Bill Alexander
In the spring of 1946, the last contingents of Canadian soldiers returned from overseas. The federal government, concentrating on demobilization and re-integration of discharged military personnel, was intent on collecting the peace dividend. Military preparedness and planning were put on the back burner, but questions as to the composition and role of the post-war army had to be addressed. The focus was on home defence, and Interim Force, a plan implemented in 1946, proposed a small permanent force and a reserve army of six divisions and several independent armoured brigades, with a heavy emphasis on air defence against the perceived Soviet threat. What formation patches and shoulder titles would be worn by this re-organized army? The insignia needed to be decided.
During the war, the permanent force regiments and active service battalions of militia regiments had served in one of the divisions or independent armoured brigades at home or overseas. It was determined that their cloth shoulder titles, worn with such pride during the war, should not be discarded. Canadian Army Order 125 of May, 1946, authorized existing regimental and corps embroidered shoulder titles for continued wear. Formation patches, on the other hand posed a more difficult problem. The permanent force regiments had not all served in the same formations, and neither had the neighbouring reserve regiments in the newly organized regional commands. And, the new reserve brigades included units that had not been mobilized or were new to the order of battle. The RCA wartime order of battle had been dissolved at the end of the war, and a new regimental system adopted within Canada. Some infantry and cavalry regiments had been re-tasked and converted to artillery, adopting RCA insignia. The higher formations no longer existed, making their signs meaningless. The wartime scheme of formation patches would not work in Canada. Allowing units to continue wearing their wartime formation signs would be confusing and defeat their purpose.
The Master General of the Ordnance included a proposal for a new scheme of formation patches in his November 1946 circular requesting input for the post war dress regulations:
For the time being it is proposed that the wartime formation patches be worn at the discretion of Officers Commanding the units. The question of wearing of formation patches by the post-war army is being examined and the following formation patches are suggested:
Army Headquarters
Infantry Brigade (Active Force)
Command Headquarters
District Headquarters
Reserve Force Divisional Formation Patches
Reserve Force Independent Bde Patches [1]
The proposal received significant support, but the reality of the situation precluded this scheme. With shrinking budgets, limited training and limited movement outside of local areas, it was determined that formation patches were unnecessary. Effective 1 January, 1947, the wearing of the existing formation signs was prohibited. A decision on the proposed system was deferred. Finally, at the Chief of the General Staff’s conference on 10 March 1948, it was decided no new formation patches would be adopted and the matter was dropped. For the next two years, as the army adjusted to peace time soldiering, there was no need for formation patches. Despite ominous noises from abroad, the Canadian government concentrated on adjusting to a peacetime economy and on re-integrating ex-service personnel into society. Military matters were of low priority.[2]
World events once again shattered Canada’s splendid isolation. On 25 June, 1950, North Korean troops invaded South Korea. Within days, the United Nations condemned the aggression and mandated an international force to repel the aggressor. Canada committed to the intervention force, and dispatched a battalion of the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry to join with British and Australian regiments of the 28th Commonwealth Infantry Brigade in February 1951. In July, the full 25th Canadian Infantry Brigade arrived in the Korean peninsula, and with other Commonwealth contributors, formed the 1st Commonwealth Division. Operating with other UN contingents in the field, the need for both brigade and division identification was required. The Canadian brigade adopted two patches, one for each sleeve. On the left, a pale blue shield, the United Nations colour, 2 1/2 inches by 3 inches, with the Tudor crown over “COMMONWEALTH”, in gold and red embroidery, identified the 1st Commonwealth Division. On the right sleeve, a scarlet shield, 2 1/8th by 3 3/8th inches, with “CANADA” in gold lettering, over two silver-white olive leaf sprays, symbolic of the United Nations, encircling a yellow maple leaf, identified the brigade as Canadian. Minor variations of the Division and Brigade patches were acquired. Bullion wire examples of both formation signs were acquired as Canadian personnel visited Japan on repatriation leave, en route home. During subsequent rotations, each new Canadian contingent continued to wear both formation signs, with one significant change. With the ascension of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, the St. Edwards crown replaced the Tudor crown on the 1st Commonwealth Division formation sign.[3] These signs continued in wear until the last elements of the 25th Canadian Brigade came home in 1955.
An RCAMC RSM from the RCAMC wears the Commonwealth Division patch on an armlet in Korea, and two RCR privates wear bullion wire patches on the tropical worsted uniform, at a welcome home from Korea dinner.
Other Canadian units and personnel served in Korea and Japan in the Line of Communications and base depots supporting the division. They were identified by the British and Commonwealth Forces patch. Consisting of a crown, either the Tudor or St. Edward’s depending on the date, over a segmented ribbon reading “BRITISH” “COMMONWEALTH” “FORCES”, it was embroidered on a medium blue field. These were worn until the Canadian Far East units returned home in 1954.
Half-way around the world, the Soviet Union was posturing aggressively. The Iron Curtain had descended across the Europe, with the threat of war against the west. In response, the nations of western Europe, the United States and Canada formed a military alliance, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, in 1949. In addition to naval and air force contingents, it was decided Canada would provide an infantry formation to be stationed in Europe. Designated 27th Canadian Infantry Brigade, it was a recruited in a unique manner. Fifteen reserve regiments were each to raise a company for active service in one of the three battalions in the NATO brigade. The battalions were identified as Highland, Light Infantry, and Infantry of the Line, with the personnel for each battalion recruited from the same type of reserve regiment. It was decided that the 27th would wear a French-gray shield shaped formation sign, the same shape and size as the 25th Brigade. As with the 25th patch, Canada, arced up, would be embroidered in gold thread across the top of the patch. Each battalion of the brigade would be identified with a unique device embroidered on the shield. The Line battalion patch had an up-wards pointed bayonet, the Light Infantry battalion, a light infantry horn, and the Highland battalion, a Scotch thistle. Headquarters’ personnel would wear the patch without any device. [4]
The unique recruiting scheme for the 27th Bde did not meet expectations. The battalions failed to gel and it became apparent some reserve regiments could not enlist the number of soldiers required on an ongoing basis. Another system was needed, which led to another re-organization. The Canadian Guards were formed and two militia regiments, the Black Watch and the Queen’s Own Rifles were activated for the regular force. The highland, light infantry, and line infantry battalions of the 27th Bde were re-designated respectively. In the fall of 1953, the 27th Canadian Infantry Brigade Group became the 1st Canadian Infantry Brigade. The brigade’s order of battle would consist of rotations of the six regular force infantry regiments, the Royal Canadian Regiment, P.P.C.L., Royal 22é Régiment, Queen’s Own Rifles, Black Watch, and Canadian Guards. The contingent was organized on a three-brigade basis, with 1st Brigade in Europe, and the 2nd and 3rd Brigades in Canada. With the 27th patches now obsolete, the question of what formation sign should be worn was addressed. It was decided the new brigade would wear an old formation sign, the traditional red patch of the 1st Canadian Division. All the units on the order of battle were entitled to wear the classic 3 x 2-inch scarlet patch of the 1st Canadian Division, which was was worn overseas from 1954 until the formation was reduced to nil strength in 1958. Some Canadian units continued to wear the patch after that date, in Canada and in Europe.[5]
Not all Canadian units in Europe were on the order of battle of 1st CIBG. Line of communication, depot and support units were required to support the 1st Canadian Brigade Group and RCAF contingents. Designated Canadian Base Units Europe (CBUE), it was agreed that they too should have some sort of formation sign. Another obsolete formation sign was revived, the First Canadian Army diamond, with a blue central stripe on red diamond. These signs were made in slightly larger dimensions than the Second World War pattern, measuring 3 ¼ x 2 5/8th inches. It was at the discretion of the Officer Commanding CBUE to authorize the units under his command permission to wear the formation sign.
One more formation sign was approved for service in Europe. A significant number of Canadians were attached to the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (S.H.A.P.E.), or its subordinate headquarters. A shield shaped embroidered patch identified SHAPE personnel, and it was suggested these be authorized for Canadians. It was noted that the SHAPE insignia was worn in accordance with instructions issued by that Headquarters.[6] The patch was authorized in late 1953, at the same time as the 1st Canadian Division and Canadian Base Units Europe insignia were approved. Worn on the sleeve two inches below the seam, the patches were to be purchased at individual expense. The S.H.A.P.E. patch was re-considered in 1958. It was noted that while the sleeve patch was appropriate for army personnel, it was not appropriate on the RCAF uniform. It was decided at that time that the metal S.H.A.P.E. pocket badge would be worn by all personnel. [7]
International events continued to shape Canadian foreign and military policy. In 1956, the Suez Crisis boiled over into a regional war. After Egypt nationalized the Suez Canal, Great Britain, France, and Israel attempted to regain control over the important transportation link through military intervention. An international crisis ensued. Under the auspices of the United Nations, led by an initiative from the Canadian External Affairs Minister, Lester B. Pearson, a peace keeping force was proposed to separate the warring parties and facilitate withdrawal of the combatants. The military contingents provided by several nations, including Canada, would need to be identified as peace keepers of the United Nations Emergency Force. Distinctive United Nations’ headdress and insignia was proposed for the deployment. United Nations cap badges would be worn on pale blue headdress and United Nations patches on the uniform sleeves.
The formation sign adopted for wear by personnel committed to the United Nations deployment consisted of circular patch, 2 ½ to 2 ¾ inches diameter, in United Nations’ pale blue, embroidered with a representation of the globe, showing the continents from a north polar projection. This is imposed on longitude and latitude lines which form the globe and is flanked by branches of olive leaves either side, symbolic of peace, with “UNITED NATIONS” embroidered in English above the globe, in white thread. The entire design was enclosed by a white embroidered border. Each contributing nation was responsible for procurement of their contingent’s insignia, but all were to be of the same design. The first Canadian issue was embroidered on melton material with a cut edge. Being deployed to a tropical climate, the UN patches were typically sewn on OD 7 armlets or purpose made tropical armlets, to be worn on the right sleeve. On the left side, the Canadian contingent wore the 25th Canadian Infantry Brigade patch, which had been repurposed as the “Canadian Army Overseas Flash” (sic). These badges were worn by all Canadian rotations to the UNEF.
Four years later, the United Nations was asked to intervene in the Congo. Again, a Canadian contingent was deployed to Opération des Nations Unies au Congo, abbreviated to ONUC, and would wear the blue patch, but a significant change was made to the embroidered designation. The working language for the deployment was French. The patch was altered to read ONU (Organization des Nations Unies). For this deployment the patch was embroidered in white on pale blue cotton drill material, with either an embroidered border or a merrowed edge. The Canadian contingent wore this badge in combination with the re-purposed 25th Brigade badge, now identified as the Canadian nationality badge. The UN patch was to be worn on an armlet on the left sleeve, and the nationality insignia on an armlet on the right. In addition, the regimental or corps titles were to be sewn on above the patches and non-commissioned officers’ rank were to be sewn below the formation patches. The ONU patch intended for the Congo deployment was occasionally issued for subsequent UN deployments.
Canadian UN deployments continued to adopt new versions of the United Nations patch. The next large and lengthy deployment began in 1964, when Canada deployed peacekeeping forces to Cyprus. Separating the Greek and Turkish Cypriots led to the deployment of many rotations of Canadian contingents, totalling nearly 25,000 Canadian personnel, before the mission terminated in 1993. Canadians continued to wear the repurposed 25 CIB patch on the right sleeve or armlet as the Canadian nationality identification, which was eventually made of drill material with a heavy merrowed edge. On the left sleeve, a third version of the United Nations patch was worn. Like the first design, with an English designation, “UNITED NATIONS”, the globe and designation were embroidered in white on a pale blue drill material with a heavy merrowed edge. This pattern of the UN patch became the standard for many deployments. Bi-lingual examples were later introduced, in English and French, and became the standard pattern. For some later deployments, bilingual English and Spanish patches were made.[8]
Changes to the organization of the Canadian armed forces were initiated in the early 1960s, with the goal being the unification of the three services. As an initial step, the land forces plus some tactical RCAF units were organized under a new structure called Force Mobile Command on 1 April 1966. It had been decided this new command would be identified by a unique formation sign. The badge was a white diamond shape, stylized as a compass arrow, set on North/South point, with a red embroidered edge. Four arrows in two tone blue represented the compass points. Superimposed in the middle is a red maple leaf with 11 points. (Contrary to popular interpretations, there is no significance to the number of points.) The patch symbolized Force Mobile Command being able to quickly respond on any threat, north, east, south, or west. The design was approved 27 September 1965, and was multi purpose, being used for vehicle markings as well as uniform insignia.[9]
Best intentions did not get the patch into wear by April. Two significant questions arose. First, the overall size of the badge was questioned. The initial design had been 2 inches in height and width dimensions, but it was suggested that it should be 2 ¼ inches. Second, there was a question about the border, with it being suggested a margin of white material be left outside the embroidered red border. Neither change was accepted, and, finally, in September 1966, an order for 125,643 pairs was tendered, with the new adoption date of 19 October 1966. The Force Mobile Command patch was intended for domestic service, and was not worn for foreign deployments. The value of such a distinguishing patch must be questioned. With almost all army (regular force and reserve) and some RCAF personnel wearing the sign, it did not serve any real distinguishing purpose for formations. The patch was considered a moral booster, and it has been suggested it was meant to lessen the sting of unification. It was the last formation sign adopted by the Canadian Forces before unification.[10]
While not specifically a formation sign, the need for a new national identifier became a focus for National Defence HQ. The repurposed 25 Brigade patch was in use for UN deployments, but it was not worn by Canada’s NATO brigade. In 1964, a request was forwarded to NDHQ for an embroidered Canadian flag patch, the Red Ensign, to be worn on the sleeve of the Canadian contingent for the Allied Mobile Force in NATO. At the time, the question of a new Canadian flag was being hotly debated in Parliament, and the request was held in abeyance. Within a year, the Canadian government adopted the new three-panel flag, in scarlet, white and scarlet, with an eleven-point scarlet maple leaf imposed on the center panel.[11] With this decided, a new flag patch design was proposed and approved by Directorate of Ceremonial, but shelved when Operational Command was super-ceded by Force Mobile Command. Even so, 1 Bn Royal Highland Regiment of Canada, tasked for the AM Force, had acquired the new flag patch for their uniforms, made at their expense. No further flag acquisitions were reported as the Force Mobile Command patch became standard issue in Canada.
