Buttons, RCD, and Music Branch The Royal Canadian Dragoons (RCD) used 10 different patterns of buttons from 1893 to 2000. The Royal Canadian Dragoons is the most senior cavalry regiment in Canada having been formed on 21 December 1883. The regiment currently serves as a regular force armoured unit in the 4th Canadian Division, 2 …
Category archives: Museum Artifact
Camp Hughes Manitoba
Provincial Heritage Site No. 82, Camp Hughes Military Training Site NE 34-10-16 W, 10 kms west of Carberry, R.M. of North Cypress Established 1909 (used until 1934) National Historic Site of Canada, Designated in 2011 Camp Hughes was a Canadian military training camp. It was actively used for Army training from 1909 to 1934 and …
Cap, Field Service (“wedge cap”), Royal Flying Corps (RFC) Cap Badge
The Field Service Cap (“wedge cap”) was officially introduced into the Canadian Army in 1939, when the new Battle Dress uniform was introduced. Wedge style caps had been worn by Canadians in the First World War, particularly by aviators (pilots), but its use was never widespread. The original Royal Flying Corps cap badges were manufactured in brass, …
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Cards, Post: Voices from Vimy: Manitobans on the Ridge
This is a sample of a Manitoban’s letter (post card) home from Vimy Ridge in the First World War. This post card is from The University of Manitoba archives and special collections. A picture of Frederick D. Baragar and Silver heels Feb. 17, 1917 is on the front. The following is from the back of …
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Dress Regulations for the Canadian Militia 1907
A soldier must maintain a professional appearance to show a professional image, pride, and self discipline while maintaining a high standard of deportment to demonstrate their professionalism. The photo shows Dress Regulations for the Canadian Militia dated 1907. Military dress and designs have gone through many changes over the years. For service members and veterans, …
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Dog, Collar
What is a “collar dog” in the military? In the military, collar badges are worn as lapel badges on formal uniforms and are often called ‘collar dogs’. This section deals with collar dogs worn by enlisted soldiers, rather than Commissioned Officers. The 259th Battalion, Canadian Rifles, CEF (Siberia), was an infantry battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Force (Siberia) during the Great War. The 259th …
Knuckles, Metal
Sometimes called “brass knuckles, knucks, brass knucks, knucklebusters. Knuckle dusters, an English punch or a classic”, knuckles were weapons used in hand-to-hand combat. The extended and rounded palm grip also spreads across the attacker’s palm to distribute the counter-force that would otherwise be absorbed primarily by the attacker’s fingers, reducing the likelihood of damage to …
Lighter, Thorens – 1920s to 1930s
This lighter is Swiss made of the highest quality. Thorens was originally a music box maker who began that business in 1883. Their most sought-after lighter models are of the 1920s to 1930s era. The company moved into making record turntables, speakers, and other music items eventually. Their “Standard Original” model lighter was introduced in …
Medal, 1914-1915 Star
Context: This First World War medal was authorized in December 1918. This medal was always issued with the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. Eligibility and Criteria: The 1914-1915 Star was awarded to all who saw service in any theatre of war against the central (axis) powers between 5 August 1914 and 31 December …
Medal, British War
Context: This First World War medal was authorized on 26 July 1919. It was possible to receive this medal alone but all gallantry medals would include the British War Medal (BWM) and the Victory Medal (VM) as well. Eligibility and Criteria: The medal was awarded to all ranks of Canadian overseas military forces who deployed …