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.

Titles, Shoulder, Canadian Army, First World War  - image1The “Canada” shoulder titles were produced by several manufacturers, such as William Scully of Montreal, Quebec, P.W. Ellis & Company of Toronto, Ontario, and Roden Brothers, also of Toronto. William Scully had been manufacturing Canadian military insignia since the 1870s, and the company continues to operate today.

In September 1917, Canadian military officials stipulated all officers and other ranks would wear Canada shoulder titles going forward instead of unit titles. Officers were permitted to wear either metal or cloth titles, to match their badges of rank, which were also displayed on the shoulder straps. Other ranks were to wear the standard metal Canada shoulder title.

Historical Context: The Canada shoulder title was manufactured in dozens of variations during the First World War. Some styles were slightly curved, while others were straight.

Canada titles in museum  

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