In November 1965, the Canadian contingent of the International Control Commission asked and received permission to wear an embroidered version of the new flag. These were locally procured in Saigon. And, 4 Canadian Infantry Brigade Group in Germany was granted permission to wear a Canada flag for contingents participating in international competitions. Citing these initiatives, the Director of Ceremonial prosed that a patch using the design of the new flag be adopted for wear on the uniform. His request was forwarded for consideration by the Chief of the Defence. With looming unification of the Canadian Armed Forces, it appears no action was immediately taken. It would be re-considered after unification. [12]
The Royal Canadian Navy, the Canadian Army and Royal Canadian Air Force were unified in 1968. As part of the process, the uniforms of the three services were replaced with one common style, the Canadian Forces green garments. To facilitate unification, minimal insignia was to be worn on the uniforms, temporarily ending the use of formation signs, except for UN deployments. For the next decade, Canadian personnel would not wear formation signs.
Between 1946 and 1968, only a handful of new formation signs were adopted by the Canadian army. Serving the important purposes of identification, fostering esprit de corps, and addressing political initiatives, these patches were taken into wear when circumstances demanded. Continuing the practice instituted during the First World War, formation patches, while limited in use, fulfilled these important functions. It was deemed important that contingents for overseas deployments were easily identified as Canadian, and insignia to meet this requirement were designed and authorized. With unification, a trend of minimal uniform insignia became the norm. The post war era of insignia came to an ignominious end, having been deemed unwanted and irrelevant in the process of unifying the services.
[1] Master General of the Ordnance Branch, Army Headquarters, Dress and Clothing for the Canadian Army: Policies Proposals and Development, Ottawa, November 1946.
[2] Brief Prepared by DSD, Distinguishing Patches AHQ, Commands and MSF, HQ 1730-9 TD 61098 (SD 1B) 18 April 1956. RG 24 Vol. 14, File 5250:22.
[3] Adjutant-General Instruction 484/1951, Distinguishing Patches 25 Cdn Inf Bde Gp, 28 June 1951. The size of the 1st Commonwealth Division and 25th Canadian Infantry Brigade patches vary slightly. It was noted the 25th Bde patch was to be sewn on the sleeve with the bottom of the patch 4 ¾ inches from the shoulder seam. Report 64/10 Pg 2-3.
[4] The infantry of the line battalion included the Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment, Les Fusiliers de Montréal, the Carleton and York Regiment, the Algonquin Regiment, and the Loyal Edmonton Regiment. Recruits from each of these regiments continued to wear their approved titles in 27 Bde. The rifle battalion included the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada, Victoria Rifles of Canada, Royal Hamilton Light Infantry, Royal Winnipeg Rifles, and Regina Rifles, each wearing their respective shoulder titles. The Highland battalion composed of the Black Watch of Canada, North Nova Scotia Highlanders, 48th Highlanders of Canada, Seaforth Highlanders of Canada and the Canadian Scottish Regiment wore their respective titles.
[5] The 1st Canadian Division 1954-1958 consisted of three brigades. 1st Canadian Infantry Bde was in Europe, 2nd Canadian Infantry Bde in Edmonton, and 3rd Canadian Infantry Bde in Valcartier. The 1st Canadian Division patch became redundant when the formation was reduced to nil-strength in 1958, but some units on the order of battle continued to wear the sign in Europe, and it continued in wear in Canada until 1966.
[6] Brief Prepared by DSD, Distinguishing Patches AHQ, Commands and MSF, HQ 1730-9 TD 61098 (SD 1B) 18 April 1956. RG 24 Vol. 14, File 5250:22.
[7] Formation Distinguishing Patches APCC /P (56) 53 RG 24 Vol. 14, File 5250:22 and, Byford A.J. W/C Assistant Canadian National Military Representative SHAPE. Letter to Chairman, Chiefs of Staff, National Defence Headquarters, Ottawa Canada. 20 March 1958 and Dyer K. L. Rear Admiral, Chair, Personnel Members Committee, Memorandum to Chairman Chiefs of Defence Staff, NATO Distinguishing Badge 24 April 1958. During another round of correspondence in 1958, it was indicated only the SHAPE pocket badge was worn.
[8] Memoranda, Canadian United Nations Badge, B.L. Button, Lt.-Col. DC 2-7088, 26 April 1965. 6001-Clothing/C1 TD 5099 (DC). RG 24 ACC 1997-98 599 Box 16 File 5250 28 Pt 14.
[9] Allard J.V. Lt. Gen. Commander, Mobile Command Headquarters, Letter to the Chief of the Defence Staff, Distinguishing Formation Patch – Mobile Command, 18 November 1965. Dress Instructions: Badges and Buttons Command Badges, File 5250-28-13. Record Group 24, Box 19.
[10] Various documents. Dress Instructions Badges and Buttons Command Badges, File 5250-28-13. Record Group 24, Box 19.
[11] The initial design had included a 13-tip maple leaf, but for design purposes it was changed to eleven. There is no symbolic significance to the number of leaf tips.
[12] Bates W.F. Lt.-Col. Director of Ceremonial, Memoranda August 23, 1966. RG 24 Box 16 File 5250 28 Pt 14.
Mark W. Tonner
Infantry units – 2nd Canadian Infantry Division:
Under Mobilization Order No. 11, dated 17 April 1943, with effect from 1 May 1943, the following Infantry units of the 2nd Canadian Infantry Division were mobilized in the United Kingdom under the supervision of Headquarters, 2nd Canadian Infantry Division:
Unit Mobilization
| Unit Serial Number | Serial Number | Unit |
| 183 | 183/1 | 1st Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Canada, CIC |
| 182 | 182/1 | 1st Battalion, The Royal Hamilton Light Infantry, CIC |
| 181 | 181/1 | 1st Battalion, The Essex Scottish Regiment, CIC |
| 186 | 186/1 | 1st Battalion, The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada, CIC |
| 188 | 188/1 | 1st Battalion, Le Regiment de Maisonneuve, CIC |
| 192 | 192/1 | 1st Battalion, The Calgary Highlanders, CIC |
| 187 | 187/1 | 1st Battalion, Les Fusiliers Mont-Royal, CIC |
| 193 | 193/1 | 1st Battalion, The Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada, CIC |
| 191 | 191/1 | 1st Battalion, The South Saskatchewan Regiment, CIC |
RCA units – 2nd Canadian Infantry Division:
Under Mobilization Order No. 12, dated 18 April 1943, with effect from 1 May 1943, the following RCA units of the 2nd Canadian Infantry Division were mobilized in the United Kingdom under the supervision of Headquarters, 2nd Canadian Infantry Division:
Unit Mobilization
| Unit Serial Number | Serial Number | Unit |
| 154 | 154/1 | Headquarters of 2nd Divisional Artillery, RCA |
| 155 | 155/1 | 4th Field Regiment, RCA |
| 155A/1 | Headquarters, 4th Field Regiment, RCA | |
| 155B/1 | 2nd (Ottawa) Field Battery, RCA | |
| 155C/1 | 14th (Midland) Field Battery, RCA | |
| 155D/1 | 26th (Lambton) Field Battery, RCA | |
| 160 | 160/1 | 5th Field Regiment, RCA |
| 160A/1 | Headquarters, 5th Field Regiment, RCA | |
| 160B/1 | 5th (Westmount) Field Battery, RCA | |
| 160C/1 | 28th (Newcastle) Field Battery, RCA | |
| 160D/1 | 73rd Field Battery, RCA | |
| 165 | 165/1 | 6th Field Regiment, RCA |
| 165A/1 | Headquarters, 6th Field Regiment, RCA | |
| 165B/1 | 13th (Winnipeg) Field Battery, RCA | |
| 165C/1 | 91st Field Battery, RCA | |
| 165D/1 | 21st Field Battery, RCA | |
| 170 | 170/1 | 2nd Anti-Tank Regiment, RCA |
| 170A/1 | Headquarters, 2nd Anti-Tank Regiment, RCA | |
| 170B/1 | 18th Anti-Tank Battery, RCA | |
| 170C/1 | 20th Anti-Tank Battery, RCA | |
| 170D/1 | 108th Anti-Tank Battery, RCA | |
| 170E/1 | 23rd Anti-Tank Battery, RCA | |
| 142 | 142/1 | 3rd Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, RCA |
| 142A/1 | Headquarters, 3rd Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, RCA | |
| 142B/1 | 38th Light Anti-Aircraft Battery, RCA | |
| 142C/1 | 16th Light Anti-Aircraft Battery, RCA | |
| 142D/1 | 17th Light Anti-Aircraft Battery, RCA |
RCE units – 2nd Canadian Infantry Division:
Under Mobilization Order No. 13, dated 18 April 1943, with effect from 1 May 1943, the following RCE units of the 2nd Canadian Infantry Division were mobilized in the United Kingdom under the supervision of Headquarters, 2nd Canadian Infantry Division:
Unit Mobilization
| Unit Serial Number | Serial Number | Unit |
| 171 | 171/1 | Headquarters of 2nd Divisional Engineers, RCE |
| 172 | 172/1 | 1st (Lambton) Field Park Company, RCE |
| 173 | 173/1 | 2nd Field Company, RCE |
| 174 | 174/1 | 7th Field Company, RCE |
| 175 | 175/1 | 11th (Lambton) Field Company, RCE |
RCASC units – 2nd Canadian Infantry Division:
Under Mobilization Order No. 14, dated 17 April 1943, with effect from 1 May 1943, the following RCASC units of the 2nd Canadian Infantry Division were mobilized in the United Kingdom under the supervision of Headquarters, 2nd Canadian Infantry Division:, and Headquarters, 1st Canadian Corps:
Unit Mobilization
| Unit Serial Number | Serial Number | Unit |
| 195 | 195/1 | Headquarters Commander 2nd Infantry Division RCASC |
| 1159 | 1159/1 | No. 27 Company, RCASC (employed as 2nd Infantry Divisional Troops Company, RCASC) |
| 196 | 196/1 | No. 4 Company, RCASC (employed as 4th Infantry Brigade Company, RCASC) |
| 197 | 197/1 | No. 5 Company, RCASC (employed as 5th Infantry Brigade Company, RCASC) |
| 198 | 198/1 | No. 6 Company, RCASC (employed as 6th Infantry Brigade Company, RCASC) |
| 381 | 381/1 | No. 45 General Transport Company, RCASC (employed as 2nd Infantry Divisional Transport Company, RCASC ) |
RCAMC units – 2nd Canadian Infantry Division:
Under Mobilization Order No. 15, dated 18 April 1943, with effect from 1 May 1943, the following RCAMC units of the 2 nd Canadian Infantry Division were mobilized in the United Kingdom under the supervision of Headquarters, 2nd Canadian Infantry Division:
Unit Mobilization
| Unit Serial Number | Serial Number | Unit |
| 201 | 201/1 | No. 10 Field Ambulance, RCAMC |
| 199 | 199/1 | No. 11 Field Ambulance, RCAMC |
| 200 | 200/1 | No. 18 Field Ambulance, RCAMC |
| 1366 | 1366/1 | No. 3 Field Dressing Station, RCAMC |
| 1367 | 1367/1 | No. 4 Field Dressing Station, RCAMC |
| 202 | 202/1 | No. 13 Field Hygiene Section, RCAMC |
RCOC units – 2nd Canadian Infantry Division:
Under Mobilization Order No. 16, dated 18 April 1943, with effect from 1 May 1943, the following RCOC units of the 2nd Canadian Infantry Division were mobilized in the United Kingdom:
Unit Mobilization
| Unit Serial Number | Serial Number | Unit |
| 1502 | 1502/1 | Headquarters, 2nd Infantry Divisional Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineers, RCOC |
| 232A | 232A/1 | 4th Infantry Brigade Workshop, RCOC |
| 232B | 232B/1 | 5th Infantry Brigade Workshop, RCOC |
| 232C | 232C/1 | 6th Infantry Brigade Workshop, RCOC |
| 666 | 666/1 | No. 20 Light Aid Detachment (Type A), RCOC |
| 665 | 665/1 | No. 19 Light Aid Detachment (Type B), RCOC |
| 668 | 668/1 | No. 22 Light Aid Detachment (Type B), RCOC |
| 670 | 670/1 | No. 24 Light Aid Detachment (Type B), RCOC |
| 687 | 687/1 | No. 69 Light Aid Detachment (Type A), RCOC |
| 669 | 669/1 | No. 23 Light Aid Detachment (Type B), RCOC |
| 667 | 667/1 | No. 21 Light Aid Detachment (Type B), RCOC |
| 662 | 662/1 | No. 16 Light Aid Detachment (Type A), RCOC |
| 663 | 663/1 | No. 17 Light Aid Detachment (Type A), RCOC |
| 664 | 664/1 | No. 18 Light Aid Detachment (Type A), RCOC |
| 610E | 610E/1 | 3rd Light Anti-Aircraft Workshop (Type A), RCOC |
| 849 | 849/1 | No. 2 Infantry Troops Workshop, RCOC |
| 117C | 117C/1 | 2nd Infantry Divisional Sub-Park, RCOC |
| 235A | 235A/1 | No. 2 Mobile Laundry and Bath Unit, RCOC |
Sigs and Recce units – 2nd Canadian Infantry Division:
Under Mobilization Order No.17, dated 17 April 1943, with effect from 1 May 1943, the following Sigs and Recce units of the 2nd Canadian Infantry Division were mobilized in the United Kingdom under the supervision of Headquarters, 2nd Canadian Infantry Division:
Unit Mobilization
| Unit Serial Number | Serial Number | Unit |
| 176 | 176/1 | 2nd Canadian Divisional Signals, RC Signals |
| 581 | 581/1 | 8th Reconnaissance Regiment (14th Canadian Hussars), CAC |
Headquarters units – 2nd Canadian Infantry Division:
Under Mobilization Order No. 18, dated 18 April 1943, with effect from 1 May 1943, the following Headquarters units of the 2nd Canadian Infantry Division were mobilized in the United Kingdom:
Unit Mobilization
| Unit Serial Number | Serial Number | Unit |
| 152 | 152/1 | Headquarters, 2nd Canadian Infantry Division |
| 180 | 180/1 | Headquarters, 4th Canadian Infantry Brigade |
| 185 | 185/1 | Headquarters, 5th Canadian Infantry Brigade |
| 190 | 190/1 | Headquarters, 6th Canadian Infantry Brigade |
| 254B | 254B/1 | 2nd Infantry Division Section Reinforcement Camp |
| 542 | 542/1 | No. 2 Canadian Field Security Section |
| 203 | 203/1 | No. 2 Provost Company |
| 204 | 204/1 | 2nd Divisional Postal Unit, CPC |
| 233 | 233/1 | No. 2 Field Cash Office |
Acknowledgments:
The Author wishes to thank Mike Reintjes for putting the idea to write this, and following articles, on the series of Canadian Army Mobilization Orders which began to be issued to the Canadian Army Overseas by Canadian Military Headquarters (London), as the possibility of active operations approached in the spring of 1943. I wish to also thank Richard Law for publishing this article.
