For sale is a Rare

Hat Cap Tally

Condition is as shown

History and Context

Operation Torch

Port Lyautey (now Kenitra, Morocco), which historically hosted a major naval air station (Base Aéronavale Port-Lyautey). [1, 2]

In naval terminology, a "tally" (or cap tally) is the inscribed black ribbon tied around a sailor's traditional flat cap (often called a "pork pie" hat) that indicates their ship or shore establishment. [1, 2]

Because Port Lyautey transitioned between French and American military control, the specific headgear or tally depends on the era you are looking for:

• French Navy (Marine Nationale): French sailors assigned to the base wore a traditional bachi (sailor cap with a red pompom). The cap tally wrapped around the base would be embroidered in gold lettering, typically reading "B.A.N. PORT-LYAUTEY" (Base Aéronavale) or simply "PORT-LYAUTEY". [1]

• U.S. Navy: Following Operation Torch in 1942, the U.S. Navy operated Naval Air Station (NAS) Port Lyautey. U.S. Navy uniforms do not use ribboned cap tallies like European navies; however, modern veteran groups and base personnel frequently commemorate the station with custom embroidered baseball caps or utility hats featuring the base name and insignia. [1, 2, 3]

PLEASE SEE PHOTOS FOR LENGTH & CONDITION, OR CONTACT ME FOR MORE DETAILS

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This will be sent via Royal Mail 1st class signed for and dispatched within two working days.