The Royal and the Black Beret

"Originally, Tank drivers and gunners were supplied with a primitive brown leather helmet, which was soon discarded. They were also issued with tin helmets with a chain mail visor to protect their eyes against splash - they were seldom worn. In May 1918 General Elles and Colonel Fuller, when dining together at Bermicourt, discussed the future of the Tank Corps and its uniform. The 70th Chasseurs Alpines were billeted in the area at this time and General Elles tried on one of their Beret. Of the various proposals put forward he strongly favoured the Black Beret. He was influenced by the presence of the Chasseurs Alpines, many of whom were training at British Tank Schools, and who had a particularly close liaison with the Tank Corp Units. Black was selected because it was least likely to show oil stains. When bending over the engines inside a Tank (and they needed a great deal of tending) it was almost impossible to avoid getting oily. No change to the uniform was possible during the war. Later when advocating that the Black Beret should be accepted officially, General Elles, in addition to explaining its advantages inside a Tank, added that, both in war and on manoeuvres, it was very convenient to sleep in. After a prolonged argument with the War Office, the Black Beret was approved by HM the King on 5 March 1924."

Source: "Digger History of Australian and New Zealand Forces."

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