Sources:
– LAC/ RG24, C-2, Volume: 12500, File: 6/MOB ORDER 11/1; File: 6/MOB ORDER 12/1; File: 6/MOB ORDER 13/1; File: 6/MOB ORDER 14/1; File: 6/MOB ORDER 15/1; File: 6/MOB ORDER 16/1; File: 6/MOB ORDER 17/1; and File: 6/MOB ORDER 18/1.
– ON ACTIVE SERVICE, by M.W. Tonner, 2008, Service Publications; Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. ISBN 1 – 894581 – 44 – X
by Mark W. Tonner May 23, 2021
Mobilization – 1st Canadian Infantry Division – April 1943
Infantry units – 1st Canadian Infantry Division:
Under Mobilization Order No. 1, dated 17 April 1943, with effect from 1 May 1943, the following Infantry units of the 1st Canadian Infantry Division were mobilized in the United Kingdom under the supervision of Headquarters, 1st Canadian Infantry Division:
Unit Mobilization
| Unit Serial Number | Serial Number | Unit |
| 31 | 31/1 | The Royal Canadian Regiment, CIC |
| 33 | 33/1 | 1st Battalion, The Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment. CIC |
| 32 | 32/1 | 1st Battalion, 48th Highlanders of Canada, CIC |
| 36 | 36/1 | Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, CIC |
| 37 | 37/1 | 1st Battalion, The Seaforth Highlanders of Canada, CIC |
| 38 | 38/1 | 1st Battalion, The Edmonton Regiment, CIC |
| 41 | 41/1 | Royal 22e Regiment, CIC |
| 43 | 43/1 | 1st Battalion, The Carleton and York Regiment, CIC |
| 42 | 42/1 | 1st Battalion, The West Nova Scotia Regiment, CIC |
RCA units – 1st Canadian Infantry Division:
Under Mobilization Order No. 2, dated 18 April 1943, with effect from 1 May 1943, the following RCA units of the 1st Canadian Infantry Division were mobilized in the United Kingdom under the supervision of Headquarters, 1st Canadian Infantry Division:
Unit Mobilization
| Unit Serial Number | Serial Number | Unit |
| 4 | 4/1 | Headquarters of 1st Divisional Artillery, RCA |
| 5 | 5/1 | 1st Field Regiment, RCHA |
| 5A/1 | Headquarters, 1st Field Regiment, RCHA | |
| 5B/1 | “A” Battery, RCHA | |
| 5C/1 | 5D/1“B” Battery, RCHA | |
| “C” Battery, RCHA | ||
| 10 | 10/1 | 2nd Field Regiment, RCA |
| 10A/1 | Headquarters, 2nd Field Regiment, RCA | |
| 10B/1 | 8th Field Battery, RCA | |
| 10C/1 | 10th (St. Catharines) Field Battery, RCA | |
| 10D/1 | 7th (Montreal) Field Battery, RCA | |
| 15 | 15/1 | 3rd Field Regiment, RCA |
| 15A/1 | Headquarters, 3rd Field Regiment, RCA | |
| 15B/1 | 77th Field Battery, RCA | |
| 15C/1 | 19th Field Battery, RCA | |
| 15D/1 | 92nd Field Battery, RCA | |
| 20 | 20/1 | 1st Anti-Tank Regiment, RCA |
| 20A/1 | Headquarters, 1st Anti-Tank Regiment, RCA | |
| 20B/1 | 51st Anti-Tank Battery, RCA | |
| 20C/1 | 57th Anti-Tank Battery, RCA | |
| 20D/1 | 27th Anti-Tank Battery, RCA | |
| 2 | 0E/1 | 90th Anti-Tank Battery, RCA |
| 141 | 141/1 | 2nd Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, RCA |
| 141A/1 | Headquarters, 2nd Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, RCA | |
| 141B/1 | 2nd (Yorkton) Light Anti-Aircraft Battery, RCA | |
| 141D/1 | 5th Light Anti-Aircraft Battery, RCA | |
| 141E/1 | 54th Light Anti-Aircraft Battery, RCA |
RCE units – 1st Canadian Infantry Division:
Under Mobilization Order No. 3, dated 18 April 1943, with effect from 1 May 1943, the following RCE units of the 1st Canadian Infantry Division were mobilized in the United Kingdom under the supervision of Headquarters, 1st Canadian Infantry Division:
Unit Mobilization
| Unit Serial Number | Serial Number | Unit |
| 21 | 21/1 | Headquarters of 1st Divisional Engineers, RCE |
| 22 | 22/1 | 2nd Field Park Company, RCE |
| 23 | 23/1 | 1st Field Company, RCE |
| 24 | 24/1 | 3rd Field Company, RCE |
| 25 | 25/1 | 4th Field Company, RCE |
RCASC units – 1st Canadian Infantry Division:
Under Mobilization Order No. 4, dated 18 April 1943, with effect from 1 May 1943, the following RCASC units of the 1st Canadian Infantry Division were mobilized in the United Kingdom under the supervision of Headquarters, 1st Canadian Infantry Division:
Unit Mobilization
| Unit Serial Number | Serial Number | Unit |
| 45 | 45/1 | Headquarters Commander 1st Infantry Division RCASC |
| 963 | 963/2 | No. 12 Company, RCASC (employed as 1st Infantry Divisional Troops Company, RCASC) |
| 46 | 46/1 | No. 1 Company, RCASC (employed as 1st Infantry Brigade Company, RCASC) |
| 47 | 47/1 | No. 2 Company, RCASC (employed as 2nd Infantry Brigade Company, RCASC) |
| 48 | 48/1 | No. 3 Company, RCASC (employed as 3rd Infantry Brigade Company, RCASC) |
| 113 | 113/1 | No. 41 General Transport Company, RCASC (employed as1st Infantry Divisional Transport Company, RCASC) |
RCAMC units – 1st Canadian Infantry Division:
Under Mobilization Order No. 5, dated 18 April 1943, with effect from 1 May 1943, the following RCAMC units of the 1st Canadian Infantry Division were mobilized in the United Kingdom under the supervision of Headquarters, 1st Canadian Infantry Division:
Unit Mobilization
| Unit Serial Number | Serial Number | Unit |
| 51 | 51/1 | No. 4 Field Ambulance, RCAMC |
| 49 | 49/1 | No. 5 Field Ambulance, RCAMC |
| 50 | 50/1 | No. 9 Field Ambulance, RCAMC |
| 1364 | 1364/1 | No. 1 Field Dressing Station, RCAMC |
| 1365 | 1365/1 | No. 2 Field Dressing Station, RCAMC |
| 52 | 52/1 | No. 2 Field Hygiene Section, RCAMC |
RCOC units – 1st Canadian Infantry Division:
Under Mobilization Order No. 6, dated 18 April 1943, with effect from 1 May 1943, the following RCOC units of the 1st Canadian Infantry Division were mobilized in the United Kingdom :
Unit Mobilization
| Unit Serial Number | Serial Number | Unit |
| 150 | 150/1 | Headquarters, 1st Infantry Divisional Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineers, RCOC |
| 116A | 116A/1 | 1st Infantry Brigade Workshop, RCOC |
| 116B | 116B/1 | 2nd Infantry Brigade Workshop, RCOC1 |
| 116C | 116C/1 | 3rd Infantry Brigade Workshop, RCOC |
| 686 | 686/1 | No. 68 Light Aid Detachment (Type A), RCOC |
| 621 | 621/1 | No. 7 Light Aid Detachment (Type B), RCOC |
| 622 | 622/1 | No. 8 Light Aid Detachment (Type B), RCOC |
| 623 | 623/1 | No. 9 Light Aid Detachment (Type B), RCOC |
| 627 | 627/1 | No. 13 Light Aid Detachment (Type A), RCOC |
| 628 | 628/1 | No. 14 Light Aid Detachment (Type B), RCOC |
| 629 | 629/1 | No. 15 Light Aid Detachment (Type B), RCOC |
| 615 | 615/1 | No. 1 Light Aid Detachment (Type A), RCOC |
| 616 | 616/1 | No. 2 Light Aid Detachment (Type A), RCOC |
| 617 | 617/1 | No. 3 Light Aid Detachment (Type A), RCOC |
| 609E | 609E/1 | 2nd Light Anti-Aircraft Workshop (Type A), RCOC |
| 446 | 446/1 | No. 1 Infantry Troops Workshop, RCOC |
| 117A | 117A/1 | 1st Infantry Divisional Sub-Park, RCOC |
| 235 | 235/1 | No. 1 Mobile Laundry and Bath Unit, RCOC |
Sigs and Recce units – 1st Canadian Infantry Division:
Under Mobilization Order No.7, dated 17 April 1943, with effect from 1 May 1943, the following Sigs and Recce units of the 1st Canadian Infantry Division were mobilized in the United Kingdom under the supervision of Headquarters, 1st Canadian Infantry Division:
Unit Mobilization
| Unit Serial Number | Serial Number | Unit |
| 26 | 26/1 | 1st Canadian Divisional Signals, RC Signals |
| 580 | 580/1 | 4th Reconnaissance Regiment (4th Princess Louise Dragoon Guards), CAC |
Headquarters units – 1st Canadian Infantry Division:
Under Mobilization Order No.8, dated 18 April 1943, with effect from 1 May 1943, the following Headquarters units of the 1st Canadian Infantry Division were mobilized in the United Kingdom::
Unit Mobilization
| Unit Serial Number | Serial Number | Unit |
| 2 | 2/1 | Headquarters, 1st Canadian Infantry Division |
| 30 | 30/1 | Headquarters, 1st Canadian Infantry Brigade |
| 35 | 35/1 | Headquarters, 2nd Canadian Infantry Brigade |
| 40 | 40/1 | Headquarters, 3rd Canadian Infantry Brigade |
| 541 | 541/1 | No. 1 Canadian Field Security Section |
| 53 | 53/1 | No. 1 Provost Company (RCMP) |
| 54 | 54/1 | 1st Canadian Divisional Postal Unit, CPC |
| 254A | 254A/1 | 1st Canadian Infantry Division Section Reinforcement Camp |
| 118 | 118/1 | No. 1 Field Cash Office |
Headquarters units – 1st Canadian Infantry Division:
Under Amendment No. 1 to Mobilization Order No.8, dated 29 April 1943, with effect from 16 May 1943, the following Headquarters units of the 1st Canadian Infantry Division were mobilized in the United Kingdom under the supervision of Headquarters, First Canadian Army:
Unit Mobilization
| Unit Serial Number | Serial Number | Unit |
| 55 | 55/1 | No. 1 Defence and Employment Platoon (Lorne Scots), CIC |
Support Battalions – 1, 2, and 3 Canadian Divisions:
Under Mobilization Order No.9, dated 27 April 1943, the following units were mobilized in the United Kingdom:
Unit Mobilization
| Unit Serial Number | Serial Number | Unit |
| 39 | 39/1 | 1st Infantry Division Support Battalion (The Saskatoon Light Infantry), CIC (with effect from 16 May 1943) |
| 39A/1 | Headquarters, 1st Infantry Division Support Battalion (The Saskatoon Light Infantry), CIC | |
| 39B/1 | 1st Infantry Brigade Support Group (The Saskatoon Light Infantry), CIC | |
| 39C/1 | 2nd Infantry Brigade Support Group (The Saskatoon Light Infantry), CIC | |
| 39D/1 | 3rd Infantry Brigade Support Group (The Saskatoon Light Infantry) | |
| 34 | 34/1 | 2nd Infantry Division Support Battalion (The Toronto Scottish Regiment), CIC (with effect from 1 June 1943) |
| 34A/1 | Headquarters, 2nd Infantry Division Support Battalion (The Toronto Scottish Regiment), CIC | |
| 34B/1 | 4th Infantry Brigade Support Group (The Toronto Scottish Regiment), CIC | |
| 34C/1 | 5th Infantry Brigade Support Group (The Toronto Scottish Regiment), CIC | |
| 34D/1 | 6th Infantry Brigade Support Group (The Toronto Scottish Regiment), CIC | |
| 733 | 733/1 | 3rd Infantry Division Support Battalion (The Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa), CIC (with effect from 1 June 1943) |
| 733A/1 | Headquarters, 3rd Infantry Division Support Battalion (The Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa), CIC | |
| 733B/1 | 7th Infantry Brigade Support Group (The Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa), CIC | |
| 733C/1 | 8th Infantry Brigade Support Group (The Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa), CIC | |
| 733D/1 | 9th Infantry Brigade Support Group (The Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa), CIC |
Acknowledgments:
The Author wishes to thank Mike Reintjes for putting the idea to write this, and following articles, on the series of Canadian Army Mobilization Orders which began to be issued to the Canadian Army Overseas by Canadian Military Headquarters (London), as the possibility of active operations approached in the spring of 1943. I wish to also thank Richard Law for publishing this article.
