• Captain in British SAS

The maroon and blue Pegasus patches identify members of the elite British SAS paratroops.  The red beret is also part of the paratrooper uniform, here worn with the unique SAS "Who Dares Wins" cap badge.  

Among his decorations is the African Campaign ribbon, worn with a small silver rosette device. 

This indicates that his participation in the African campaign was with a unit not attached to either the 1st or 8th British Armies; otherwise there would be either a small silver "1" or "8" instead. 

He wears his parachute qualification wings proudly over his left breast pocket, as opposed to his upper right sleeve.  

• Captain, Lancashire Fusiliers

Following the German invasion of Poland the British Expeditionary Force was sent to the Franco-Belgian border in 1939. Our Captain was there as a young baby faced Corporal who started his moustache to add a little visual seniority. 

His prewar service as a Cadet meant early promotion. His Unit sustained heavy losses and mounted a fighting withdrawal. Here is where he won the first of his 2 Military Medals "For Bravery in the Field" while attacking a motorized MG Section.

By the time his Unit was evacuated to England he was a Sergeant acting as a Warrant Officer. A mate who had been badly wounded gave him the well worn Sam Browne belt. 

Back in the UK the Battalion regrouped and he was sent to 1st/8th Battalion which became part of  4th Infantry Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division. The Division arrived in India in June 1942, was sent to Burma in April 1944 and back to India in April 1945. As a Sergeant he won a Bar to his MM while serving with Brigadier 'Mad Mike' Calvert as one of Major General Wingate's famous Chindits. 

It was also here that he won a battlefield commission to Lieutenant and his skill and daring as a leader soon saw him promoted Captain. He finished the war without further incident and after demobilisation went on to a successful business career.

• Flight Lieutenant in the Royal Air Force

The RAF allowed a wide latitude from regulation uniform, especially among its pilots.  Many sported colorful ascots instead of the prescribed black woolen necktie.  

Others, like this officer, eschewed neckwear altogether in favor of a turtleneck sweater.  His pilot's wings identify him as a flyer, and the twin stripes of braid on his cuffs show that he is a Flight Lieutenant, equivalent to the U.S. rank of Captain.  

His only visible service ribbon is that of the Distinguished Flying Cross.  However, if you were to lift his left lapel, you'd find the unofficial "winged boot" badge of a pilot who has returned to his unit after being downed behind enemy lines.