Armoured Regiment black beret : Corporal Lea-Smith, 2/7 Cavalry Commando Regiment

Black, lined, wool felt beret with black oxidised copper Australian 'rising sun' badge. Manufacturer's label reads 'N 206 MADE IN AUSTRALIA'. Size 7 inch.

Associated with VX78043 Corporal Lea-Smith, 2/7 Cavalry Commando Regiment. In 1942, Private Lea-Smith was a member of Honner Force. Honner Force had an approximate strength of one Battalion (500 men) under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Honner. It was made up of one company from each of 36, 55, and 49 Australian Infantry Battalions, plus a detachment from 6 Australian Independent Company. It was sent out by New Guinea Force on 12 September 1942, via Laloki-Goldie River, to cut enemy lines of communication between Menari and Nauro. It was under the command of 7 Division. After making some advances the force divided into smaller units. On 1 October, Lieutenants Fielding, Egan & Ireland with 37 other ranks left camp to make a reconnaissance of the area forward of Mount Tamala and Mount Silia to obtain information on the country around Kagi, Efogi & Nauru in preparation for a proposed attack. Lea-Smith was a member of Lieutenant Fielding's patrol. The 2/6th Company never participated in the attack as it was withdrawn to form the advance guard to the force sent to attack Buna. Private Lea-Smith was later promoted to Corporal, then Sergeant, and fought in the Ramu River Valley region of New Guinea.