The 2nd Battalion, Mercian Regiment
(Worcesters & Foresters) Exhibition.
In 2007 the the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment became the 2nd Battalion Mercian Regiment. A Light Infantry Battalion serving Worcestershire, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, in the Midlands of England. Battle honours include five tours in Afghanistan, on Operation Herrick. On the 28th of July 2022 the colours from 2 Mercian were lowered for the very last time as the battalion was disbanded and amalgamated into the 1st Battalion.
Field Officer’s headdress grouping.
This grouping belonged to an officer who served with the Cheshire Regiment prior to the amalgamation in 2007. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 2004, from The Military Academy Sandhurst and a decade later reached the rank of Major. During his the career he served on operational tour in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as a posting to the regiment's Army Recruitment Team. The gold band on the No.1 Dress cap shows he was a Field Officer.
This grouping belonged to an officer who served with the Cheshire Regiment prior to the amalgamation in 2007. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 2004, from The Military Academy Sandhurst and a decade later reached the rank of Major. During his the career he served on operational tour in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as a posting to the regiment's Army Recruitment Team. The gold band on the No.1 Dress cap shows he was a Field Officer.
Mercian Regiment Field Officer's Dress hat.
Mercian Regiment Field Officer's Dress hat with rain cover.
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Mercian Regiment Officer's Dress hat.
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- Field Officer's service cap with gilt regimental side buttons and silver and gilt officer's pattern cap badge. Black vinyl peak and rim with leather underside. Gold-wire band peak detail. Fitted with a removable plastic rain cover. Maker is Herbert Johnson.
- c.2014.
Mercian Regiment Officer's Khaki Forage cap.
The Khaki Forage Cap was worn by all Officers up to the rank of Lt. Col, inclusive, as well as Warrant Officer 1st Class. With the No.2 Service Dress, No.4 Dress, No 13 Barrack Dress, and No.14 Shirt Sleeve Order. Such caps were also made by AMMO (All Arms Marketing and Manufacturing Organisation) as well as Patey. The hat's bevelled top and short peak is a characteristic of nearly all modern British army caps and a feature that became fashionable from the 1960s onwards, as can be seen in the WFR gallery.
Mercian Regiment Service Dress cap with rain cover.
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Mercian Regiment Glover & Riding Service Dress cap lining.
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- Officer's Service Dress cap in Guards dark barethea with brown leather chinstrap. Fitted with dark bronze Ligne 22 Mercian eagle side buttons and Officer's regulation bronze cap badge. Named. Fitted with a removable plastic rain cover. Maker is Glover & Riding.
- c.2004.
Officer's No.2 Dress Service uniform. ARCHIVE*
This superbly tailored and immaculate conditioned Service Dress uniform belonged to a WFR and 2 Mercian Officer who served in the ACF before being commissioned. He was deployed to Bosnia and Iraq, rising to the rank of Captain.
This superbly tailored and immaculate conditioned Service Dress uniform belonged to a WFR and 2 Mercian Officer who served in the ACF before being commissioned. He was deployed to Bosnia and Iraq, rising to the rank of Captain.
Mercian Regiment Officer's Dress hat.
Mercian Regiment Officer's Dress hat.
The No.1 Dress cap is used by Warrant Officer 1st Class and all Officer ranks up to and including the rank of Captain. Ranks of Major and Lieutenant Colonel wear the Field Officer's peak with gold braid, as can be noted in the WFR gallery. The Forage cap is worn with the No.1 Dress Uniform, as well as the No.2 and No.3 Orders of Dress. The size of the silver and gilt cap badge is notably smaller than that worn by ORs.
2nd Mercian Regiment Captain's Service Dress tunic.
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Unlike other regiment the Mercian officers are unique in wearing their lanyards on the right shoulder instead of the left due to regimental tradition.
Officer issue pattern trousers.
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Officer's shirt and woven tie.
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- Officer's Forage cap. Gilt side buttons with silver and gilt Mercian eagle badge (officer pattern). Poppy displayed on the left side button. Maker is Patey.
