Cold Lake Weapons Practice Unit (WPU) patch
 

RCAF station Cold Lake Alberta was established in the mid 1950’s. Its existence was in part due to a surrounding large (approx. 4,500 sq. miles) restricted area around Primrose Lake designated for a testing, bombing and gunnery range. Over the years it has been variously associated with a plethora of divisions, operational units and their associated acronyms including Primrose Lake Air Weapons Range (PLAWR), Cold Lake Air Weapons Range (CLAWR), Weapons Practice Unit (WPU), Central Experimental and Proving Establishment (CETE) and Air Armament Evaluation Detachment (AAED).
The first image below could be a unique patch from the WPU. It’s a simple design and may have been initially ordered to be mounted in a frame, possibly by the Unit itself. It was probably made in the mid to late 50’s, perhaps by Crest Craft but there are no maker’s marks on the reverse. It is a giant among patches measuring over 11” high and 8” wide.
The 2nd image shows other Primrose/Cold Lake patches from the late 50’s (and possibly into the early 60’s) and the relative size to the WPU patch. The two 3 AW(F) OTU - All Weather Fighter Operational Training Unit) patches are associated with squadrons and aircraft, mainly CF-100’s, testing rockets at Primrose in the 50’s although the orange & black Crest Craft version was possibly first found in North Bay before they moved to Cold Lake. It’s worthwhile to note that a company from the Philippines is making knock-offs of the ADC Weapons Practice Unit patch so buyer beware. Compare the subtle differences to this original.
Corrections additions, and other memories all welcome.
As a side note, my father, John Logus, was detachment commander of the Primrose range in the early 70’s.

Happy collecting,
Wayne Logus

Wayne..... Awesome stuff!!

Thanks Mike. I'll show a few more 3 AWF OTU from that era, all made by Crest Craft I think. The CEPE/AETE might date from the early 60's, I'm not sure on that one so if anybody knows...