Sources:
LAC/ RG24, C-2, Volume: 12500, File: 6/MOB ORDER 1/1; File: 6/MOB ORDER 2/1; File: 6/MOB ORDER 3/1; File: 6/MOB ORDER 4/1; File: 6/MOB ORDER 5/1; File: 6/MOB ORDER 6/1; File: 6/MOB ORDER 7/1; File: 6/MOB ORDER 8/1; and File: 6/MOB ORDER 9/1
ON ACTIVE SERVICE, by M.W. Tonner, 2008, Service Publications; Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. ISBN 1 – 894581 – 44 – X
This article was first published in The Royal Canadian Regiment’s Annual Journnal, Pro Patria, ed 2019.
Capt R.J.S. Law
Most members of The Regiment may not be very familiar with our own coloured shoulder titles considering they were last worn with the unpopular Garrison dress, but like many of our dress items, what is old is new again. The Regimental Executive Committee proposed in December 2017 that The RCR re-introduce cloth shoulder titles for wear in DEU, a proposal which was supported by the Regimental Senate in December 2018 and supported by the Canadian Army Dress and Ceremonial Committee on 12 July 2018.[i]
Some may wonder what the significance of this title means to us now. If it has been forgotten for so many decades, why bother returning to this old tradition? In some ways, a similar argument was discussed in 1941.
Although cloth shoulder titles had been introduced for some units in the First World War, The RCR generally wore metal shoulder devices denoting our Regiment. The introduction of the Battle Dress uniform in 1939 brought on the challenge of unit identifiers and this was overcome, initially, with drab wool slip ons with the abbreviated R.C.R. worn in conjunction with a “CANADA” title and sewn onto the epaulette. These titles were only to be worn in Canada by the Canadian Active Service Force (CASF) and by Other Ranks, Officers were precluded as to not interfere with the placement of rank badges on the shoulders.[ii]
In an effort to make Canadian soldiers more easily recognizable in the UK, in 1940 the Division patches were introduced, Red signifying the 1st Canadian Division of which The RCR belonged. While overseas many regiments went about adopting Regimental titles unofficially, of which The RCR was a culprit in the Fall of 1940. These first badges were procured and produced in the UK. As the Canadian HQ in London learned of units making up their own badges memorandums were disseminated informing that formal approval had to be sought through the correct chains before any badge could be introduced.
Concurrent to this, the policy of wearing coloured badges back in Canada was still forbidden, leaving many members feeling somewhat unattached to their units. Members returning to Canada from the UK were supposed to remove their coloured badges but often did not as a point of pride of having already been overseas creating a quasi two-tiered feeling in the ranks.
Then Maj S. Galloway mentioned the adoption of cloth shoulder titles in his book, A Regiment At War, “It is interesting to note at this point that the “flash” of blue, amber and black, bearing the words THE ROYAL CANADIAN REGIMENT, was first issued to be worn on battledress shoulders just previous to the move from Charlwood. Originally it was introduced to distinguish those actually serving, or who had served with the Field Unit, from those numerous reinforcements stationed at Bordon in Hampshire, or otherwise employed in the United Kingdom. Gradually this custom died, however. and to all those who wore the V.R.I. went the right to put up the regimental “flash.”[iii]
In Late 1941, the matter was brought to the attention of Ottawa. LCol W. Neilson, Officer Commanding No. 1 District, with the support of other senior Royal Canadians who were of the same opinion, requested that members employed domestically be permitted to wear the coloured regimental titles. Among the justification, he stated these “these titles would (i) increase the morale of the older members, (ii) Offer newly enlisted personnel to take pride in their own unit, (iii) maintain uniformity in dress, (iv) tend to stimulate recruiting, and (v) increase Regimental esprit-de-corps”.[iv] At this time, only the Other Ranks wore an R.C.R. worsted title in Canada, while Officers had nothing to demonstrate their affiliation less their cap badge. At the time a few units were already wearing authorized titles in Canada, including the PPCLI, the GGFG, the CGG, Provost Corps, and Veteran Guard, while many others wore them without Ottawa’s blessing, as Brigadier D.J. MacDonald pointed out in his letter of support. After much back and forth between NDHQ and many units, districts and corps, Ottawa ceded that coloured shoulder titles, specific to each regiment could be procured at public expense and worn regardless of where soldiers of the Active Force were, as of January 5th, 1942.
As the years progressed, the Regimental title continued to be produced in the shape of the second pattern. Described as “Cloth. On a blue background with a 1/8” black border, the words “THE ROYAL CANADIAN REGIMENT” in gold letters 3/8” high. Dimensions – height 1 ½”, width 5”. Worn by all ranks on the battledress and armlet. The title will be machine sewn on the battledress even with the shoulder seam, with the letter “R” in the word “ROYAL” centrally positioned.”[v]
Minor changes were made over the following decades, generally regulating the colour of thread used for the embroidery, or the construction method, but it can generally be accepted that the title remained more or less the same until they became obsolete with the introduction of Olive Drab combat uniform in the early 1960s. During the 1950s, when The London & Oxford Fusiliers amalgamated with The RCR to form 3 RCR they wore a distinctive patch below the Regimental title, more information on this distinctive badge can be found in the article “Badges of The Royal Canadian Regiment Shoulder Flashes and Titles” By Capt Michael O’Leary, in the 2009 edition of Pro Patria.[vi]
As CF Service Dress was introduced in 1968, and an initial desire for sanitizing uniforms as part of unification, no unit identifiers were to be worn. However; by 1980 the Regimental Standing Orders specify two new shoulder titles with the Regiment’s title in full, one made in “bright gold” embroidered on Service Dress material for wear on the Service Dress, and one made of “dull gold on work dress material” for the work dress jacket.[vii] With the introduction of Distinctive Environmental Uniform (DEU) in 1983, and the introduction of epaulettes, the wearing of cloth shoulder titles once again slipped away as the metal shoulder title returned.
Then, in 1989 the ever-so-hated Garrison jacket was introduced. A camouflaged polyester uniform to be worn in garrison only sported full colour regimental titles. Described in the 1992 RSOs, as “full title in regimental colours,” it was similar in design than previous wool versions but was larger and made of more modern materials. As the uniform was hung up to the pleasure of many in 1994, the use of coloured shoulder titles also ended.
Although the Regiment ceased wearing them, the tradition of coloured titles continued with our affiliated cadet corps, 12 cadet corps totalling over 1500 youths when the badge was taken into wear. Although many of their badges were old stock from the Regiment, a cadet specific pattern was also produced. Approved in 1978 these titles were complete embroidered in rayon thread.[viii]
Most recently; however, the enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) Battle Group, Roto 10, led by 1 RCR wore a similar shoulder title but printed on PVC and made with black writing in relief on an olive background.
Which leaves us in our new chapter about the Regiment’s shoulder title. In the supporting documentation for us to return to our familiar and distinctive badge it was noted “the easily recognisable shoulder insignia will provide our soldiers with an improved feeling of identity including past serving members who recognize the traditionally worn items of their era.” Much like Second World War policy, as “Canadian” is featured in the title the wearing of the “Canada” badge of DEU will now become obsolete for The RCR. The wearing guidelines describe that “the cloth shoulder title is to be worn on both sleeves of the DEU jacket. It is worn in the position of the current Canada cloth titles with the bottom of the title aligned in the same position. The title should be centered on the sleeve utilizing the “R” in the word Royal, center-line with existing insignia and titles. It is not necessary to align the center of the title with the existing shoulder straps of the DEU since they are not centered on the shoulder seam due to the varying sizes of tunics and design of the shoulder cut. The variances in cut and design in men’s and women’s jackets will also affect the positioning.” The new badges will measure 4.5” long and 1.16” at their widest point. Regimental members can expect to see these being issued in the coming months.
Addendum: The first issue of titles took place starting in September 2020, with one pair issued free of charge to every serving member of The RCR.
[i] 5250-1(G1 Dress and Ceremonial) Minutes of the CADCC Meeting 01/18 held on 19 June 2018, dated 12 July 2018.
[ii] Alexander B. Fabric of War, 2019
[iii] Galloway S., A Regiment at War, 1979
[iv] LAC, R112, Vol 29711, Letter, Regimental Shoulder Titles, The Royal Canadian Regiment, 29 Nov 41.
[v] RCR Regimental Standing Orders, 1960.
[vi] O’Leary M., Badges of The Royal Canadian Regiment Shoulder Flashes and Titles, Pro Patria, 2009.
[vii] The Regimental Standing Orders for The Royal Canadian Regiment, 1980.
[viii] Memorandum, Insignia Shoulder Sleeve, Army Cadet, 19 Nov 79
This article was first published in the print version of Military Artifact, No.2 Mk III, published by Service Publications.
Shortly after the end of the Second World War, HRH Princess Arthur of Connaught presented a Regimental Banner to The Royal Canadian Regiment. The Princess Arthur was the daughter of the Duke of Connaught, then Colonel-in-Chief of The Regiment.
Late in 1945 an officer of the RCR was despatched to London to collect the banner preparatory to bringing it to Canada. Unfortunately, the banner was subsequently mislaid while in transit to Canada.
The loss of the regimental banner occasioned considerable embarrassment to the regiment and put into action extensive investigations by both Scotland Yard and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Canadian Army Headquarters questioned Movement Control officers, and others who might have been concerned with the banner.[1] Four years later the Adjutant General issued a circular letter which outlined the disappearance of the banner. The letter suggested that “the banner is at present in the possession of some person or unit in Canada”[2] and provided a description of the banner as well as a sketch. The banner was described as being 36” X 46”, with a red field and blue and hold diagonal bars. The ‘VRI’ was worked in green and the entire banner was trimmed in a red and green fringe. The letter was given the widest possible distribution and was forwarded to all Command Headquarters, Area Headquarters, Active Force units, Reserve Force Headquarters and units.
After over 50 years the fate of the banner is still unknown. (Editor’s note – the statement rings true over 75 years).
In conversation with staff of the Regimental Museum of The Royal Canadian Regiment, it appears that there have been several regimental banners over the years, nonetheless there is a strong desire to see this piece of regimental history returned to its rightful home.
[1] ADM Circular Letter 1/1949
[2] DND, DHH. Letter HQ1-101-6 Vol. 3
Thanks to MCpl Johnson, RCR Museum for his help.
September 7, 2020
by Mark W. Tonner
Introduction
This article is the fourth, and last, in a series of articles on the various ‘Marks’ of the Infantry Tank Mark IV, Churchill (A22), which saw service with the Canadian Army Overseas between 1941 and 1943. The earlier articles being “The Churchill Mark I infantry tank in service with the Canadian Army Overseas, 1941-43,” of August 28, 2015, “The Churchill Mark II infantry tank in service with the Canadian Army Overseas, 1941-43,” of September 7, 2015, and “The Churchill Mark III infantry tank in service with the Canadian Army Overseas, 1942-43,” of December 28, 2015.
The Churchill Mark IV was the fourth ‘Mark’ (the term (‘Mark’) used to designate different versions of equipment) of the Infantry Tank Mark IV, Churchill (A22), which was an ‘Infantry Tank’ specifically designed for fighting in support of infantry operations. The Infantry Tank Mark IV, Churchill (A22) was the fourth in the family of infantry tanks that had been developed by the British1, and was designed by Vauxhall Motors Limited of Luton, Bedfordshire, England, who also acted as parent to a group of companies charged with the tanks production.
Within the Canadian Army Overseas, the units of the 1st Canadian Army Tank Brigade were the main Canadian users of the Churchill infantry tank. The brigade (which was the first formation of the Canadian Armoured Corps sent overseas) had arrived in the United Kingdom at the end of June 1941, and was to have been equipped with the Canadian-built Infantry Tank Mark III, Valentine, before leaving Canada. However, because of delays in Canadian tank production, the British War Office was asked to lend tanks to the incoming 1st Canadian Army Tank Brigade. These would be replaced with Canadian-built tanks when Canadian production problems were overcome. With the support of the British Army’s Commander of the Royal Armoured Corps, this endeavour was successful, and immediately upon arrival in the United Kingdom, 1st Canadian Army Tank Brigade was able to draw equipment on a respectable training scale. From July 1941 to May 1943, the brigade was equipped with Churchill Mark I, Mark II, Mark III, and Mark IV tanks. Approximately 75 Churchill Mark IV tanks saw service with the units of the 1st Canadian Army Tank Brigade, while at total of approximately 15 were held as stock by No. 1 Sub Depot of No. 1 Canadian Base Ordnance Depot, Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps (located at Bordon Camp, Hampshire, England), between December 1942 and March 1943.