- Officer‘s Dark Guard‘s barathea dress unifom with darkened bronze regimental buttons and shoulder titles. Darkened bronze Dettingen Oakleaves and Acorn collar badges. Epaulettes display darkened bronze rank pips denoting Captain. A red, buff and green tricolour lanyard is worn on the right shoulder. Tunic displays the NATO IFOR and the Iraq Medal ribbons. Named. AGC marked with size details.
- Matching issue pattern trousers.
- Matching light khaki shirt and officers’ silk woven tie.
- c. 2007 - 2018.
Regimental Officer’s uniform grouping.
This uniform was worn by an officer who graduated from Sandhurst and served in the Staffordshire Regiment before the amalgamation in 2007. He saw active service in Iraq as well as Afghanistan, and for a period was Adjutant of the Regimental Headquarters Battalion. He eventually reached the rank of Major. This collection consists of his No.1 Dress uniform, his No.4 Dress uniform and his Officer’s Regimental Pattern side hat (Coloured Field Service hat).
The coloured side hat is a private purchase article which, according to 2009 Dress Regulations, was tailored by AMMO and Co. Mercian side hats, as well as the WFR version, appear to be less common than their Worcestershire Regiment predecessors, which may be explained by the fact that they are reserved for Officers and Warrant Officers 1st Class only. Side hats can be worn by officers for the No.13 Dress Barrack Dress Jumper Order Non Parade – Officer and the No.14 Dress Barrack Dress Shirt Sleeve Order Non Parade – Officer.
This uniform was worn by an officer who graduated from Sandhurst and served in the Staffordshire Regiment before the amalgamation in 2007. He saw active service in Iraq as well as Afghanistan, and for a period was Adjutant of the Regimental Headquarters Battalion. He eventually reached the rank of Major. This collection consists of his No.1 Dress uniform, his No.4 Dress uniform and his Officer’s Regimental Pattern side hat (Coloured Field Service hat).
The coloured side hat is a private purchase article which, according to 2009 Dress Regulations, was tailored by AMMO and Co. Mercian side hats, as well as the WFR version, appear to be less common than their Worcestershire Regiment predecessors, which may be explained by the fact that they are reserved for Officers and Warrant Officers 1st Class only. Side hats can be worn by officers for the No.13 Dress Barrack Dress Jumper Order Non Parade – Officer and the No.14 Dress Barrack Dress Shirt Sleeve Order Non Parade – Officer.
Mercian Regiment Officer's side hat.
Mercian Regiment side hat button.
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Mercian Regiment Officer's cap badge.
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- Fine black felt body and curtain with buff centre crease and piping. Lincoln green peak. Gilt regimental Ligne 22 side buttons. Silver and gilt Mercian eagle badge (officer pattern). Black nylon lining with black velvet sweatband. No maker‘s markings but made by AMMO and Co of Birmingham.
- c. 2009.
2nd Mercian Regiment Major's No.1 Dress tunic.
Dettingen Oakleaves and Acorn collar badge detailing.
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Mercian Regiment Major's rank insignia
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Service medal ribbons with metal rosette.
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- Officer's No.1 Dress tunic with silver/gilt stay-bright regimental buttons and silver /gilt Dettingen Oakleaves and Acorn collar badges. Epaulettes gilt rank crowns denoting Major. Tunic displays the Iraq Medal, Afghanistan Medal with rosette, and Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal ribbons. Maker is Glover & Riding.
- Matching trousers with a wide red band running down each leg. Maker is Kashket & Partners.
- c. 2007 - 2019.
The tropical No.4 Dress was worn on on posting to Cyprus and is more unusual than the No.2 Dress uniform.
2nd Mercian Regiment Major's Tropical Dress tunic.
Mercian Regiment Staffordshire knot. The glider pays tribute to the Staffordshire's airborne service in WW2.
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Mercian Regiment Major's rank insignia.
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Service medal ribbons with metal rosette.
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- Officer‘s light khaki cotton tropical dress unifom with darkened bronze regimental buttons and shoulder titles. Darkened bronze Dettingen Oakleaves and Acorn collar badges. Epaulettes display darkened bronze rank crowns denoting Major. A red, buff and green tricolour lanyard is worn on the right shoulder. Tunic displays the Iraq Medal, Afghanistan Medal with rosette, and Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal ribbons.
