This field covers, in the main, headdress badges of many different parts of the world, but also includes cross-belt plates, etc. An interesting example is the parallel existence of regimental badges for the British and Austrian armies, fighting on opposing sides in WW1, something unique to these two countries. Good reference books include: Kipling & King's two volumes on headdress badges of the British Army; John Gaylor's book on cap badges of the British Army; Ashok Nath's book, Izzat: Historical Records and Iconography of Indian Cavalry Regiments 1750-2007 (published 2009 by the Centre for Armed Forces Historical Research United Service Institution of India), a superb rendering of this extremely complex subject, beautifully illustrated. Ashok Nath's website is at: http://sites.google.com/site/anath53/home

This die-struck gilding metal badge was worn on the service cap and replaced the Royal Flying Corps badge in 1918. It would have been worn from then until the introduction of Stabrite badges in the early 1960s.

This was worn on the left sleeve by bandsmen (in all foot regiments) as an indication of musical ability. The king's crown replaced the queen's in 1902 and would have been worn from then until the introduction of Stabrite badges in the early 1960s.

The design of this badge is a mid-Victorian one, although the use of the crown came in the 20th century: 'Ubique' is the universal battle honour of the regiment and 'Quo fas et gloria ducunt' (Where fate and glory lead) is the motto.

This George VI badge replaced an earlier example for George V's reign and is in die-struck gilding metal with a copper slider. It would in turn have been replaced by an ERII example in 1953 on the accession of his daughter Elizabeth.

The ASC were the wagon train of the Great War, responsible for delivering food and ammunition to the front. Officers wore a bronze badge; this would have been worn by the other ranks.

This badge would have been issued to soldiers who had not been allocated to a specific unit. The device is the full Royal Arms of George V. An officer would have worn something similar in bronze (this was worn by other ranks).

This die-struck, gilding metal badge was normally worn on the left sleeve of a WO. However, in the tropics or in shirtsleeve order, the badge was often simply worn on a leather wrist strap.

This badge (4.5 cm high) would have been worn on an officer's peaked service cap. In 1923, the 31st DCO Lancers and the 32nd Lancers were amalgamated to form this unit (the 13th DOC Lancers). Both regiments had a common origin in the old Bombay Squadron of Cavalry, raised for service under Lord Lake.

This OR's helmet plate would have been worn on the cork bodied blue cloth helmet, with white metal fittings, spike and chin chain, that was adopted by the British Army in 1871 under the influence of the Prussian victory over France in 1871.

This relatively uncommon badge was designed to be worn on the white helmet in tropical climes and replaced the numbered glengarry badge oif the pre-1881 era. There was an officer's version in silver. The Gibraltar battle honour commemorates the 12th Foot's part in that epic defence in the 1780s.