Original British WWII Royal Canadian Air Force RCAF Overseas Cap by Simpson’s Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a beautifully tailored RCAF overseas cap dating from WWII. Constructed of blue barathea wool with fold-down sides with retaining hooks, this lovely cap has the Air Force insignia with a King’s Crown above it on the front crown of the cap, with the fold down sides retained by King’s Crown R.C.A.F. marked buttons.

The interior is in very good condition, with a lovely satin rayon lining, and a velvet brown sweatband. There is a makers label reading Simpson’s OUTFITTERS TO R.C.A.F. next to a the Royal Canadian Airforce roundel logo, which is the same as the R.A.F., except the red circle in the middle is instead a maple leaf. The name BURT has also been written on the sweatband. The size is about a 7 / 56cm or smaller.

RCAF material from WWII is extremely difficult to find. Offered in overall excellent condition with only light wear. Ready to display!

The Canadian Air Force (CAF) was established in 1920 as the successor to a short-lived two-squadron Canadian Air Force that was formed during the First World War in Europe. John Scott Williams, MC, AFC, was tasked in 1921 with organizing the CAF, handing command over later the same year to Air Marshal Lindsay Gordon. The new Canadian Air Force was a branch of the Air Board and was chiefly a training militia that provided refresher training to veteran pilots. Many CAF members also worked with the Air Board’s Civil Operations Branch on operations that included forestry, surveying and anti-smuggling patrols. In 1923, the CAF became responsible for all flying operations in Canada, including civil aviation. In 1924, the Canadian Air Force, was granted the royal title, becoming the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). Most of its work was civil in nature; however, in the late 1920s the RCAF evolved into more of a military organization. After budget cuts in the early 1930s, the air force began to rebuild.

During the Second World War, the RCAF was a major contributor to the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan and was involved in operations in Great Britain, Europe, the north Atlantic, North Africa, southern Asia, and with home defence. By the end of the war, the RCAF had become the fourth largest allied air force. During WWII the Royal Canadian Air Force was headquartered in 20-23 Lincolns Inn Fields, London. A commemorative plaque can be found on the outside of the building.