- Matching trousers
- c. 2007 - 2019.
Hat Combat Tropical.
This rare Bush hat was by worn a member of the 2nd Battalion, as can be observed by the Lincoln Green felt diamond side patch. Whilst similar to the WFR example below, it is in Multi-Terrain Pattern and features a wider brim and removable neck flap. MTP was used by the British Army from 2010 onward. The 2nd Battalion, The Mercian Regiment Twitter feed shows such hats being worn by the Battalion on the 2018 Exercise Thunderstorm 18 in Lithuania, before it became a standard Battalion feature on their 2019 Cyprus deployment.
This rare Bush hat was by worn a member of the 2nd Battalion, as can be observed by the Lincoln Green felt diamond side patch. Whilst similar to the WFR example below, it is in Multi-Terrain Pattern and features a wider brim and removable neck flap. MTP was used by the British Army from 2010 onward. The 2nd Battalion, The Mercian Regiment Twitter feed shows such hats being worn by the Battalion on the 2018 Exercise Thunderstorm 18 in Lithuania, before it became a standard Battalion feature on their 2019 Cyprus deployment.
2 Mercian MTP Bush hat.
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2 Mercian MTP Bush hat, showing neck flap.
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- MTP Hat Combat Tropical with detachable neck flap. Black elasticated cord chinstrap with a black plastic toggle. Lincoln green felt diamond patch to the left side. Subdued green makers/wash instructions label.
- c. 2010 - 2017.
Hat Combat Tropical.
Nearly identical to the example above, this 2 Mercian Bush hat is slightly greener in appearance, with the placement of the Battalion diamond lower and attached more professionally. Interestingly, the patch dimensions on this hat, the previous example and the MK7 helmet are identical. The metal airvents are also positioned more aft of the hat's body, suggesting a different supplier.
Nearly identical to the example above, this 2 Mercian Bush hat is slightly greener in appearance, with the placement of the Battalion diamond lower and attached more professionally. Interestingly, the patch dimensions on this hat, the previous example and the MK7 helmet are identical. The metal airvents are also positioned more aft of the hat's body, suggesting a different supplier.
2 Mercian MTP Bush hat.
- MTP Hat Combat Tropical with detachable neck flap. Black elasticated cord chinstrap with a black plastic toggle. Lincoln green felt diamond patch to the left side. White makers/wash instructions label.
- c. 2010 - 2020.
Corporal's uniform grouping.
This uniform grouping belonged to a Corporal who served with both the Worcestershire & Sherwood Forester Regiment and 2 Mercian. This NCO has had a long career, as can be seen from his medal ribbons, serving on two tours in Bosnia on IFOR, as well as in Northern Ireland and on tour in Afghanistan.
A scare example of a British Army Boonie hat in DPM desert camo. The hat has been field modified, professionally, to give it that "Squaddie" look, while its owner has added a WFR diamond patch to the side, surmounted by a blackened WFR badge.
This uniform grouping belonged to a Corporal who served with both the Worcestershire & Sherwood Forester Regiment and 2 Mercian. This NCO has had a long career, as can be seen from his medal ribbons, serving on two tours in Bosnia on IFOR, as well as in Northern Ireland and on tour in Afghanistan.
A scare example of a British Army Boonie hat in DPM desert camo. The hat has been field modified, professionally, to give it that "Squaddie" look, while its owner has added a WFR diamond patch to the side, surmounted by a blackened WFR badge.
Worcesters & Foresters Boonie hat.
- Desert DPM Boonie hat with cord chinstrap and black plastic toggle. Lincoln green felt diamond patch to the left side with blackened WFR collar badge attached. Green makers/wash instructions label.
- c. 2004 - 2007.
Matching khaki beret to the 2 Mercian, showing obvious field use. Note its compact moulded appearance, reflecting the current army trend of wearing the beret.
2 Mercian (Worcesters & Foresters) khaki Dress beret.
- Khaki body with black leather rim joining at the rear. Silver and gilt Mercian eagle badge with slide, on Lincoln green felt patch. Black cotton lining. Maker unmarked.
