's side cap.

1st Worcester Home Guard.

Worcestershire Regiment cap badge. 1923 - 1970.

• Brown serge body with WR badge and General List bronze buttons. Badge is the slide variant. Beige cotton lining with brown khaki sweatband. Maker is J. Compton Ltd.
• c. 1939.

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2nd Worcestershire (Bromsgrove) Battalion.

The 2nd Worcestershire (Bromsgrove) Battalion Home Guard detachment was commanded by Lieutenant Colonel E. F. Du Sautoy TD, who was a Colonel in the Territorial Army. The battalion, with its respective companies and platoons, kept a watchful eye over Bromsgrove and the area around it.

Whilst most Second World War photographs show the Home Guard wearing side hats, both in the field and in group photos, they were supplied with a version of the Mark 2 steel helmet. These helmets were of a lesser quality steel then those of the regular army, who took preference, as stock needed to be replaced quickly after the British Expeditionary Force's evacuation from Dunkirk and the catastrophic loss of vehicles, arms and equipment.

Home Guard helmets were painted rough textured green on the outside and had holes punched through the metal on their brim, next to the chinstrap, showing their sub-standard status. Helmets were often worn with a net or scrim and in some lesser cases had a decal or stencil painted, like with the Middlesex Home Guard. It is unclear as to the other Worcestershire battalions, but the 2nd Battalion had their abbreviation stencilled to the side of their helmets, as can be observed in this exhibit.

Worcestershire Regiment Home Guard steel helmet.

Close-up of stencil detail.

Steel helmet lining.

•  Mk.II 2B steel helmet. Khaki shell with WOR 2 stencilled on the side. Maker is C. G & S Ltd.
• c.1941.

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3rd Worcestershire (Dudley) Battalion.

The 3rd Worcestershire (Dudley) Battalion Home Guard was commanded by Lieutenant Colonel A. R. Tanfield, a veteran of the First World War. The battalion was responsible for Dudley and its locality, including Kinver.

Dudley was an industrial centre in England, which during the Second World War was in northern Worcestershire, 9 miles from Walsall, a town famous for clothes making in Staffordshire. Both are now in the West Midlands.

Colonel Tanfield wore this Service Dress tunic during his tenure of the Home Guard. It was made by Harris Davis (Walsall) Tailors in 1941, who were in business from at least 1935 until 1961. From studying period photographs nearly all Home Guard officers appear to have worn the battledress, although in rare cases, such as the HQ officers of the 12th Battalion, one or two senior officers can be seen in SD jackets. (A similar such tunic from Lieutenant Colonel Price-Davies VC is held by the Imperial War Museum). This was highly unusual considering such items would have been bought and paid for by the individual H. G. officers themselves. Lt. Col. Tanfield, as CO of his battalion and in good standing within the local community no doubt felt the personal expense was worth it.

Arthur Reginald Tanfield passed the bar in 1914, but like most young men of his generation had to put his career on hold to go and fight in the Great War. On the 1st of June 1915 Tanfield was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the 7th Battalion Worcestershire Regiment and was promoted to Lieutenant on the 15th December 1916. He was attached to the Royal Warwickshire Regiment and seconded to the Labour Corps. on the 25th of July 1917.

After the war he set up the Dudley solicitors firm Tanfield and Tanfield, which were based at the Market Place, Fountain Arcade Chambers from around 1928 until 2010 when Tanfield Solicitors was taken over by Talbots of Kidderminster. The Tanfield family were active in Dudley affairs and built the Fountain Arcade in the city centre, while Arthur‘s father served as Mayor of the city from 1922 to 1923. Arthur Reginald Tanfield passed away on the 10th of April 1969.

Unfortunately and all too commonly, this tunic has been badly stored since the end of the war and has suffered multiple attacks from moths, and amateur dramatics. The original shoulder straps were also removed at some point during that time, but have now been replaced by period originals with matching Lt. Colonel rank insignia.