The 90 Churchill Mark IV tanks that saw service with the Canadian Army Overseas were assembled under contracts from Vauxhall Motors Ltd, by seven firms in the United Kingdom. Metro-Cammell Carriage & Wagon Co. Ltd., of Birmingham, West Midlands, England, assembled six, Leyland Motors of Leyland, Lancashire, England, assembled 22, Dennis Brothers Ltd., of Guildford, Surrey, England, assembled five, Newton Chambers Ltd., of Suffield, Norfolk, England, assembled 19, Gloucester Railway Carriage & Wagon Co., of Gloucester, Gloucestershire, England, assembled five, Beyer, Peacock & Co. Ltd., of Manchester, England, assembled four, Charles Roberts & Co. Ltd., of Horbury, Wakefield, England, assembled four, and with Vauxhall Motors Ltd., itself, of Luton, Bedfordshire, England, assembling 25.
The British development of and a brief description of the Churchill Mark IV
When the Infantry Tank Mark IV, Churchill (A22), was initially designed and went into production, it had been agreed that the 2-pounder gun mounted in the turret would be replaced by a 6-pounder gun when it became available. According to the British War Office policy of up-gunning cruiser and infantry tanks, the Churchill Mark III, which began coming off the production line in March 1942, was the first ‘Mark’ of the Churchill to mount the 6-pounder gun as its main armament, as opposed to the 2-pounder gun with which both the Churchill Mark I and Mark II had been equipped with. In line with this policy, the Churchill Mark IV, which began coming off the production line in June 1942, also mounted a 6-pounder gun as its main armament, along with the now standardized secondary armament mounted in a Churchill tank of one coaxial Besa 7.92-millimetre (0.3-inch) machine gun, which was mounted in the turret, and another Besa 7.92-millimetre (0.3-inch) machine gun mounted in the front hull plate beside the driver.
The Churchill Mark IV (like the Churchill Mark I, Mark II, and Mark III) had 102-millimetres (4.0-inches) thick armour (with a minimum thickness of 16-millimetres (0.6-inches)), making it one of the most heavily protected tanks built to that time. It weighed approximately 40-tonnes (39-tons), and was 7.4-metres (24 feet, 5-inches) in length, by 3.3-metres (10 feet, 8-inches) in width (with hull-side air intakes in place, and 2.8-metres (9 feet, 2-inches), without), and stood at a height of 2.5-metres (8 feet, 2-inches). It was powered by a 350-brake horsepower, 12-cylinder, horizontally-opposed engine, which could produce a road speed of 25-kilometres per hour (15.5-miles per hour) and a cross-country speed of 13-kilometres per hour (8-miles per hour) (approximately). It had an onboard fuel capacity of 681-litres (150-gallons), carried in six interconnected fuel tanks, three each side, located within the engine compartment, and also had an auxiliary fuel tank mounted on the outside rear hull, which carried an additional 148-litres (32.5-gallons). This auxiliary tank was connected to the main fuel system, but could be jettisoned from the tank in an emergency. This gave the Churchill Mark IV a total fuel capacity of 829-litres (182.5-gallons) allowing for a cruising range of 144 to 200-kilometres (90 to 125-miles).
A manganese steel track was used on the Churchill Mk IV tanks. These were composed of steel shoes, connected together by pins. The pins were secured in position by a stainless-steel retainer welded to each side of the link. The pitch of manganese steel track was 20.2-centimetres (7.96-inches) and each complete track was made up of 72 links, for a total of 144 links. Each of these manganese steel track links weighed approximately 22-kilograms (48-pounds). When the pressed steel or manganese steel track types were used, the sprockets on both the final drive and idler units required 23 teeth each. On all three types, the track pins were designed to run dry and therefore required no lubrication. The track, in conjunction with the bogie units, had to cope with all normal tank handling conditions, such as driving, reversing, steering, and climbing low obstacles. It had to provide a 5-kilogram (12-pounds) per square inch ground pressure when fully laden, and it had to be capable of crushing moderately large stones and keeping out barbed wire. It had to sustain a speed of 26- kilometres per hour (16-miles per hour), and should not wear out for a distance of 3,219-kilometres (2000-miles).
The Churchill Mark IV (like the Mark III) had a 6-pounder gun2 (capable of penetrating 81-millimetres (3-inches) of armour at 457-metres (500-yards) and a coaxial Besa 7.92-millimetre (0.3-inch) machine gun mounted in the turret, along with a 51-millimetre (2-inch)smoke bomb-thrower (Mark I) mounted in the turret roof, and a second Besa 7.92-millimetre (0.3-inch) machine gun mounted in the hull front plate alongside the driver. The 6-pounder gun had an elevation of minus 12.5-degrees to plus 20-degrees. The Besa 7.92-millimetre (0.3-inch) machine gun mounted in the hull front plate, suffered from the same restricted traverse as that of the 3-inch howitzer mounted in the hull front plate of the Churchill Mark I, and the Besa 7.92-millimetre (0.3-inch) machine gun mounted in the hull front plate of the Churchill Mark II, and Mark III, due to the width of the hull between the horns. It had a crew of five men (a commander, a gun layer, a loader/(radio) operator, a driver, a co-driver/hull gunner), all of whom was cross-trained. The hull was divided into four compartments. At the front, the driving compartment also housed the gunner for the Besa 7.92-millimetre (0.3-inch) machine gun mounted in the front hull plate. Behind that was the fighting compartment containing the electrically-operated three-man (commander, gun layer, and the loader/(radio) operator) turret. Further to the rear was the engine compartment, followed by the rear compartment housing the gearbox, main and steering brakes, an air compressor, auxiliary battery charging set, and a turret power traverse generator. The hull was constructed of flat steel plates connected together with heavy steel angle irons, with rivets being used to secure the plates to the angle irons. The floor was flat and free from projections, and panniers were provided at each side between the upper and lower runs of the track for storage of equipment. The construction of the panniers was described as a double box girder, because each pannier formed a rectangular structure on each side of the hull, which created a hull of immense strength. The whole hull structure was suitably braced by cross girders and by the bulkheads that separated the various compartments.
The large square door (escape hatch) provided in each pannier just behind the driver and hull gunner positions was an unusual provision for British armoured fighting vehicles of this period, but was also very welcome by crews. Many a crewman who served as a driver or hull gunner, on a Churchill tank, are alive today because of these pannier doors. These doors could be opened or closed only from the inside, but the locking handles were designed so that the doors were automatically secured when they were closed. Each of these doors was provided with a circular pistol port, and two pistol ports were also provided in the turret. Double-hinged doors were provided in the hull roof above the driver and front gunner. They were normally operated from inside, but could be opened or secured from the outside by using a suitable key.
The Churchill Mark IV was fitted with a newly designed (to fit the 6-pounder gun) one-piece bullet-proof steel-cast turret, which offered armoured protection slightly superior to that of the welded bullet proof steel plate construction of the Churchill Mark III turret. The turret could be controlled electrically when the engine was running, or it could be rotated by hand when the engine was stopped. When controlled electrically, the turret could be rotated at a fast speed of 360-degrees in 15 seconds, or at slow speed in 24 seconds. A cupola that could be rotated by hand independently of the turret was mounted in the turret roof for the use of the tank commander, which was rotatable by hand independently of the turret. A large hatch, closed by steel doors, was provided for the loader and gunner. A No. 19 wireless set (radio) was housed in the turret. This set included an “A” set for general use, a “B” set for short range inter-tank work at troop level, and an intercommunication unit for the crew, so arranged that each member could establish contact with any one of the others.
For optics and viewing, the driver was provided with a large vision aperture, which could be reduced to a small port protected with very thick glass. When necessary, this small port could also be closed. The driver and hull gunner both had periscopes, and there was one other periscope mounted in the front of the turret for the gunner. The commander’s cupola was fitted with two periscopes. A Churchill tank driver’s vision was more restricted than on other tanks, because the driving compartment was set back so far from the forward track horns. Churchill drivers could see ahead, but could see very little on either side of the vehicle, and they relied on the tank commander to warn them of obstacles.
As with the Churchill Mark I, Mark II, and Mark III, there was adequate provision for stowage of ammunition and equipment, with the Churchill Mark IV able to accommodate 85 rounds of 6-pounder ammunition, 6,975 rounds of 7.92-millimetre (0.3-inch) ammunition (in 31 belts of 225 rounds each), and 30 smoke bombs. Additionally, each tank also carried one .303-inch Bren (Mark I or Mark II) light machine gun with an anti-aircraft mounting and six 100-round drum type magazines, two .45 calibre Thompson sub-machine guns with 21, 20-round box type magazines each, 12 hand grenades, and one Signal Pistol, No. 1, Mark III (or Mark IV), with twelve cartridges (four red, four green, four white). Designated stowage locations for vehicle tools, spare parts, and equipment, and the crew’s personnel equipment, were also provided.
The cast turret aside, the Churchill Mark IV hull was identical in appearance to those Churchill Mark III tanks produced from May 1942 onwards, with top opening air intakes (louvres) on the side of the hull, and track guards fitted. The Churchill Mark IV also incorporated all of the up to date corrections, and modifications to the design and construction of the Infantry Tank Mark IV, Churchill (A22). Production of the Churchill Mark IV began in June 1942, and it was the most numerous ‘Mark’ of the Infantry Tank Mark IV, Churchill (A22) produced, with a total production run of 1622 tanks.
The Churchill Mark IV in Canadian service
As mentioned earlier, the units of the 1st Canadian Army Tank Brigade were the main users of the Churchill infantry tank within the Canadian Army Overseas, having been initially equipped with Churchill Mark I, Mark II (since July 1941), and Mark III tanks (which entered Canadian service in April 1942). By early August 1942, at a time when Canadian tank production plans were under much discussion, and the Churchill infantry tank, despite its effective protection, was not considered a success, Lieutenant-General A.G.L. McNaughton3 despatched to the Canadian Vice Chief of the General Staff, for the information of the Minister of National Defence, a personal telegram containing an appreciation of the tank situation in 1st Canadian Army Tank Brigade, and his proposals for future policy concerning the equipment of this brigade. In this telegram, McNaughton pointed out that of the 182 Churchill Mark I, Mark II, and Mark III tanks currently operated by units of the 1st Canadian Army Tank Brigade (which were on loan from the British War Office as an interim arrangement pending the supply of Ram tanks4 from Canada), that 63 of these were out of service. He went on to point out that despite every effort, it had proved impossible to keep the Churchill tanks in running order, firstly due to certain vital defects in the original design, and secondly due to the impossibility of obtaining spare parts, and that he had been informed by Headquarters Royal Armoured Corps that the situation would continue to deteriorate for some months to come before an increased availability of spares and reworked5 or new model tanks, could be expected. Lastly, he commented on the serious fact that personnel had lost confidence in the mechanical reliability of the Churchill tank, and that on this account, he was most anxious to replace the Churchill Mark I, Mark II, and Mark III tanks currently held by the brigade, with reworked or new models and then, and as soon as possible, with Ram Mark II (see note 4) or preferably with Churchill Mark IV tanks.
Starting in December 1942, No. 1 Sub Depot of No. 1 Canadian Base Ordnance Depot, Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps (who handled all receipts and issues in the United Kingdom of Churchill tanks for the Canadian Army Overseas) began to receive Churchill Mark IV tanks from the British. No. 1 Canadian Base Ordnance Depot began to issue this latest version of the Churchill tank in exchange for Churchill Mark I, Mark II, and Mark III tanks (which had covered many miles and were generally in very poor condition) to units of the 1st Canadian Army Tank Brigade, on 3 December 1942, beginning with the 11th Canadian Army Tank Regiment (The Ontario Regiment (Tank)), Canadian Armoured Corps. At this time, 1st Canadian Army Tank Brigade consisted of Headquarters, 1st Canadian Army Tank Brigade, Canadian Armoured Corps, the 1st Canadian Army Tank Brigade Headquarters Squadron (The New Brunswick Regiment (Tank)), Canadian Armoured Corps6, the 11th Canadian Army Tank Regiment (The Ontario Regiment (Tank)), Canadian Armoured Corps, the 12th Canadian Army Tank Regiment (The Three Rivers Regiment (Tank)), Canadian Armoured Corps, and the 14th Canadian Army Tank Regiment (The Calgary Regiment (Tank)), Canadian Armoured Corps.
No. 1 Sub Depot of No. 1 Canadian Base Ordnance Depot, RCOC (1 SD, 1 CBOD), located at Bordon Camp, Hampshire handled all receipts and issues of the Churchill tank for the Canadian Army in the United Kingdom. The Sub Depot received all incoming Churchill tanks from the British Army, and then issued them to their Canadian user units. They also received tanks that were being withdrawn from Canadian units to be reworked and returned these to the British. The inventory held by the depot varied over time, mainly caused by the rework program and production problems. All tanks issued to 1st Canadian Army Tank Brigade from No. 1 Sub Depot were first sent to the 1st Canadian Tank Brigade Ordnance Company, RCOC7, for a routine inspection before joining their unit within the brigade.
As of 5 January 1943, of the 200 Churchill tanks held by units of the 1st Canadian Army Tank Brigade, 57 were Churchill Mark IV tanks, with the Ontario Regiment holding 50, and the Calgary Regiment seven, The Three Rivers Regiment held a total of eight by month’s end. Also in January 1943, besides being involved with infantry and tank cooperation training with Canadian infantry formations, and individual troop training within their respective regiments, the three tank regiments of 1st Canadian Army Tank Brigade started combined operations training at the 1st Canadian Corps Combined Training Centre, located at Poole, Dorset (combined operations in this context means army-navy cooperation in assault landings). Subunits of each regiment, in turn, went through a seven-day course at this training centre, during which lectures were given on combined operations and the use of combined arms, and the practical loading of Landing Craft Tanks was carried out. Also, as part of this training, with the tanks loaded onto Landing Craft Tanks, the ships left Poole harbour in the evenings and sailed to the Isle of Wight, where they anchored just west of Cowes, in preparation for a ‘dawn assault’ on the beaches west of Cowes. Following each “dawn assault,” the tanks were brought back to the beaches and re-embarked aboard their Landing Craft Tanks and sailed back to Poole, arriving there late each afternoon.
