Bombardier Jack Ward in the photo above illustrates the typical work-like appearance of medium gunners in North-West Europe 44-45. His GS cap is pushed back on his head and sports a Buffs cap-badge , rather than the RA flaming grenade badge, which was regulation. Even at this stage of the war, there was still an element of pride in the Regiment's origins as the 8th Battalion, The Buffs.
Here the gunner and bombardier on the left wear the popular leather jerkin over battledress blouse - this garment allowed easy movement (unlike the heavy woollen greatcoat) and kept the soldier warm. Scarves are also worn. Notice the gunner wears a leather German belt. The silver buckle is seen clearly. Although, against regulations, items of enemy clothing are sometimes seen in period photos. The censor has obliterated the Buffs regimental flashes, which would identify this regiment. The RA cap badge with the flaming grenade is worn by the bombardier on the right. Note how the 'Cap, General Service' is worn in different ways; here one gunner has it tilted on the back of his head at a seemingly impossible angle - this was common.
A mix of headgear is evident here in this group of gunners opening their Christmas post, from none at all to the GS cap and a woollen cap comforter (extreme left). Ammunition boots are worn with and without webbing gaiters. Notice the complete absence of badges on battledress in some of the men. This is typical with some photos showing a complete set of insignia, including regimental flashes to none being worn at all.
The Battery Sergeant-Major and the officer looking on both wear rubber boots. Even though he is wearing battledress with collar and tie, the officer sports a service dress cap with RA badge. In addition, he is armed with a pistol - an ammunition pouch can be seen on the webbing belt (the brasses are shiny). The 'cook' wears a wide leather belt of a pre-war type (or possibly even civilian), and a collared shirt rather than the issue 'other ranks' collarless angola shirt.
Surviving example of a battledress worn by a bombardier of the regiment. Note the blue and buff triangular regimental flash, recalling the regiment's conversion from the 8th Buffs.
