The Battle of Brass and Bakelite

In the Second World War, Britain faced unprecedented material shortages – especially after the fall of France and the evacuation of the BEF in 1940. Traditional brass shoulder titles and specialist trade badges quickly disappeared, replaced by cloth patches.

To conserve metals, Bakelite stepped into the breach. The once-gleaming brass insignia were melted down for the war effort, and a new generation of buttons and badges was born. Made in a variety of colours and sizes, these Bakelite pieces became everyday kit for troops.

Cap and beret badges were produced in brown or silver-coloured Bakelite, identifiable by their distinctive small, flat blade-like fittings on the reverse. The first photo shows the familiar General Service buttons worn by all infantry, including the Home Guard. Later images show a Middlesex Regiment beret badge and a Royal Air Force side cap badge – both produced in Bakelite.

The last image is a particularly poignant reminder: buttons of the Polish forces in exile, a symbol of resilience crafted in Britain’s hour of need.