By the beginning of March 1943, the British War Office intended that 1st Canadian Army Tank Brigade should retain their Churchill Mark IIIR (reworked) and Mark IV tanks, and also keep their Churchill Mark IR (reworked) tanks as close support tanks, but this never happened. By 19 March 1943, the Canadian Army had decided to immediately re-equip 1st Canadian Army Tank Brigade with the Canadian-built Cruiser Tank, Ram Mark II for their Churchill tanks on a one-for-one basis. Starting on 22 March 1943, the Churchill Mark IV (along with the other Marks of the Churchill tank) began to be withdrawn from units of 1st Canadian Army Tank Brigade, with the Calgary Regiment turning in one Churchill Mark IV tank to No. 1 Canadian Base Ordnance Depot, Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps, for return to the British. This was followed on 26 March 1943, by the Ontario Regiment turning in 35 Churchill Mark IV tanks to No. 1 Canadian Base Ordnance Depot, for return to the British.
On 29 March 1943, the Three Rivers Regiment turned in their 18 Churchill Mark IV tanks, and the Calgary Regiment their remaining six Churchill Mark IV tanks. Earlier, on 19 March 1943, before the 1st Canadian Army Tank Brigade began to re-equip with Ram Mark II tanks, “B” Squadron of the Ontario Regiment with eighteen Churchill tanks (fifteen of which were Mark IVs) was sent to the British School of Infantry at Catterick, North Yorkshire, to assist in training infantry for a period of two months. These tanks were operated by Ontario Regiment crews on a rotational basis until 11 May 1943, when they were handed over to the British 148th Regiment, Royal Armoured Corps, at Catterick, and struck-off-change of the Canadian Army Overseas.
Characteristics of the Churchill Mark IV tank
- Crew: five (commander, gun layer, loader/operator, driver, co-driver/hull gunner)
- Weight: 40-tonnes (39-tons)
- Length: 7.4-metres (24 feet, 5-inches)
- Width: 3.3-metres (10 feet, 8-inches) (with air intake louvres), and 2.8-metres (9 feet, 2-inches) (without air intake louvres)
- Height: 2.5- metres (8 feet, 2- inches)
- Length of tracks on ground: 3.8-metres (12 feet, 6- inches)
- Width over tracks: 2.8-metres (9 feet, 1-inch)
- Clearance under the hull: 50.8-centimetres (1 foot, 8-inches)
- Armour thickness – Maximum: 102-millimetres (4.0-inches), Minimum: 16-millimetres (0.6-inches)
- Road speed: 25- kilometres per hour (15.5-miles per hour)
- Cross country speed: 13-kilometres per hour (8-miles per hour) (approximately)
- Engine: 12-cylinder Vauxhall Bedford twin-six 350 horsepower
- Weight of the engine: 1,531-kilograms (3,376-pounds) (dry)
- Fording depth: 1.0-metres (3 feet, 4-inches) without preparation
- Trench crossing ability: 3.0-metres (10-feet)
- Vertical obstacle capacity: 0.8-metres (2 feet, 6-inches)
- Turret: Cast
- Armament: 6-pounder Ordnance, Quick Firing, Mk III or Mk V in the turret
Coaxial 7.92-millimetre (0.3-inch) Besa Mk II MG in the turret (mounted on the left of the 6-pounder)
7.92-millimetre (0.3-inch) Besa Mk II MG mounted in the hull front plate
51-millimetre (2-inch) bomb-thrower Mk I in the turret roof
- Elevation: 6-pounder – minus 12.5-degrees to plus 20-degrees
- Muzzle velocity: 6-pounder – 853-metres (2,800-feet) per second (able to penetrate 81-millimetres (3-inches) of armour at 457-metres (500-yards))
6-pounder (Mk V) – 904-metres (2,965-feet) per second (able to penetrate 83-millimetres (3-inches) of armour at 457-metres (500-yards))
- Ammunition stowage: 84 rounds of 6-pounder, 9,675 rounds of 7.92-millimetre (belted) and 25 smoke bombs
- Remarks: Square escape doors; top opening engine intake louvres (on hull sides); tracks fully covered; early models of the Mk IV have a 6-pounder (Mk V) with a counterweight on the muzzle.
Acknowledgements:
The author wishes to thank Richard J.S. Law, for continuing on with publishing articles for MilArt (Military Artifact), and for posting this article.
Any errors or omissions, is entirely the fault of the author.
Bibliography:
Churchill III and IV Instruction Book, T.S. 182, First Edition, July 1942 (Chilwell Catalogue No. 62/426) (with Amendment No. 1 (October 1942), Amendment No. 3 (November 1942), Amendment No. 4 (February 1943), Amendment No. 6 (August 1943) and Amendment No. 8 (December 1943)).
Tonner, Mark W., The Churchill in Canadian Service (Canadian Weapons of War Series), 2010, Service Publications; Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. ISBN 978-1-894581-67-7.
Tonner, Mark W., The Churchill Tank and the Canadian Armoured Corps, 2011, Service Publications; Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. ISBN 978-1-894581-66-0.
Notes:
1. The three previous infantry tanks developed by the British, were the Infantry Tank Mark I, Matilda I (A11), the Infantry Tank Mark II, Matilda II (A12), and the Infantry Tank Mark III, Valentine.
2. Some early production Churchill Mark IV tanks were armed with the 6-pounder Ordnance Quick Firing Mark 5 gun, which was distinguishable from the 6-pounder Ordnance Quick Firing Mark 3 gun, by its longer barrel of “lighter” appearance, which was usually fitted with a counterweight on the muzzle.
3. The General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, First Canadian Army, from 6 April 1942 to 26 December 1943.
4. The Canadian designed and built, Cruiser Tank, Ram, of which the Mark I was armed with a 2-pounder Ordnance Quick Firing gun, and the Ram Mark II was armed with a 6-pounder Ordnance Quick Firing gun.
5. Because the first issue of the Churchill Mark I, and Mark II tanks to units were to begin in June 1941, Vauxhall Motors Ltd., was forced to work straight from the drawing board, which virtually eliminated the possibility of detailed user and development trails, a rework programme to correct the initial design faults of the tank was launched in March 1942, under which early production Churchill Mark I, and Mark II tanks were withdrawn from service, and brought up to the mechanical standard of the Churchill Mark III.
6. 1st Canadian Army Tank Brigade Headquarters Squadron (The New Brunswick Regiment (Tank)), was disbanded with effect from 1 January 1943.
7. 1st Canadian Tank Brigade Ordnance Company, Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps, was redesignated 1st Canadian Tank Brigade Workshop, Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps, with effect from 14 January 1943.
By Wayne Logus
There are a surprising number of subtle variations found in the circa 1920 Canadian Air Force (CAF) pilots’ wings. To the author’s knowledge, a thorough review has never been written on these rare wings. It is hoped that this exploration will provide at least a starting point for discussion. Over the years, the author has acquired several examples and can offer some comments, based on the ones he owns or has seen.
Recognition must be given to the previous reflections by Warren Carroll both in his book, Eagles Recalled and an article in the CSMMI (Canadian Society of Military Medals & Insignia). Readers who knew Warren may recall additional anecdotes or personal information he had on these wings and add their comments. The following paragraph is mainly derived from his previous observations.
The history of the CAF insignia is actually pre-dated by the style of the RCNAS (Royal Canadian Naval Air Service) wings and cap badges which were designed and manufactured as early as 1918 in Britain. It is believed these patterns were later licensed to Canadian Manufacturers (perhaps this is how the Montreal based CAF “CARON BROS” stamped pieces appeared). It is probable that both the patterns, and in some cases even the dies and pre-existing components, were carried over from the RCNAS to CAF insignia. This conjecture is confirmed, in part, by the fact that some of the earliest manufactured CAF pilots’ wings and Officer’s cap badges still bare the faint impression of the RCNAS anchor on the reverse.
With the above in mind, it is interesting to look in detail at the construction of the original CAF pilots’ wings manufactured between 1919 and 1924. The reader will recall that silver overlays of the wings and the CAF monogram were fastened (in various ways) to the die-stamped copper base which contained the central maple leaf.
Characteristics of the wings:
Front
- Pattern of etching on the wings; lines vs. waves.
Note: Wavy etching only found usually with die break on lower right wing
Notice line etching
Example of wavy etching
- Style and shape of maple leaf; deep etching or shallow etching vein etching; deep etching ⇒ stubby stem. Short and Long Maple Leaf stem variants.
Example of deep etching.
Example of shallow etching.
- Style of CAF monogram interior lines; parallel or tangential lines in “C”
Horizontal engraving in C of monogram.
Examples of perpendicular line engraving in C of monogram
Reverse
- With or without CARONBROS Maker-Mark
- Threaded post or pin-back. I suggest that pin-backs can either be original (top image in or possible later, jeweler replacement (lower image).
Threaded posts
Pin back
- Uncommonly, a faint impression of the anchor derived from earlier RCNAS dies. One wonders if the die wasn’t hammered out to remove the deep, sharper indentations found in the earlier RCNAS badges? It may be appropriate to give the designation of any CAF wing variant which has any impression of the anchor, the designation of “Die 1 (modified)” to indicate the CAF die came from the original RCNAS die.
Faint anchor outline.
Very faint anchor outline.
- Although not yet reported to my knowledge, one could keep an eye out for Roman numerals etched on the reverse.
In reviewing old photographs, some earlier writers have mentioned that there seems to be photos which show three wing angles to these pilot’s wings. The author has noticed photos of and reference to wings which have a very steep angle (dip or droop) to the wing portions and Carroll has a photo of one in Eagles Recalled (p 73) held at the Canadian War Museum. Since the author has not seen one in person, he cannot provide comment on this rare variant.
In an article in the MCCoC Summer Journal, edition 273, 2018, the author reported on how one image of AVM A.E. Godfrey shows a wing which appears to have an intermediate droop associated with it and how this was most likely the result of him wearing a broken wing hence giving the appearance of having an intermediate droop. It is my experience that about 1/4 to 1/3rd of CAF pilot wings found today have been broken at the structurally weak spot where the wing sections join the Maple Leaf portion of the copper base structure. If repaired, they may not align properly and are sometimes found strengthened across these weak spots by various methods.
CAF Godfrey’s droop wing, courtesy DHH-DND.
All the examples in the author’s collection have wings that are approximately flush with the lowest portion of the maple leaf stem. In some cases, there may be a gap of about 2mm between an imaginary line along the lowest portion of the wings and the base of the stem. Accordingly, it is proposed that there are really only two major styles of wings; the rare example with the very noticeable droop and the ones discussed here, which are basically flat. Poor repair jobs can give the appearance of more significant droops. The two die varieties of the base copper stamp explain the subtleties of most variations.
If the original dies were in fact made in Britain and later licensed or sold to a Canadian Manufacturer, it is possible that some components, such as a CAF monogram, silver wings or even the stamped copper bases, were exchanged as part of the deal so theoretically, one might find complete wings comprised of different or mixed components.
The keen collector will keep an eye out for the earliest CAF wing versions with the wing overlays wired or riveted as opposed to being soldered.
Sources:
1. Carroll, W (1997). Eagles Recalled (pp. 48-51, 71-73) Schiffer Publishing Ltd.
2. Carroll, W (2009). Royal Canadian Air Service – In Search of a Photograph – Part 2 (p1292-1293, 1307). In, CSMI Journal, Fall 2009. Econoprint Inc., St. Catharines Ontario, Canada
3. Logus, W (2018). AVM A.E. Godfrey and the CAF pilot’s wing Droop Enigma (pp.8-14) Military Collectors’ Club of Canada, Edition 273 – Summer Journal 2018
By Anthony Sewards, CD
The School of Mounted Infantry was authorized as of 20th July, 1885 to be stationed at Winnipeg Manitoba at Fort Osborne Barracks, with recruiting starting in September 1885 with GO #21/85, Two companies with Officers, 50 men and 25 horses each, were to be organized as one company for administrative purposes, and the other comprised of a School of Instruction (School Company of Mounted Infantry). As the new unit was classed as mounted infantry the uniform was similar to the ones issued to the Infantry School Corps. A glengarry type (wedge) cap, a scarlet tunic with blue facings, blue trousers with a red welt (stripe) on each leg, and a red sash for sergeants.
By 1887, the School was re-designated: Royal School of Mounted Infantry on 15 July 1887 by General Order 13/87. The school was issued riding breaches called pantaloons; they were blue with the red welt on the side. A forage cap (pill box) of blue with a yellow band with a small red pompom, and the white Foreign Service helmet, made of cork with a star pattern front badge with “Mounted Infantry” on the ribband /garter, with a right facing beaver in the centre with red cloth backing. The Royal School of Mounted Infantry was re-designated again as the Royal School of Instruction 7 August 1891 by General Order 15/91.
On the 1887 Field Service Cap and Forage Cap were badges of the School that were of a bullion monogram type of badge, Company of Mounted Infantry. (CMI)
Company of Mounted Infantry Badge ( line drawing taken from photo)
Helmet plate as used for the issued Foreign Service helmet.
Officer’s Glengary Badge , Gilt and silver (Author’s Collection)
According to GO No.103, 1st July 1901, a Permanent Force unit of mounted rifles were to be formed in Winnipeg, formed as A Squadron, Canadian Mounted Rifles. The new badge with an Edwardian (ERI) cypher surmounted by a Tudor Crown, with a smaller version used as collar dogs, with a mounted rifle “MR” used as shoulder titles. The trousers and riding breeches now had the red welt replaced by the thick yellow stripe in 1903, as dress regulations changed for units of the Permanent Force units. Originally, riding breeches were quite snug to the leg, but in 1900, a fuller leg was authorized, with yellow being the standard military colour used by Calvary troops.
