Unknown Green Patch with Silver Maple Leaf

[MH331]

I have no idea if these patches are military. A silver bullion thread Maple leaf on a green rectangle. Any help identifying what they represent and who wore them most gratefully received.

Thanks

Mark

[Ian B]

Good day Mark,

Information that I have says these patches were worn by Sr. NCOs of the 4th Canadian Division during WWI. Officers wore the patch with gold bullion Maple Leaf.

I'm attaching a picture of my Great-uncle, Lt. D. M. Wiswell, 85th CEF Bn. (which was part of the 4th Cdn. Div.) wearing said patch while in England with the N. S. Depot Bn. Hope it shows up well in the picture.

Regards,

Ian B

[Ian B]

Further to my last, Mark. In the late Clive Law's book, "Distinguishing Patches", not all battalions in the Division wore the patch with the bullion leaf. Also, this patch was unofficial during the war, not being approved for wear until early 1919.

Ian

[Bill A]

In addition to Ian's comments, the patches were not likely available until after the war. The LAC records suggest these were something of an embellishment.

[MH331]

Thank you both for solving the mystery it is much appreciated.

Mark

[peter monahan]

Originally Posted by Bill A

The LAC records suggest these were something of an embellishment.

I must confess that my initial reaction to these was 'These are way too fancy' for a self respecting soldier. So, post-war garrison duty, when impressing the locals and vast amounts of time came together to produce all sorts of odd fashion trends.

My personal suspicion, unproven and probably unproveable, is that most of the WWI helmets with unit emblems painted on them are mostly post-war artifacts. these seem to fit the same category: 'let's tidy up and swank it a bit, chaps!'