- c. 2007 - 2015.
The No.1 Dress cap cap used by Warrant Officer 2nd Class and all lower ranks. The cap is worn on formal occasions as well as with the No.2 Service Dress, No 13 Barrack Dress and No.14 Shirt Sleeve Order.
2 Mercian (Worcesters & Foresters) Corporal's No.1 Dress cap.
- Other Rank's No.1 Dress cap. Gilt Ligne 22 side buttons with silver and gilt Mercian eagle badge (O/Rs pattern). Not maker marked.
- c. 2007 - 2015.
2nd Mercian Regiment Corporal's FAD Service Dress tunic.
Mercian Dettingen Oakleaves and Acorn collar badge.
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Mercian Regiment Staffordshire knot, worn on right upper shoulder of the SD tunic.
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- Other Rank's FAD Service dress unifom with silver/gilt staybright regimental buttons, bronze regimental shoulder titles and silver/gilt Dettingen Oakleaves and Acorn collar badges. Corporal chevrons worn on each arm, mounted to a black background. A red, buff and green lanyard is worn on the left shoulder. Tunic displays the medal ribbon for the General Service medal, NATO IFOR medal with metal 2 (signifying two tours), Afghanistan Medal with rosette. Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee medal, and Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal. Matching khaki belt with bronze buckle.
- Matching khaki trousers
- Matching khaki shirt and woven tie.
- c. 2017 - 2015.
Officer's Khaki Forage cap.
This cap is typical of the Service Dress peaked caps used by all officers of the Mercian Regiment. Its bevelled top and short peak is a characteristic of nearly all modern British army caps and a feature that became fashionable from the 1960s onwards, as can be seen in the WFR gallery. A current issue example of an Officer's Service Dress cap, otherwise known as the Khaki Forage Cap, worn by all Officers up to the rank of Lt.Col, inclusive, as well as Warrant Officer 1st Class. The SD cap is worn with the No.2 Service Dress, No.4 Dress, No 13 Barrack Dress, and No.14 Shirt Sleeve Order. Such caps were also made by AMMO, All Arms Marketing and Manufacturing Organisation.
This cap is typical of the Service Dress peaked caps used by all officers of the Mercian Regiment. Its bevelled top and short peak is a characteristic of nearly all modern British army caps and a feature that became fashionable from the 1960s onwards, as can be seen in the WFR gallery. A current issue example of an Officer's Service Dress cap, otherwise known as the Khaki Forage Cap, worn by all Officers up to the rank of Lt.Col, inclusive, as well as Warrant Officer 1st Class. The SD cap is worn with the No.2 Service Dress, No.4 Dress, No 13 Barrack Dress, and No.14 Shirt Sleeve Order. Such caps were also made by AMMO, All Arms Marketing and Manufacturing Organisation.
Mercian Regiment Officer's Khaki Forage cap.
Mercian Regiment Officer's side button detail.
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Mercian Regiment Patey Service Dress cap lining.
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- Officer's Service Dress cap in Guards dark barethea with brown leather chinstrap. Fitted with dark bronze Ligne 22 Mercian eagle side buttons and Officer's regulation bronze cap badge (pin & loop attachment). Maker is Patey.
- c.2015.
No. 5 / No. 8 dress beret. Beret Wool Knitted KHAKI.
This is a typical example of the Mercian Regiment beret. It is khaki felt with a Lincoln green felt patch, measuring 6cm x 5cm. The use of Lincoln green was inherited from the Worcestershire & Sherwood Forester Regiment and came from the Sherwood Foresters. The Worcestershire green was Emerald grass green. Such berets with an embroidered green patch border or otherwise were used by Officers (of the rank of Lt. Colonel and below), as well as NCOs and private soldiers.
This particular beret was acquired from Malvern in Worcestershire and no doubt belonged to a local veteran.
This is a typical example of the Mercian Regiment beret. It is khaki felt with a Lincoln green felt patch, measuring 6cm x 5cm. The use of Lincoln green was inherited from the Worcestershire & Sherwood Forester Regiment and came from the Sherwood Foresters. The Worcestershire green was Emerald grass green. Such berets with an embroidered green patch border or otherwise were used by Officers (of the rank of Lt. Colonel and below), as well as NCOs and private soldiers.
