British Army Cap Badges of the Second World War

For the British army, the cap badge is the most easily identifiable of insignia. It represents a distillation of the pride of the regiment, its various battle honours and symbols born proudly on the metallic emblem that was worn on all head-dress, even in the age of mechanised warfare. Identification of the cap badge on faded photographs is a first, important step in unravelling the military service of an individual; and for the soldiers of the Second World War, clad in dowdy and undistinguished battledress, its significance is enhanced still further.

Cap badges have been collected avidly since they were first thought of in the nineteenth century. Cap badge collecting is as popular now as it has ever been; yet with a growing number of fakes and forgeries, there is a need for a book that illustrates clearly the main types, and allows the collector and family historian alike to understand their meaning.

This book will illustrate, for the first time in high quality full colour, images of the main types of badges used by the British Army in the Second World War. With many amalgamations, war-raised units and special-forces, the insignia of the British soldier has a surprising range that differs materially from that worn by the soldier of the generation before. As with 'British Army Cap Badges of the First World War', this volume will contain contemporary illustrations of the soldiers themselves wearing the badges, a feature that has been widely applauded. Employing the skills of an established writer (and collector) and artist, it will provide a unique reference guide for all people interested in the British Army of the period.

Peter Doyle is a scientist, military historian, and author. He has written many books on military subjects, including ten for Shire. Chris Foster is an established artist, and originator of the innovative Great War website Craven's Part in the Great War (www.cpgw.org.uk). Together they have written the book British Army Cap Badges of the First World War (Shire Collections, 2010)