Royal Observer Corps ROC beret badge c1941 - 1952

A good original circa 1941 to 1952 issue 'Royal Observer Corps other ranks beret badge', die stamped white metal example bearing laurel sprays surmounted by a King George VI Crown with 'Forewarned is Forearmed' scroll below, the voided centre depicting an Elizabethan coastwatcher holding a flaming torch and scanning the horizon. Very good condition, complete with original two loop fittings and split pin.Height 44mm.The Observer Corps was founded to be the eyes and ears of the Royal Air Force and played an important part in the British Air Defence system at the outset of the Second World War. Its role in the Battle of Britain was so outstanding that in the folowing year it was granted the ROYAL prefix.The closure of the headquarters of the Royal Observer Corps on 31 March 1996 marked the disbandment of the ROC after over 70 years of service.