This particular beret was acquired from Malvern in Worcestershire and no doubt belonged to a local veteran.
2 Mercian (Worcesters & Foresters) khaki Dress beret.
- Khaki body with black leather rim joining at the rear. Silver and gilt Mercian eagle badge with slide, on Lincoln green felt patch. Black cotton lining with transparent plastic sweat protector. Maker unmarked but label giving the NATO contract number and shaping instructions. Badge maker is Firmin.
- c. 2007 - 2016.
No. 5 / No. 8 Colonel's beret. (Late of the Mercian Regiment).
A senior officer's beret ranking to Substantive Colonel or Brigadier, who previously served with the Mercian Regiment. The beret is a typical issue khaki Mercian beret with green felt badge backing panel, however a Queen's crown Royal Crest badge has been added in place of the silver & gilt Mercian eagle. Note the different in Lincoln green bordering to the beret exhibited above.
Such a beret is worn by Colonel Andy Hadfield, Deputy Brigade Commander of the 4th Infantry Brigade and a previous Colonel of 1st Mercian. The wearing of regimental colours behind the Royal Crest badge is fashionable with many brigade commanders, including Brigadier Oliver Stokes MBE, Commander of the 4th Infantry Brigade, (late of the PWRR).
A senior officer's beret ranking to Substantive Colonel or Brigadier, who previously served with the Mercian Regiment. The beret is a typical issue khaki Mercian beret with green felt badge backing panel, however a Queen's crown Royal Crest badge has been added in place of the silver & gilt Mercian eagle. Note the different in Lincoln green bordering to the beret exhibited above.
Such a beret is worn by Colonel Andy Hadfield, Deputy Brigade Commander of the 4th Infantry Brigade and a previous Colonel of 1st Mercian. The wearing of regimental colours behind the Royal Crest badge is fashionable with many brigade commanders, including Brigadier Oliver Stokes MBE, Commander of the 4th Infantry Brigade, (late of the PWRR).
Colonel's beret, late of the Mercian Regiment.
- Khaki body with black leather rim joining at the rear. Embriodered goldwire Colonel/Brigader's cap badge with sewn onto the Lincoln green felt patch. Black cotton lining. Maker unmarked.
- c. 2007 - 2016.
Other Ranks helmet and beret grouping.
This Mk.6 helmet and beret were used by a soldier of the Mercian Regiment, from 2007 till 2014. Similar to the example exhibited in the Worcestershire & Sherwood Forester Regiment Gallery, this helmet is the first pattern composite helmet issued to the British Infantry.
The shell is green ballistic nylon with a black webbing and padded leather lining. It exhibits a Woodland DPM camo cover, which has been field adapted, as well as the addition of a helmet net. There are no regimental markings present or dates on the helmet.
It is interesting to note that even after the Mk.6a and Mk.7's introduction, these older examples were still being used along side them.
This Mk.6 helmet and beret were used by a soldier of the Mercian Regiment, from 2007 till 2014. Similar to the example exhibited in the Worcestershire & Sherwood Forester Regiment Gallery, this helmet is the first pattern composite helmet issued to the British Infantry.
The shell is green ballistic nylon with a black webbing and padded leather lining. It exhibits a Woodland DPM camo cover, which has been field adapted, as well as the addition of a helmet net. There are no regimental markings present or dates on the helmet.
It is interesting to note that even after the Mk.6a and Mk.7's introduction, these older examples were still being used along side them.
Mk.6 Mercian Regiment combat helmet.
- Green composite helmet with DPM cloth helmet cover and khaki helmet net. Black leather lining pads with crown webbing lining and green webbed chinstrap assembly, with black plastic hardware. Maker label not present.
- c. pre 2006.
Together with the helmet is an un-issued khaki beret. In such cases the green felt rectangle would have been sewn onto beret by a member of the regiment, and it would then have been shaped before being used.
Unworn Mercian Regiment beret.
