The maroon beret in a military configuration has been an international symbol of airborne forces since the Second World War. It was first officially introduced by the British Army in 1942, at the direction of Major-General Frederick "Boy" Browning, commander of the British 1st Airborne Division. It was first worn by the Parachute Regiment in action in North Africa during November 1942.
British soldier from 21 (Gibraltar 1779–83) Air Assault Battery RA (serving with 16 Air Assault Brigade)
A soldier of Italy's Folgore Brigade
1st Paratroopers Carabinieri Regiment "Tuscania", also from Italy
Afghan National Army commandos
Lieutenant-General Sir Frederick Arthur Montague "Boy" Browning, was a senior officer of the British Army who has been called the "father of the British airborne forces". He was also an Olympic bobsleigh competitor, and the husband of author Daphne du Maurier.
Browning as General Officer Commanding, 1st Airborne Division, October 1942
Daphne du Maurier. Browning was inspired by the graphic depictions of the Cornish coastline in her novel The Loving Spirit.
King George VI inspects an airborne jeep fitted with a Vickers machine gun during a visit to the airborne forces in Southern Command, 21 May 1942, with Browning
Six-man parties of 1st Airborne Division paratroops marching toward Hotspur gliders of the Glider Pilot Exercise Unit RAF at RAF Netheravon in October 1942.
