First post-WW1 Canadian cap badges

[backtothewind]

Hi there guys
This is my first post on the forum, so take it easy with me!

My grandfather was in the Royal Highlanders "Black Watch" during WW1. I have his medals, Pip, Squeak and Wilfred and noticed that they include the 1914 Star. Amongst other belongings, I found these two badges. I have searched online for a similar "67" badge but can't find one with the cougar/puma on it. I would welcome your comments.
Also is the silver badge a Canadian Black Watch regiment?
The next question is how did he get hold/swap these badges. His battalion was the 1/5 Battalion seems to have been assimilated into other groups during the course of the war. I am feeling very proud of him as I only found out he was one of the "Old Contemptibles" recently.

Thanks in advance
Roger

[Bill A]

Hello Roger, re the badge with the 67, it is a collar for the 67th Bn Canadian Expeditionary Force.

[Phillip Herring]

The 1/5th Battalion would have been a Territorial Battalion. The term "Old Contemptibles" refers to the Regular Army of 1914.

[Alex Rice]

Surely 'Old Contemptibles' refers to anyone who qualified for the 1914 Star? I know the kaiser's comment was aimed at the regular British Army of the day but a 1914 Star recipient would have been eligible to join the club.

The silver BW badge looks like a sweetheart brooch.

Cheers,

Alex

[backtothewind]

Thanks for your quick responses. So how did my grandfather in the Royal Highlanders have a Canadian collar badge, were these items swapped? If so I assume he must have been in contact with the Canadians troops. Was the "overseas" badge given to Canadian troops that served overseas, might seem a silly question or was the "overseas" part of the battalion emblem.

As for the broach, is this of Canadian origin? It's not possible to make out the upper engraving.

Really appreciate your time and effort.
Roger

[backtothewind]

I think an enterprising Frenchman may have made the broach! Just put it under the microscope, think the thick Scottish accent may have caused a problem. Instead of BLACK watch it says BLARK.

[Bill A]

Hello Roger, swapping badges was common. Many soldiers made up souvenir belts, with badges and buttons.
Overseas was the designation given to battalions raised for service in the UK and France and Flanders.

[Hoot]

Originally Posted by Alex Rice

Surely 'Old Contemptibles' refers to anyone who qualified for the 1914 Star? I know the kaiser's comment was aimed at the regular British Army of the day but a 1914 Star recipient would have been eligible to join the club.

The silver BW badge looks like a sweetheart brooch.

Cheers,

Alex

Alex, the Old Contemptibles were those who were in action, under fire, between 5th August and 22nd November 1914 and who were eligible for the 1914 Star with clasp for that period. The 1914 Star without the clasp was awarded to those who were in theatre but not in action between those dates. TF units at 1st Ypres included 1st London Scottish and 1st Hertfordshire Regiment at least so were entitled to Old Contemptible status and the 1914 Star with clasp.

[Phillip Herring]

https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/de..._contemptibles

Old Contemptibles
PROPER NOUN
The veterans of the British Expeditionary Force sent to France in the First World War (1914), so named because of a supposed German reference to the ‘contemptible little army’ facing them.