Canadian- "H.D.S.A. CANADA"- button hole badge

[Terra Nova]

Requested for identification is a gilding metal/bronze tone and enamels button-hole badge, measuring 24 mm (15/16 inch) diameter. Outer ring has the text "H.D.S.A. CANADA". The enameled centre has a maple leaf centred on a representation of the British Union flag. Reverse has the receiver for the button-hole screw, the manufacturer information "WELLINGS MFG. CO. TORONTO" and the serial number "29."

It came with a large selection of Canadian WWI and Victorian era badges, which may or may not be helpful.

Any information on it's age and usage would be most appreciated. Thank you.

Kindest regards to all,

Tim

[peter monahan]

Clearly not the 'Huntington's Disease Society of America' which is the only 'hit' for that combo of initials on my computer but very possibly and early 'H D Servicemen's Association'.

After the Great War there were literally hundreds of these formed at various levels, from town to battalion to nationally, counting Britain, Canada, and the rest of the Empire though obviously the Toronto manufacture makes it likeliest that it was for Canadian or American use. Most eventually faded away or were subsumed into the Royal Canadian Legion or Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans.

Sorry I've nothing more specific.

[Hoot]

A long time ago now but I seem to recall it being described as the Honourably Discharged Servicemen's Association of Canada.

[Terra Nova]

Hello Peter,

I would call that a "hot lead". I think that you're helping to get us on the right track. Many thanks!

all the best,

Tim

[Terra Nova]

Thank you Hoot,

That sounds entirely plausible. With any luck, there being at least 29 members in the HDSA (if the serial number can be relied on), this isn't the only example out there and there may even be surviving literature or membership cards, etc among a veteran's effects. The quest continues!

all the best,

Tim

[peter monahan]

A quick search using Hoot's name doesn't come up with references to this group per se, but several scholarly articles, Canadian and British, talk about a significant 'wave' of British ex-servicemen who came to Canada in the 1920's, perhaps the last large group of 'English stock' to be deliberately and systematically recruited. And it would make perfect sense that they might have their own veteran's group, distinct from those formed by ex-CEF men .

[Terra Nova]

Hello Peter,

Thank you for your suggestion, which is entirely plausible. Pardon the slow reply due to a brief period "hors de combat." Back in the game!

all the best,

Tim