X-Files

The following graphics depict items for which I require your assistance to identify. If you are able to provide any assistance please email me at jollytar@home.com . Thank you for looking.

X-1

This blue on white badge is of the standard Navy trade badge design with the maple leaf over the trade insignia. The deviation from the standard is the inclusion of the 'CANADA' beneath the trade insignia. As well the trade insignia appears to be crossed fire horns which would suggest the badge was worn by naval firefighters. However to my knowledge the RCN did not have a dedicated Firefighter trade.

The other possibility is that the badge was used by the civilian RCN firefighters. When I acquired this badge back in the early 70's, I visited the then DND Fire Hall in Halifax Dockyard, and spoke to the more senior personnel. No one could shed any light on the badge.

X-2

This gold wire badge is very similar to the RCN Weapons Surface trade badge with the crossed gun barrels, except there is no maple leaf.

Could this have been a manufactures' sample or pattern piece?

X-3

That this badge was worn by divers is pretty obvious but the question is when? I am unable to find any official records that show this particular badge. I believe it was the predecessor of the Clearance Diver's badge with the mine and the  diving hard hat is this correct?

X-4

I know nothing about this badge save that it looks 'Navy' but is it? It measures 2.25 inches in diameter.

X-5

This one is a real beauty. It measures 4.25 by 3 inches. I was told that it could possibly have been used during the Centennial Tattoo but have not been able to confirm this. It appears to be a badge that would be worn on a helmet or a cross belt. Any ideas?

X-6

This badge is from the WW2 era I believe. However I have no idea as to its use or meaning. Who wore this badge? Where was it worn on the uniform? When was it in use? Size of the badge is 1.75 inches in diameter (loonie size).

X-7

As I understand it these chevrons were used to show years of wartime service and they were in use during WW2. Each red chevron signified 1 year of service and at the fifth year one was awarded the white chevron. My questions are as follows:

1. What sort of chevrons were worn on the gold badged uniform? Still the red and white?

2. When were personnel required to take them down? I can well remember sailors with WW2 service ribbons on their uniforms when I joined in 1963 but I do not remember the chevrons.