British Army Cap Badges, by Peter Doyle and Christ Foster

British Army Cap Badges of the First World War

This is one of the best books on cap badges that I have seen for a long time. The book is superbly illustrated throughout, with images not only of the badges themselves, but also of soldiers wearing them. As the authors themselves state, it is impossible to cover all the badges used in WWI, but they have done a good job of covering the main ones worn.

There are eight chapters, five of which cover the badges themselves, and they are split into cavalry, yeomanry, infantry, territorial, and service battalions, and arms and services. Each photographed badge comes with useful and informative text on the design of the badge. The first three chapters cover the British soldier and the various badges worn; formation signs, shoulder titles, collar badge, etc. This history of badges worn by the British Army, and the construction of the badges themselves, will be of interest to both seasoned collectors and beginners.

As this book deals only with other ranks’ cap-badges, a similar version on the officers’ and warrant officers’ cap-badges would be welcome. Highly recommended.

Review by Gary Gibbs, Assistant Curator, The Guards Museum

Shire, £14.99 ISBN 978-0312675004