Early 428 Ghost Squadron patch variations
 

As Canada entered the post-war jet era, RCAF 428 Squadron flying CF-100’s was reactivated at Uplands in 1954. It was only around for a short time, to be permanently disbanded in 1961. The first issue of this patch is made with 3 layers of felt and an intricate double chain stitch. If you are lucky enough to find this earlier unused patch, you may find the characteristic ink back-stamp of the manufacturer, Crest Craft of Saskatoon, in a style which indicates the patch was made prior to 1956. The 2nd machine-made design has no felt at all. It’s not clear when it was manufactured, possibly towards the end of the Squadron’s existence or even after this 1961 date.

The first example shown is from the estate of Col. Doug Hall who was briefly stationed with 428 at Uplands and later became the C/O of 1(F) Wing Marville (1959-63). The black die of this 1st issue patch tends to bleed into the white felt layer and stitching when the patch is washed.

An additional modern replica is also being manufactured but the collector will pay a significant premium for the original felt issue and to a lesser extent, the older stitched variety, both of which are illustrated below.