Royal Canadian Navy DEMS
All the posts I have read talk about the RN DEMS patch with the Q or some other letter in it, nothing about the Canadian Patch with no lettering
This jumper belonged to a Royal Canadian Navy Defensively Equipped Merchant Ship (DEMS) gunner, who would have served aboard merchant ships. The Arm Patch, I am not sure if it is RN or RCN
At the top of the right sleeve, part of a "Canada" patch is visible. Lower on the sleeve is the badge identifying the wearer as a DEMS Seaman Gunner.(Director Layer and Gunlayer (1st class)) Part of the Royal Canadian Navy, most DEMS sailors were gunners, although some were signallers, telegraphists, and coders. Roughly 2,000 Canadians served in these roles, forming part of the crews of merchant ships fitted with defensive armament, and usually operating the heavier weapons.
Most of the post-1942 DEMS belonged to the Royal Canadian Navy Volunteer Reserve (RCNVR), were single and generally under the age of 20. An Ordinary Seaman DEMS would earn about $53.00 a month, including shipping company and naval allowances. An Able Seaman would earn about $63.00. They were paid through a Pay Book, kept by the individual and paid any arrears in any Naval/DEMS Pay Office. Ship's Masters would often pay advances where naval pay facilities were not available. However, the DEMS Gunners did provide a working pool for deck, engineering and catering sections. if employed, they received a merchant seaman's pay but the remaining gunners would have to double up on their watches but share in the monitory rewards.
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AB/AT 68359-H HMCS Bonaventure
Last edited by RonArm; 07-12-12 at 04:59 PM.
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