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Discovering your ancestor’s cap badge provides a direct link to their military service, helping you connect with the person behind the uniform and their experiences. Cap badges are the insignia or emblems worn on the headgear of military, police, or other uniformed personnel to indicate regiment, corps, or service affiliation. They are usually metal or embroidered and fixed to a cap, beret, or helmet. We have gathered the cap badges for over 120 British regiments.
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Enhance your family tree by discovering your ancestor’s cap badge and preserving it alongside their service record. Each regiment has its own distinctive cap badge, revealing more about the history of your ancestor’s regiment.
Key points about cap badges:
Identification: Show the wearer’s regiment, unit, or branch of service.
Design: Often include symbols, mottos, or coats of arms linked to the unit’s history.
Types of headgear: Found on peaked caps, berets, side caps, or helmets.
For example, the Gloucestershire Regiment, often referred to as "The Glorious Glosters," is a distinctive emblem with deep historical significance. It features a sphinx resting on a pedestal inscribed with "Egypt," flanked by two laurel sprays. Beneath this, a scroll bears the word "Gloucestershire." This design commemorates the regiment's gallantry at the Battle of Alexandria in 1801, where the 28th (North Gloucestershire) Regiment of Foot fought back-to-back against the French, earning them the unique distinction of wearing a badge on both the front and back of their headdress. This tradition continues in the British Army today.
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