3rd Worcestershire Regiment Home Guard's Colonel's Service Dress jacket.

3rd Worcestershire Regiment Home Guard's Colonel's Service Dress jacket.

Worcestershire Regiment Home Guard collar badge.

Second World War Defence medal ribbon and General service button.

Worcestershire Regiment Home Guard titles.

• Officer's service jacket with brass General List buttons and bi-metal collar badges. Defence medal ribbon. Maker is Harris Davis of Walsall.

• c. 1941.

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4th Worcestershire (Evesham) Battalion.

The areas of Evesham, Bredon Hill, Broadway, Pershore, and Pinvin, covering the Vale of Evesham fell under the responsibility of the 4th Worcestershire (Evesham) Battalion. The 4th Battalion was commanded by Lieutenant Colonel W. H. Taylor, previously a Major in the Territorial Army. From its beginnings in 1940, until the Home Guard was stood down in 1944, the detachment amounted to a total of just over 4000 men.

The standard headdress of the Home Guard, like in the TV sitcom, "Dad's Army", was the side hat or chip hat. Otherwise known as the Field Service cap. This unusual woollen example is the officer's Field Service Cap worn by Major Henry John Cotton DCM during his time in the Home Guard. Major Cotton would have been a typical candidate for the Home Guard, having served in the First World War and being too old for regular military service in the Second World War.
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During the First World War CSM H. J. Cotton served with the 9th Worcestershire Regiment, where he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his actions in Mesopotamia, in 1917. Cotton was later commissioned from Company Sergeant Major and retired a Captain. During the Second World War he reached the rank of Major with the 4th Worcestershire (Evesham) Home Guard, probably as a Company Commander.

For more information on the 4th Battalion, Worcestershire Home Guard, please follow this great link.

Second World War Worcestershire Regiment Officer's FS cap.

Second World War Worcestershire FS hat button.

Worcestershire Regiment Home Guard hat badge.

• Brown khaki body with WR badge and General List bronze buttons. Badge is the slide variant. Beige cotton lining.  Maker is F & R Dimmock.
• c.1941.

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Field Service Cap of W. G. Bound.

It is currently unclear as to exactly which battalion of the Worcestershire Regiment Home Guard Mr Bound served in during the Second World War, but the lack of his name mentioned in the official Home Guard Officer Lists identifies him as either being an NCO or enlisted man.

Second World War Worcestershire Regiment Field Service cap.

• Brown serge body with WR badge and General List bronze buttons. Badge is the slide variant. Beige cotton lining with brown khaki sweatband. Maker is J. Collett Ltd.
• c. WWII.

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Norton Barracks - The home of the Worcestershire Regiment.
Norton Barracks was the regimental home of the Worcestershire Regiment from 1881 until 1979. During the 1990s the campus was sold to property developers and a housing estate constructed. Now only the main keep building remains, situated along Crookbarrow Road, a testimony to the regiment. The street names of the estate have been dedicated  to regimental battle honours and actions, such as Gazala Drive, Talavera Road,  Nivelle Grove... 

You can read more about the barrack's history and its decommissioning in this article from the Worcestershire Regiment Website: Worcestershire Regiment - Norton Barracks history. The website is recommended reading for anyone with an interest in the regiment or Worcestershire.

Also preserving Norton's military history is a bronze First World War Tommy statue, installed by the Norton Worcestershire Regiment Project Group in August 2022, positioned on the grass verge close to the junction between Crookbarrow Road and Nivelle Grove. Named The Sentry, it is a life sized version of an original statuette exhibited in the regimental museum, created by Lt. Charles Sergeant Jagger MC, a renowned sculptor of war memorials who served with the regiment during the First World War. More on the sculpture here: The Sentry – Norton-Juxta-Kempsey Parish Council (nortonjuxtakempseyparishcouncil.org).

Norton Barracks "Keep" viewed from Gazala Drive.

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WFR GALLERY

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