Soldier's colourful headgear (6)

I believe the answer is:

redcap

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'soldier's' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see an association between them that I can't see?

'colourful headgear' is the wordplay.
'colourful' becomes 'red' (similar in meaning).
'headgear' becomes 'cap' (cap is a kind of headgear).
'red'+'cap'='REDCAP'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for redcap that I've seen before include "Goldfinch" , "Carped (anag)" , "Hole from explosion" , "bird!" , "Mil. policeman (colloq.)" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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