School CMR Cap,Collar and Shoulder Titles all Scully Marked. (Author’s Collection)
In GO # 412, dated 22 December 1903, permission was granted for the prefix “Royal” to be added to the cap badge and now to be known as the Royal Canadian Mounted Rifles “RCMR”. The unit started to use the King Edward cypher with a banner underneath with “Royal Canadian Mounted Rifles”. Also, a regular Royal Cypher type badge with a pin fastener was used on the Foreign Service helmet.
RCMR Collection, LdSH (RC) Regimental Museum Collection. Photo: Mr Grant Dyck
Cap badge Puragree style ( pin fastener) ,Collar dogs and Shoulder Title all Scully Marked. (Author’s Collection)
In September 1909, Lord Strathcona and Colonel Sam Steele inspected the RCMR at Osborne Barracks, and following that inspection it was asked if they would like to adopt a change in title to “ Strathcona’s Horse” to perpetuate the famous name “Strathcona’s Horse” in the Canadian Permanent Active Militia. And it was granted in GO #111, October 9th, 1909.
And that is for another story……..
——
References:
Cunniffe, R. Uniforms and Insignia of the Regiment, sections 3 , Badges, Insignia and Buttons of the Regiment. 1982.
Cunniffe, R. Story of a Regiment, manuscript 1962, printed 1995.
Brooker, C. Badges of the Canadian Army 1920 to Unification, pg 116,120,121 , Volume # 3, 2013 and CEF online files Part 3 Cavalry, source Canadiansoldiers.ca
Mazeas,D. Canadian Militia Cap Badges Pre 1914, pg 30/31. 1990
Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians) Regimental manual.
This article was first published in the Military Collector’s Club of Canada Journal, Edition 271, Winter 2017 pp 11-20, it has been re-published here unedited.
By Wayne Logus
I should start by saying I feel the 1920-‘24 era CAF badges represent one of the most beautiful sets ever made in Canada; a sentiment that has been expressed by others. Despite the design flaw with some of the items in this series which can lead to premature breaking at high stress points (the junction of the Crown in this case) the detail, balance, shape and choice of materials (silver, copper, brass and silk) combine to produce an aesthetically stunning example of the medallist’s art.
I have observed there are two major variations of the CAF badge with the free floating crown for the forage (peaked cap), with motto and either referred to as the “2nd issue” (with motto) or “Type 2”. The changes are small and subtle which perhaps explains why differences haven’t generally been reported before now. Since neither show evidence of having a Maker’s Mark, it is difficult to definitively associate a specific manufacturer to each of these examples. It is possible that there was more than one maker but it is also possible that a single maker simply used two die sets. It is known that Caron Bros made some of the pilot wings in this series and that Scully did the buttons for the CAF uniform.
In my experience, the second image with the darker brass/copper maple leaf is more common. As this article will attempt to explain, virtually every component of these two varieties is made from different dies. To this end, I will arbitrarily define the smaller of the two as “Version 1”. The reason is that I have an early, Type 1 without-motto version that has the same die pattern on the wings and maple leaf and I conclude is struck from the same die albeit of different materials. The Crowns vary but they were made and attached separately. There is also a different dome shape to the two types (with and without motto).
It is difficult to photograph the badges in this series, especially when the silver has recently been cleaned and is highly reflective. The two examples shown here appear to vary significantly in their finish but that is due to the fact the second has been recently cleaned and the 1st has light surface oxidation. To the naked eye, they aren’t actually that different. After many years, an untouched example will eventually and naturally tarnish to a dark dull grey due to oxygen and/or sulphur but this can be restored without loss of the silver, if the correct cleaning procedures are employed.
Two varieties of the 2n issue (with motto) CAF Officer’s 1920-24 cap badge for the peaked cap. The rare and possibly earlier variation 1 is on the left and variation 2 on the right.
Maple Leaf
A stamped central copper or brass maple leaf, motto and wings represent the main, one-piece base component of this badge. Silver wings and motto overlay the base. The crown is made separately and consists of a red silk material sandwiched between the base copper and matching silver overlay During construction, it is fastened to the remaining badge and generally found with a brass/bronze support bar for strengthening.
Perhaps the most obvious and distinguishing aspect of the two cap badges presented is this article is brass/copper maple leaf. The brass base in Version 2 is either stamped from a brass composition or it is a pickled copper. Variation 1 shows a much more natural, brighter copper finish.
The outline and engraved pattern of the veins in the leaves is different. In the blow-up picture, note the number and shape of the points at the top of the copper crown. The location of the maple leaf stem on the banner might be the key in distinguishing the two variations from a distance or in a fuzzy photo. Version 2 joins at the bottom of the banner whereas Version 1 connects at the top
Compare the colour, number of points and detail of the vein tooling in the two dies. Version 1 is on the bottom.
Size
The size alone indicates there must be two die variants in this badge and that the differences aren’t simply due to worn, modified or repaired dies.
| Description | Height (mm)* | Width (at motto) (mm)* |
| Version 1 | 67 | 58 |
| Version 2 | 71† | 61 |
* ± 1 mm.
† In his book, Eagles Recalled, Warren Carroll refers to the height of his similar badge as 72mm but some minor differences can be expected during assembly
Crown
Even to the eye, they look different but descriptively, here are some of the details of these variations:
- The detail in the tooling of the horizontal line pattern at the very base of the crown differs
- The number of jewels in the central, vertical portion of the crown are different; 4 ½ on the 1st version and 6 on the 2nd.
- The widths of the crowns also differ; 21.7mm and 22.9mm respectively.
Note the differences in shape, number of jewels and crown base detail. Variation 1 on left
Shape
The 2nd example has a pronounced curve to the badge compared to the first. This is most noticeable on the maple leaf and CAF monogram. See the side view photo.
Compare the curved dome shape of both the maple leaf and monogram on the two examples (Variation 1 on the left).
CAF Monogram Overlay
In comparing the central portion of two badges, the first thing one observes is the increased curve or dome shape. This is probably, in part responsible for the difference in the measured heights of the two “CAF” monograms 18.0 mm for Version 1 and 19.5 mm for the 2nd version.
Moto
The motto, “SIC ITUR AD ASTRA” was added to the insignia in late 1920, creating what is commonly referred to as “Type 2” to identify this series of CAF insignia for the 1920 to 1924 period. The motto is also found on the smaller field-cap badge and collars for both the Officers and enlisted men.
In addition to the different in the overall width of motto, the following aspects of the two designs are noted:
- The lettering is slightly different and raised more on the 1st version.
- The background mottling has a different pattern (high resolution is need to see this in detail).
- The shape of the ribbon banner is different; see the area above “SIC” in the attached.
- The thickness of the banners is significantly different too, about 10% less in Version 1.
1st version on the left, note the sharper detail, greater letter height and the higher arch in the ribbon above the “S”.
Wings
I will admit, the dies on the silver wing overlays are very similar indeed. However, one notes a different number of veins in some of the feathers (left side, 2nd row) and a difference in the height of the two tallest feathers (photos)
In the 1st version, the points of the feathers are more pronounced (lower image).
It require a bit of imagination to see the difference in the tooling of the veins of the two wings. The little dots at the tip of the feathers only appear on variation 2 (top).
It is interesting to note that the wings of the first variation, to my eye, are identical to the wing dies most commonly found on the 72mm, peaked cap NCO version of this badge. I have yet to come across a die variation of the enlisted version of the 72mm badge.
Additional
Another most interesting observation and one I believe to be new to the literature and fellow collectors is in a very minor detail in the obverse of the copper stamping of my 2nd variation. I actually didn’t notice this until I was looking at high resolution photographic images. Along the area of the motto strip, there are some very light marks.
Initially, I had assumed there were random scratches (see arrow in photo) in the base but on closer inspection, I believe these are actually Roman Numerals about 3mm in height, carved into the soft copper. I propose this is some reference mark from the original craftsman. The marks don’t immediately stand out in my example as overtop, is another, smaller scratching. These are purposefully done as there is a small mound of copper at the base of each scratch indicating consistency in the direction the lines were etched.
Small marks cut into the copper base in the motto area of the 2nd variation of the CAF peaked cap badge.
I believe the underlying letters are, either “XXI” or “XXII” (part of one scratch-line overlaps) and the smaller overlay is “W”. Interestingly, the “W” is also scratched into the brass support for the Crown; again something one could mistake for random scratches (see image). One might speculate that at some point, the badge was repaired and, like a watchmaker, the jeweler added his mark to indicate the repair. I have also seen a clear “W” mark on the back of another enlisted badge for the peak cap further adding to the proposal it has been intentionally made.
A similar “W” in the brass support as also etched into the base copper/brass motto
The 1st variety discussed in this article had no such marks.
I have a photograph of badge of this type held by another collector with similar markings but a very clear “XXIV” scratched in. I’m sure neither of us noticed it at the time I took the photo many years ago.
Two possibilities come to mind;
- The Roman numerals refer to the year of manufacture, i.e., 1921 (or 1922), or
- Each of these extraordinary fine quality badges were numbered individually in a similar, Roman numeral style as found in the RCNAS badges.
Recently, another example of this badge was sold at auction and based on the marking on the reverse of that example; the argument for individual numbering of each badge is given the more likely scenario. This photo appears to illustrate the Roman numeral, VIII. Due to space limitations, the engraver separated the “V” from the “III” in the central portion of the motto.
So, my fellow collectors go to your stash of early CAF Officers (Type 2) peaked hat badges and check to see if you can detect any Roman numerals scratched onto the back – or the brass support bar. Kindly take pictures and drop a line to the Journal or contact me directly: zorgon@telus.net. Together, we should be able to determine if these marks are date or sequence marks.
By Anthony Sewards, CD
The Strathcona’s Horse was formally authorized under Militia Order Number 26/00 1 February 1900; as “Strathcona’s Horse.” The Strathcona’s embarked for South Africa on 16 March 1900, on the Elder Dempster Liner, H.M. Transport “Monterey”. There the unit fought as part of the 3rd Mounted Brigade and 4th Infantry Brigade, II Division, until its departure from the theatre of operations on 20 January 1901. Upon its return to Canada on 9 March 1901, Strathcona’s Horse was disbanded in Halifax.
The cap and collar badges that were issued to the unit were based on the personal crest and coat of arms Sir Donald A. Smith, Lord Strathcona and Mount Royal, which he had adopted from those of the North West and Hudson Bay Companies.
S T R A T H C O N A’ S H O R S E
Regimental Order
-0-0-0-0-0
S.S. Monterey, 5th April 1900
By Lt. Col. Steele, Commanding, Troops on Board
R.O. 262 – 05-04-1900
The Q-master will issue at once the letters “S H” for the shoulder straps and the badges for the collars and service caps.
The letters “S H” will be placed on each shoulder strap, One (1) inch above the seam and three-eights ( 3/8 ) inch apart.
The badges will be placed on service caps three (3) inches from front seam and one (1) inch above the seam on the left side.
The badges on collar of Rifle Green Serge, one (1) inch from the edge of collar on either side.
Arms of Donald Alexander Smith, 1st Baron Strathcona, c. 1900.
“Lord Strathcona’s Coat of Arms being a shield with a demi lion rampant is the Red Lion of Scotland, Lord Strathcona’s native land. The railroad spike and hammer represent his connection with the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway and records the fact that he drove the last spike signifying the completion of this cross country railroad on 7 November 1885. The canoe bearing the flag with “NW” on it shows his connection with the development of the northwest and the North West Company. The crown (baron’s cornet) surmounting the badge signifies that the Regiment is a “Royal” regiment; an honour granted the Regiment by the sovereign, General Order 153/1903, October 1903.
There are two versions of the cap badge, one in “Gilt” for officers and one in bronze for the non commissioned officers. The pair of issued collar dogs were of bronze and manufactured by WS Scully.
Officer’s issued badge in Gilt.
Non Commissioned Officer’s badge in Bronze.
Officer’s issued cap and collar badges.
Shoulder titles were made of brass, and issued to the troops, in the form of a brass “S & H “, there was also a brass shoulder title with “Strathcona’s Horse” in an oval pattern. Some were having been noted as being made on route to South Africa of various styles of “S & H”.
The SH in the picture is 1 inch by 7/8 inch.
Courtesy Museum Of the Regiments, Calgary, AB
The Strathcona’s Horse oval badge is 1 1/2 inch by 2 inches.
Image courtesy of Capt. M. W. Clare, CD, (Retired) Collection, Calgary, AB
References:
Cunniffe, R. Uniforms and Insignia of the Regiment, sections 3 , Badges, Insignia and Buttons of the Regiment. 1982.
Cunniffe, R. The Story of a Regiment: Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians). Calgary: Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians), 1995.
Department of Militia and Defence. Strathcona’s Horse in the South African War 1899-1902. Sessional Paper No. 35a. Ottawa: S.E. Dawson, 1901.
Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians) Regimental manual.
by Clive M. Law
The Canadian Women’s Army Corps ( CWAC) was formed in August 1941as a ‘hostilities only’ organization to perform the duties of fit and able men in garrisons, headquarters, supply depots and other similar settings, thereby releasing these men for service overseas.
In 1941, initial planning considered that some 5400 would be sufficient for the jobs identified. By the end of the war, some 21,624 women had served in the Corps, with more than 3,000 in Great Britain and the various theatres of war. In May 1945, the Corps made up 2.8 % of the total complement of the Canadian Army.
When the winds of war began to blow across Europe beginning in 1938, women’s volunteer organizations began to form in nearly every province of Canada to prepare women to serve their country if called. They designed uniforms to wear with a decidedly military cut.[i] In some Military Districts after the outbreak of war some District Officers Commanding (DOC) actually took up the offer of these volunteer organizations to assist in various tasks due to the increase in work cause by the war.