- Navy blue with black leather rim joining at the rear. Blue silk lining. Maker is AMMO & CO Limited.
- c. 2007.
Mk.6a Composite helmet cover.
An updated version of the Mk.6, the Mk.6A featured an improved crown lining and better ballistic protection. Its basic appearance however changed little to its predecessor, the major difference being its black finish. The Mk.6A was used from around 2006 before gradually being replaced by the Mk.7 sometime from around 2009/2010.
This named DPM helmet cover exhibits a green diamond flash, a feature well documented in photos of the 2 Mercian on operations in Afghanistan, from 2009, as can be seen in this link.
An updated version of the Mk.6, the Mk.6A featured an improved crown lining and better ballistic protection. Its basic appearance however changed little to its predecessor, the major difference being its black finish. The Mk.6A was used from around 2006 before gradually being replaced by the Mk.7 sometime from around 2009/2010.
This named DPM helmet cover exhibits a green diamond flash, a feature well documented in photos of the 2 Mercian on operations in Afghanistan, from 2009, as can be seen in this link.
2 Mercian Regiment combat helmet cover.
- Desert DPM cloth helmet cover. Green felt diamond 2 Merican flash sewn onto the the left side. Tan elasticated foliage straps.
- c. 2003 - 2010.
Mk.7 Composite helmet.
Intended as a replacement to the Mk.6 designated ballistic helmets, the Mk7 was introduced in 2009. Most were fitted with a MTP cover that was often worn with an additional helmet net. This particular Mk7 shows clear signs of operational use, from a few dents at the crown, to its lining, chinstrap and cover. The rim has also been removed and a set of Comfort Pad Kit ear pads added to improve the lining. Of particular interest is the cover that displays a Lincoln green felt diamond patch to the left side, matching closely to the other examples exhibited in the museum. A tradition kept alive from the Worcestershire & Sherwood Forester Regiment. Its foliage straps have also been removed, black netting details added and the cover secured into place by green sniper tape.
This named example most probably belonged to a member of 2 Mercian Assault Pioneers who wore identical unit marked helmets during their Herrick XV tour in Afghanistan in 2011/2012.
Intended as a replacement to the Mk.6 designated ballistic helmets, the Mk7 was introduced in 2009. Most were fitted with a MTP cover that was often worn with an additional helmet net. This particular Mk7 shows clear signs of operational use, from a few dents at the crown, to its lining, chinstrap and cover. The rim has also been removed and a set of Comfort Pad Kit ear pads added to improve the lining. Of particular interest is the cover that displays a Lincoln green felt diamond patch to the left side, matching closely to the other examples exhibited in the museum. A tradition kept alive from the Worcestershire & Sherwood Forester Regiment. Its foliage straps have also been removed, black netting details added and the cover secured into place by green sniper tape.
This named example most probably belonged to a member of 2 Mercian Assault Pioneers who wore identical unit marked helmets during their Herrick XV tour in Afghanistan in 2011/2012.
2 Mercian Regiment Mk. 7 combat helmet.
2 Mercian Regimental diamond flash.
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2 Mercian Regiment Mk. 7 helmet lining.
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- Yellow composite helmet with MTP cloth helmet cover. Green diamond 2MER flash sewn onto the cover. Black leather lining pads with crown webbing lining and green webbed chinstrap assembly with black plastic hardware. Missing maker’s label.
- c. 2011.
Army Cadet Corps. / Combined Cadet Force
The Army Cadet Force (ACF) and Combined Cadet Force (CCF) are military organisations for youngsters, which allow them to gain practical skills, such as first aid and orienteering, whilst building their self confidence, social skills and comradeship. It is a chance to make new friends and opens up opportunities and adventures that the cadets wouldn’t otherwise experience in "civilian" life.
The ACF is supported by the British Army and cadres are associated with their local regiments, for example the Derbyshire Cadet Battalion is connected to the Mercian Regiment. The CCF differs from the ACF as its contingents are normally based in one school and offers the cadets the choice between various branches of the military. In the Malvern College CCF unit pupils can choose to join either the Infantry, Royal Marines or Royal Air Force.
