The Memorial Cross (more often referred to as the Silver Cross) was first instituted by Order-in-Council 2374, dated December 1, 1919. It was awarded to mothers and widows (next of kin) of Canadian soldiers who died on active duty or whose death was consequently attributed to such duty. The crosses were sent automatically to mothers …
Category archives: Museum Artifact
Roll, Nominal Canadian Expeditionary Force
Nominal Roll: A Nominal Roll is a list of the Officers, NCOs, and Men who served in a unit of the CEF at a specific point in time. They were often compiled prior to a unit embarking for England, and sometimes included embarkation information such as ship name embarkation port and the date of sailing. Information: A small list of some columns listed in the Roll Book were: Regimental …
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Rank, Shoulder
Epaulettes are fastened to the shoulder by a shoulder strap or passenten, a small strap parallel to the shoulder seam, and the button near the collar. History: Louis XIV wore shoulder ribbons, an early type of epaulette of the late 17th century. From the 18th century on, epaulettes were used in the French and other …
Spurs
Who Used Spurs? Mounted infantry were infantrymen who rode horses instead of marching. Spurs, First World War, Original Description: These objects are spurs. They are attached by a leather strap to the heel of a riding boot. A spur consists of a metal U shaped yoke with a protruding wheel of spikes that rotate. This is called a rowel. Spurs are …
Spurs, Dress
Spurs are small pieces of riding equipment attached to the back of a rider’s boot heels. They allow for direct communication between a rider and the horse. These spurs are Box spurs date back to the wearing of overalls by the army. As breeches and boots were introduced to the cavalry uniform, the box spur …
Sword, Officer, George V
The sword shown was manufactured by J.R. Gaunt and Son Limited, Late Edward Thurkle, London and Birmingham, circa 1915. Description: This is an example of a George V style pattern Officer’s sword with steel swept three bar hilt and a wire bound shagreen (shagreen = rough surface of the sword) grip. It has a fullered …
Titles, Shoulder, Canadian Army, First World War
Definition: The Canada shoulder title is a metal device bearing the word “Canada” in uppercase letters, worn on both shoulder straps of the khaki service dress uniform by Canadian soldiers. The Canada shoulder titles distinguished Canadian soldiers from other British Empire troops. The “Canada” shoulder titles were produced by several manufacturers, such as William Scully …
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Watch, Trench
The trench watch (wristlet) was a type of watch used by the military during the First World War as pocket watches were not practical in combat. It was a transitional design between pocket watches and wrist watches, incorporating features of both. As timing in war became more important – so that artillery barrages, for example, could be synchronized – …