Corporal, Commando Regiment, Belgium, 1955-1970

The green beret and short battle-dress, worn by a corporal with the Commando Regiment, indicates that the British influence lasted well beyond the Second World War in Belgium, whose forces had been re-equipped and trained in England from 1940 onwards. The cut was used for thirty years.

The beret, embellished with a combat dagger surrounded by the words United Conquer, is typical commando headgear, a tradition pointing to the Belgian soldiers who served with the 4th Troop of the Inter-Allied Commando No. 10 during the Second World War. The dagger insignia, inspired by the unit’s combat dagger, is also to be found on the shoulder and sleeve (see photo left), and symbolizes the certificate obtained by the wearer.

Like all Belgian army uniforms since 1915 the suit buttons feature the Belgian lion.