Among many other activities, cadets undergo weapons training; firing and maintenance, fieldcraft exercises and drilling. There is also the opportunity to visit annual army camps, such as Longmoor Military Camp, where they can train and exercise with the regulars. Uniforms usually consist of a beret, combat jacket, trousers and boots. Some units are also equipped with special cadet training helmets, which can also be bought individually by cadets themselves for use on annual camp.
The ACF is supported by the British Army and cadres are associated with their local regiments, for example the Derbyshire Cadet Battalion is connected to the Mercian Regiment. The CCF differs from the ACF as its contingents are normally based in one school and offers the cadets the choice between various branches of the military. In the Malvern College CCF unit pupils can choose to join either the Infantry, Royal Marines or Royal Air Force.
Among many other activities, cadets undergo weapons training; firing and maintenance, fieldcraft exercises and drilling. There is also the opportunity to visit annual army camps, such as Longmoor Military Camp, where they can train and exercise with the regulars. Uniforms usually consist of a beret, combat jacket, trousers and boots. Some units are also equipped with special cadet training helmets, which can also be bought individually by cadets themselves for use on annual camp.
Field Officer's headdress and accoutrements grouping. (ACF Derbyshire Cadet Battalion).
This set belonged to an adult volunteer of the Mercian Army Cadet Corps. Derbyshire Cadet Battalion, who was commissoned into the Derbyshire ACF, Worcesters & Foresters Regiment in 2000, before the amalgamation into the Mercian Regiment in 2007. By 2010 he was a Captain and in 2019 retired with the rank of Major, having reached Field Officer status. Field rank is an officer above junior officer status.
This grouping includes a No.1 Dress cap showing a gold band on its peak, denoting Field rank and a Junior Officer‘s No.1 Dress cap, worn by officers including and below the rank of Captain. Which is particularly interesting being an Other Rank’s issued cap, fitted with an Officer‘s pattern cap badge with an additional black woven band. Dress caps would have been reserved for parade use whilst for everyday duties a beret or khaki Service Dress cap would have been worn.
Also included are a Service Dress cap, worn by all regimental officer grades, and a beret. The beret features an officer’s pattern cap badge and has had the lining removed to make it more comfortable to wear.
Like the Field Officer’s cap, the SD cap is also private purchase from the preferred regimental military tailors, Herbert Johnson. Herbert Johnson are famous for their “floating bevel” style. The short peak, attractive floppy style, quality materials, and excellent craftsmanship of the dress cap are outstanding to say the least. Both of these caps exhibit the older style of Herbert Johnson cap lining, whilst one cap is also named to an Officer who commanded the 3rd battalion in the late 1990s. Clearly as the officer continued his career, these caps were passed on and used further, which was not uncommon.
This set belonged to an adult volunteer of the Mercian Army Cadet Corps. Derbyshire Cadet Battalion, who was commissoned into the Derbyshire ACF, Worcesters & Foresters Regiment in 2000, before the amalgamation into the Mercian Regiment in 2007. By 2010 he was a Captain and in 2019 retired with the rank of Major, having reached Field Officer status. Field rank is an officer above junior officer status.
This grouping includes a No.1 Dress cap showing a gold band on its peak, denoting Field rank and a Junior Officer‘s No.1 Dress cap, worn by officers including and below the rank of Captain. Which is particularly interesting being an Other Rank’s issued cap, fitted with an Officer‘s pattern cap badge with an additional black woven band. Dress caps would have been reserved for parade use whilst for everyday duties a beret or khaki Service Dress cap would have been worn.
Also included are a Service Dress cap, worn by all regimental officer grades, and a beret. The beret features an officer’s pattern cap badge and has had the lining removed to make it more comfortable to wear.
Like the Field Officer’s cap, the SD cap is also private purchase from the preferred regimental military tailors, Herbert Johnson. Herbert Johnson are famous for their “floating bevel” style. The short peak, attractive floppy style, quality materials, and excellent craftsmanship of the dress cap are outstanding to say the least. Both of these caps exhibit the older style of Herbert Johnson cap lining, whilst one cap is also named to an Officer who commanded the 3rd battalion in the late 1990s. Clearly as the officer continued his career, these caps were passed on and used further, which was not uncommon.