In February 1941, a joint committee of the volunteer organizations presented a brief which proposed the formation of a Corps to be called the Canadian Women’s Service (CWS). The Adjutant General of the Army, responsible for all personnel matters, despite his antipathy towards recruiting women, realized that there was a need and circulated a staff paper proposing the formation of a corps under military control. Employment would be limited to headquarters, hospitals and similar establishments but later could allow for employment overseas. On 2 May 1941, the Defence Council reported that “the Cabinet had acquiesced to the employment of women in such posts as might be considered suitable”. In June 1941 the Minister told the Generals they were to proceed with the recruiting and employment of women in the Army. Primary areas of work were in training centres, headquarters, the Army Service Corps as drivers and mechanics and in the Ordnance Corps in stock accounting, warehousing, and repair. It was estimated that 5,398 women might be so employed.
On 20 June 1941, the Minister of National Defence issued a press statement announcing the service of women in a military role during the current war. Recruitment was to be through the National War Service Manpower Mobilization Service from women registered with it. 17 July, the Minister announced that the first appointment would be the Matron-In-Chief of the Army Medical Corps, Elizabeth Smellie, to oversee the organization of the Corps.
The CWAC initially was to be separate from the Canadian Army but organized on a military basis and under military control and supervision. Officer rank titles were modeled on the British ATS. Rank insignia consisted of a combination of silver beavers and maple leaves, the beavers were equivalent to the Army crown and the maple leaf to the star or ‘pip’.
| Army Rank | Insignia | CWAC Rank | Insignia |
| Second Lieutenant | One star | Junior Subaltern | One Leaf |
| Lieutenant | Two Stars | Subaltern | Two Leaves |
| Captain | Three Stars | Junior Commander | Three Leaves |
| Major | One Crown | Senior Commander | One Beaver |
| Lieutenant Colonel | One Crown plus one star | Chief Commander | One Beaver plus one Leaf |
| Colonel | One Crown plus Two Stars | Honorary Commander | One Beaver plus two Leaves |
Non-Commissioned Officers wore the standard Army rank badges but with a chocolate-brown coloured backing called beechnut brown. The ranks, in descending order, were Warrant Officer Class I (WO I), Warrant Officer Class II (WO II), Staff Sergeant, Sergeant, Corporal and the appointment of Lance Corporal. NOTE: the appointment of Lance Corporal was relinquished when the person was posted to another unit as it was an appointment within that unit while the confirmed rank was Private. This was in accordance with Army policy.
[i]. ”MILITARY ARTIFACT”, Issue No. 3, Mk IV.
With thanks to Sylvain Blais and Renald Poulin for images.
Richard J.S. Law
Although this recognition guide is not exhaustive it should provide historians and collectors assistance in identifying Canadian helmet flashes from the Second World War. While the majority of these flashes were produced by Gale and Polden Ltd of the UK, some flashes were hand painted and potentially sought locally. It should be noted that the colours depicted below are not completely accurate and are an artistic interpretation based on various source files from the era, some slight deviation may occur.
Bibliography:
LAC RG-24 Vol 10052
MilArt Archives
With thanks to Greg Nehring, Michael Dorosh, Roy Akins, Constant Perreault, and Bill Alexander for image contributions.
Richard J.S. Law
A group picture, believed to date from the 1930’s, depicting a Regimental stable belt worn by the fourth man in the rear row. Image courtesy Michael O’Leary.
Although the first mention of Regimental stable belts only appears in the Regimental Standing Orders of 1960, photographic evidence supports that they were worn as early as the inter-war period.
The RCR sailing to Korea. Left to right (front row), Stanley (Buddy) Ward, Robert (Bob) Turner and Harold Mitton. (© C. MacKinnon collection) courtesy http://heritage.tantramar.com/wfnewsletter_53.html
Believed to have originated from British cavalry units, the stable belts are rumored to have started as modified horse surcingles which unit tailors would customize for cavalrymen. The design, consisting of a wide canvas or soft leather belt completed with two buckles, was somewhat common in the 1910’s and many soldiers throughout the Commonwealth purchased these belts to wear with trousers. It is believed that the adoption of Regimentally coloured belts also began around this time.
MGen Spry (right) visiting the Sgt’s Mess in Jamaica, circa 1971. The Connecting File 1971.
Anecdotal commentary suggests that the Regimental stable belt was worn in Fort York, Germany it was sometimes worn with the bush pants in the 1950’s and 1960’s as well as with the wool sweater as garrison dress by 1 RCR.
As previously mentioned, the Regimental stable belts only appears in the 1960 Regimental standing Orders which state “The Regimental belt may be worn for Physical Training and sports events. The belt will be made of canvas material with tan leather buckles and straps. It will be secured with two short leather tabs through two silver buckles. The belt will be 2 ½ inches in width, coloured as follows: One 1” band of black on the bottom of the belt with a ½” band of amber and a 1” band of royal blue. The belt will have a silver D to shorten or lengthen the belt. The inside of the belt will be white.”
The stable belt described in the 1960 Regimental Standing Orders. Author’s collection.
In the past months there has a been a resurgence of interest in Regimental stable belts and the author began producing them as a hobby. These modern versions should not be confused with the original belts described above. These modern belts measure 2 inches compared to the 2 ½ inches, and both sides of the webbing are coloured.
Addendum: Although the Regimental Standing Orders describe the belt as 2.5″ wide, all examples encountered measured 2.25″, additionally, the webbing is elastic rather than canvas.
Sources:
Regimental Standing Order of The Royal Canadian Regiment, 1960, para 201.03 Belts (2).
Filling the Ranks: The 87th Battalion Blues
By Bill Alexander
After the initial surge of patriotic fever swelled the ranks of the first contingent of the Canadian Expeditionary Force, the losses and horrors of war experienced at Ypres stunned Canadian communities. Enlistments fell off over the next months. New battalions forming for service overseas found it increasingly difficult to fill the ranks, and resorted a wide range of strategies to entice attestations. In Montreal, competition for soldiers between several new battalions made recruiting even more difficult. Over the late summer and early fall of 1915, one battalion, the 87th Canadian Grenadier Guards approached the problem with a unique solution.
The Canadian Grenadier Guards, the parent unit of the 87th, prided themselves on being a sister regiment to the imperial Grenadier Guards. Dress and deportment had always been important to Guard’s regiments, a practice not lost on the Canadian Grenadier Guards. To distinguish their overseas battalion, the 87th, unique insignia was requested. The Battalion desired a cap badge of the same design as worn by the militia regiment, and for the shoulder insignia, instead of the CEF mandated battalion numeral, 87, over INF, the CGG wished their battalion to wear their metal shoulder title reading GG/CANADA. To further set them apart and assist in recruiting, it was requested that “the 87th Overseas Battalion be allowed to wear blue shoulder straps in place of khaki ones”. The Officer Commanding, Lt. Col. F.S. Meighen argued that with “Recruiting becoming increasingly difficult, … any little distinction such as above is a help, especially to (sic) battalions which are recruiting in districts where Highland battalions with their special uniform are also recruiting”. Second, “the men of the 1st Canadian Division were very proud of their coloured shoulder straps, which served to distinguish Canadians at once from Territorials or Kitchener’s army.” At an undated meeting with the Quartermaster General in September, Meighen secured approval for all the 87th’s insignia requests. Or, so, he believed.
Almost immediately the acquisition became complicated. The Department of Militia would only provide standard tunics, unaltered, with the khaki shoulder straps. The acquisition of the blue shoulder straps and the alteration of the tunics would be the Battalion’s responsibility, with some compensation extended. On the positive side, the badges were authorized and costs would be reimbursed. Anticipating the dress modifications, the Battalion publicised their new uniforms in hope of enhancing recruiting.
A Montreal Gazette article featuring the distinction came to the attention of Maj. Gen. W.G. Gwatkin, Chief of the General Staff, Canadian militia. In a memo on 21 October 1915, he strenuously disagreed with the approval indicating the same to the Quartermaster General. Unfortunately, in his opinion, protocol had not been followed, and the Governor General, His Royal Highness, the Duke of Connaught, the King’s representative in Canada, had not been consulted. Gwatkin indicated “I do not think that the Duke will like the blue shoulder strap”. He continued, “you ought to have to have approached His Royal Highness before you proposed “G.G. CANADA”. The same day, a letter from Montreal indicated the Battalion, with the understanding they had approval, and that compensation was forthcoming, had proceeded with acquisitions of both the blue shoulder straps and the shoulder titles.
In a meeting of the Militia Council on 23 October 1915, Gwatkin pushed for a re-consideration of the blue shoulder straps. The Council rescinded the approval, and a letter was sent indicating the “blue shoulder straps for this unit would not be approved and these straps will have to be removed from the jackets.” The design for the badges, other than those supplied by the Dept., must be submitted for approval, and must contain “87” and “Overseas”. The 87th Battalion was not prepared to give up. Lt. Col. Meighen, having been indirectly informed of the reversal, and with the misunderstanding that it had been instigated by H.R.H. The Duke of Connaught, wrote the Quartermaster General, arguing for the retention of the blue shoulder straps. Indicating that the tunics with the blue boards would be in service until worn out, as had happened with the First Contingent, he noted that in the course of time, they would no longer be on issue. As the 87th uniforms had already been fitted with the blue straps, it would be considerable expense to alter them again. In addition, the hit to Battalion pride would be considerable, and a negative effect on recruiting would likely ensue. His protests had little effect; the blue shoulder straps were to be withdrawn.
The issue of compensation remained. Originally approved by the Dept. of Militia, it was only appropriate that payment for the straps be made. As no government issue badges, (the general list maple leaf cap, collars, Battalion numerals, INF, and CANADA), were to be issued to the 87th, the Battalion requested payment in lieu, which would then be applied to the cost of the Battalion badges. Included in the consideration, supposedly, would be reimbursement for the now unauthorized blue shoulder boards. In early January of 1916, a hastener was sent to the Quartermaster General, requesting the reimbursement. It was indicated the payment had been sent. Upon examination, it was found that a payout had been made the previous November for badges, but not for the shoulder boards. A requisition for compensation for 1111 pairs of shoulder straps at 15c per pair, in the sum of $116.65 was submitted. Finally, in early February, the Quartermaster General authorized the pay out to the 87th Battalion. The Battalion would proceed overseas, in drab khaki tunics, with drab khaki shoulder straps, but wearing their Canadian Grenadier Guards badges. [i]
[i] Library and Archives Canada Record Group 24, Volume 1539, File 638-132-1 Badges 87th Battalion, and Record Group 9, III, D1 Vol. 4689 File 4-C-87-2 87th Battalion Regimental Badges.
by Bill Alexander
The diagrams for No.2 and No.3 Tunnelling Companies. Source LAC.
During the First World War, many tactical innovations were developed to break the stalemate created by trench warfare. Mining, by tunnelling under the enemy trenches, placing and detonating charges was a technique adopted by both sides in France and Flanders. In the British Expeditionary Force, dedicated tunnelling companies were formed by the Royal Engineers and the engineers from the Dominions and colonies. Tunnelling Companies were responsible for tunnelling, mining, and counter mining activities, including removal of enemy mines and booby traps, as well as other regular engineering jobs as required. Canada, a nation rich in mining operations, was a source of experienced miners and quickly recruited four companies. Organized in 1916, the Canadian Engineer’s companies’ strength was initially 14 officers and 225 other ranks; this would grow to 19 officers and 550 other ranks by 1918. Three companies were sent to the western front under command of the imperial Controller of Mines (Army). The fourth company was converted to a depot and supplied personnel to the other three. The first three companies were deployed to the front, but as BEF assets and not under command of the Canadian Corps.
A Sergeant of No.3 Tunneling Company wearing the insignia of the sleeve.
When the British army and Canadian Corps began adopting battle signs for wear on the uniform, No. 1, No. 2 and No. 3 Tunnelling Companies CE were operating in France and Flanders. These patches of coloured or embroidered cloth were worn on the back or sleeves of the tunic and were introduced to facilitate identification. This practice was extended to the Canadian tunnelling companies who used the simple profile of the letter “T” for the design. Each company designed a unique “T”, differing in construction, colour and size. No 1 Tunnelling Company wore a red rectangular patch with the “T” shape cut out and a piece of black material placed behind. It has also been suggested the “T” shape in black was applied to a red backing. The Acting O.C. No. 1 Coy reported the patch was adopted with the approval of Xth Army Corps on July 2, 1917.[i]
No. 1 Tunnelling Company Sample, courtesy LAC.
No. 2 Coy wore a red “T”, 3 inches high by 2 inches wide. Capt. F.A. Brewster reported the badge had first been worn 7 June 1917 when assisting in the operations of 23rd Division. Authority had been given by the GOC of the 23rd but only for that operation. No. 2 Coy had applied to the Controller of Mines, 4th Army for permanent authority. [ii] No. 3 Coy sent examples of their patches to the Canadian Historical Section in March of 1918. The submission noted the authority was Fourth Army HQ, No/ 21/24 dated 1/3/1918. A diagram of the insignia worn during the war was submitted to the Historical Section in 1928. Image evidence shows the “T” patches in wear on the sleeves of the uniform.
Capt Alex Young, No. 3 Tunnel Company. Courtesy of S. St Amant.
In the early 1918 re-organization of the Canadian Corps, No. 1 and No. 2 Tunnelling Coys were absorbed into the divisional engineering brigades. The insignia for the first two companies was redundant and removed. No. 3 Tunnelling Coy continued as an army troop asset, wearing the tunnellers’ “T” until the end of the war.
Tunnellers T’s showing No. 1 Tunnelling Company with red backing and without, and No. 2 Tunnelling Company, courtesy of the author’s collection.
[i] LAC RG 9 III DI Vol. 4711 Historical Section File 5-D-1-2. No. 1 Tunnelling Coy Regimental Badges.
[ii] LAC RG 9 III DI Vol. 4711, Historical Section File 5-D-2-1. No. 2 Tunnelling Coy Regimental Badges.
MilArt 