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 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group, based at CFB Petawawa, ON.
The Lyre (band staff) button is a uniform button that may come in a variety of sizes. It may be finished in one of the following: Gold, Nickel, Silver, Silver Oxide, Gilt Oxide, Chrome, Two-tone, or Gunmetal. The button signifies the wearer is a member of a Canadian military band. The lyre—which is perhaps its most well-known symbol—signifies that Apollo is the god of music.
Button, 222nd Battalion
The 222nd Battalion, CEF, was a unit in the Canadian Expeditionary Force during the First World War. Based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the unit began recruiting in early 1916 throughout the province.
After sailing to England in November 1916 onboard the RMS Olympic, the Battalion was absorbed into the 19th Reserve Battalion on 2 January 1917.
A notable member of the 222nd Infantry Battalion was Amos William Mayse, a veteran of both the Boer War in South Africa and the First World War. He was severely injured in both wars. He returned to Manitoba following the Boer war. He became a pastor and preached in Neepawa and Peguis Reserve before war broke out in 1914.
He enlisted in the 222nd Battalion, where he quickly rose up the ranks to Lieutenant. Following the war, he returned to Canada, retiring in British Columbia, where he stayed until his death in 1948.
The 222nd Battalion is continued (perpetuated) by the Royal Winnipeg Rifles Regiment.
Buttons, Canadian Militia
With Confederation in place in 1867, and the British garrison gone in 1871, Canada assumed full responsibility for its own defence. The Parliament of Canada passed the Militia Act of 1868, modelled after the earlier Militia Act of 1855, in the legislature of the Dominion of Canada.
Canada Militia Uniform Button, 1855 – 1901. This was used from 1873-1876 by the Northwest Mounted Police during Fenian Raids (military conflicts along the Canadian border) and Western Canada policing. It was also worn by Canadian Militia with a white metal top and tinned bottom QVC (Queen Victoria crown vine border).
This is an Edwardian era 1900 to 1910 Canadian militia uniform button. The button is made of brass and shows an Edwardian crown above the beaver.
Button, Chaplain Corps
The Royal Canadian Army Chaplain Corps (RCAChC) was an administrative corps of the Canadian Army. The Canadian Chaplain Service was first authorized on 1 June 1921. It was later redesignated as The Canadian Army Chaplain Corps on 22 March 1948 and as The Royal Canadian Army Chaplain Corps on 3 June 1948. The Royal Canadian Army Chaplain Corps was succeeded by the Chaplain Branch on May 2, 1969.
The insignia of the branch was officially described as follows: In front of a wreath of maple leaves gules nerved or a Maltese cross argent. In the center a circle edged and inscribed with the motto IN HOC SIGNO VINCES, (“In this sign conquer” – attributed to Constantine the Great when he embraced Christianity). Within the circle a quatrefoil (symbol for good luck) voided the whole ensigned by the Royal Crown proper.
Significance: The Maltese version of the Christian Cross has an historic military meaning as it was the badge of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem, also called of Malta.
Members of this monastic order of chivalry heroically defended Malta against the Turks in 1565, and later against the French in 1798.
Canadian Chaplain Service Button 1921-1964
Buttons, General Service
From 1901 – 1968, when there was a shortage of corps, regimental or unit buttons, or no unit button was adopted, the standard button was called the General Service button. It was appropriate for wear by members of any unit. Shown are examples of the General Service button. Most military clothing would be issued initially with this type of button.
General Service 1901-1910
Corps of Royal Military Police Pre-WWI King Edward VII Brass Tunic Button
General Service Button 1924-1946 with King’s Crown
Canada General Service Button 1946-1952 with King’s Crown. Military uniform button (Gilt is a gold colour covering)
Canada general service 1952-1968 with Queen Elizabeth crown brass military uniform button
Button, Lord Strathcona’s Horse
This Regular Force regiment originated in Winnipeg, Manitoba on 1 July 1901 when an independent Permanent Active Militia corps of mounted rifles, designated ‘A Squadron, was established. The unit first served in the Boer War in South Africa. The first Commanding Officer was Col (Sir) Sam Steele.
From 1903 – 1958 the unit underwent several changes. On 19 May 1958 the unit was renamed The Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians).
Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians) is an Armoured Regiment within the Canadian Forces. It comprises a Regimental Headquarters along with four Squadrons. The unit is located in Edmonton, Alberta.
1901-1903 Lord Strathcona’s Horse uniform button
The Strathcona Mounted Troop provides an active display of a unique part of its national heritage which is enjoyed by thousands of Canadians annually. Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians) is represented by the Strathcona Mounted Troop, the last Canadian military horse-mounted troop.
1912-1968 Lord Strathcona’s Horse uniform button