Mercian Regiment ACF Field Officer's Dress hat.
Mercian Regiment ACF Officer's No.1 cap.
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Mercian Regiment Officer's beret.
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Mercian Regiment Officer's Service Dress hat.
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A selection of rank slides, charting the officer‘s rise through the ranks, from Second Lieutenant to Major, as well as a set of regimental titles, a pair tunic buttons and a Worcestershire & Sherwood Forester collar badge completes the grouping. Cloth rank slides were worn with DPM uniform dress.
Mercian Regiment Officer's rank slides.
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Mercian Regiment Officer's uniform items.
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- Field Officer's service cap with gilt regimental side buttons and silver and gilt officer's pattern cap badge. Black vinyl peak and rim with leather underside. Gold-wire band peak detail. Maker is Herbert Johnson.
- c.1980/2007+
- Officer's Service Dress cap in Guards dark barethea with brown leather chinstrap. Fitted with dark bronze Ligne 22 Mercian eagle side buttons and Officer's regulation bronze cap badge. Named. Maker is Herbert Johnson.
- c.1980/2007+
- Other Rank's No.1 Dress cap. Gilt Ligne 22 side buttons with silver and gilt Mercian eagle badge (Officer’s pattern). Black wool woven band. Not maker marked.
- c2000.
- No. 5 / No. 8 dress beret. Khaki body with black leather rim joining at the rear. Silver and gilt Mercian eagle badge (Officer pattern), on Lincoln green felt patch. Partial black cotton lining. Maker unmarked.
- c.2007.
Officer's Headdress grouping. (ACF Derbyshire Cadet Battalion).
This officer's dress peaked cap and beret was worn by the same officer, who was an adult volunteer in the Derbyshire Cadet Battalion. Both hats show slight usage, while the beret is particularly interesting being a high quality private purchase example, fitted with an Officer's regulation bronze cap badge. The Dress cap was worn by the Officer until his promotion to Major.
This officer's dress peaked cap and beret was worn by the same officer, who was an adult volunteer in the Derbyshire Cadet Battalion. Both hats show slight usage, while the beret is particularly interesting being a high quality private purchase example, fitted with an Officer's regulation bronze cap badge. The Dress cap was worn by the Officer until his promotion to Major.
Mercian Regiment Officer's Dress hat.
Mercian Regiment Officer's beret.
- Junior Officer's Forage cap. Gilt side buttons with silver and gilt Mercian eagle badge (officer pattern). Maker is Patey.
- Khaki body with black air vents and black cotton rim joining at the rear. Officer's regulation bronze cap badge on Lincoln green felt patch. Bronze nylon lining. Maker is Herbert Johnson.
- c. pre 2017.
No. 8 dress beret and CS95 Working Belt (ACF Derbyshire Cadet Battalion).
The khaki beret with embroidered Mercian eagle badge was worn by members of the Derbyshire Army Cadet Force, while this particular little grouping belonged to a cadet from a town 7 miles outside Derby. CCF and ACF units associated with the Mercian regiment wear either the standard regimental beret with metal badge or the embroidered version.
The khaki beret with embroidered Mercian eagle badge was worn by members of the Derbyshire Army Cadet Force, while this particular little grouping belonged to a cadet from a town 7 miles outside Derby. CCF and ACF units associated with the Mercian regiment wear either the standard regimental beret with metal badge or the embroidered version.
Derbyshire Army Cadet Force Cadet's beret.
Derbyshire ACF Cadet's belt.
- Khaki body with black leather rim joining at the rear. The Mercian badge is sewn onto the body and is made up of white, black and gold thread on a Lincoln green patch. Black cotton lining with plastic diamond sweat protector and NATO label. Size 57.
- Olive drab green woven nylon belt with blackened steel buckle and slides. Unmarked.
- c. 2017 - 2019.
Exhibits marked as ARCHIVE* are no longer part of the museum inventory, their inclusion are maintained for display and education purposes.
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This website and its content is copyright ©Worcestershire Militaria Museum 2012-2022. All rights reserved.
