Casgliadau Arlein

Women's Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) hat. Worn by Gwendoline Celia Lewis (1911-1986) as a Leading Aircraft Woman. She was born and lived most of her life in Aberdare. Before the Second World War she worked as a nanny for the children of Lady Mander of Wightwick Manor, near Wolverhampton. She was a member of the WAAF between 1942-5, and trained at St Athan and possibly in Wiltshire.

Blue/grey wool twill weave fabric with a navy tablet woven wide braid around the base. The back of the cap has a turn up of the fabric, while the front has a shaped leather peak (two different types of leather used, one type pigmented black on the upper side, one pigmented green on the lower side). A patent leather band with metal buckle details sits across the top of the peak, held in place with two buttons. A copper alloy King's crown RAF badge sits at the front of the cap centre. The cap is lined with a twill weave cotton, with a maker's label stitched at the proper right side lining. The crown of the cap lining has been coated with something, possibly paper based with animal glue (?) to secure it in place.