The Canadian Forces Medical Branch or Royal Canadian Medical Service
 

Hello All,

I just picked up these two Officer's Gold Wire badge from CFB Kingston on the 25th of July 2014. I asked the young lady to grab me a selection of Officer's badges that she had behind the counter that I could purchase. I ended up buying a few of them, however I saw two Medical badges that had different coloured serpents. Needless to say I picked up one of each.

The question is; why the different serpents? Doctor & Nurse or CF Medical Branch or Royal Canadian Medical Services?

Any help would be great! I checked out the galleries and threads but didn't have any luck there.

Chris

PS I ended up picking up a spare Communications badge (I think, there isn't a difference but someone might prove me wrong on it) If the same willing to trade for RCEME new pattern Officer's Gold Wire.

Interesting question Chris. Wonder if there is any significance to the two colours of snake.

CFB Kingston or the C&E Branch Kit Shop? There is a big difference between the two.
I think that the different serpents are simply manufacturers' differences/errors.

Phil

C&E kit shop

Phil,

While I was there a Lieutenant Colonel of Communication pick up a senior officer's badge to replace his. Would they not be the same, as Officer's badges are purchased item?

Chris

I'm not clear on what you are asking.

Phil

Sorry Phil,

You had mentioned that the Base and C&E made a big difference, I took that to mean there would be difference in the badges. I guess I was overly sensitive thinking that it was a slight on the badge. You have been so helpful in the past and present, I read more in to your observation.

Thank you again.
Different manufacture would make sense.

When referring to the badges, if they are obtained from "Base", then they are CF issue through clothing stores. The Communications and Electronics Branch kit shop does not sell CF issue badges, but badges that are privately made - particularly the officers' badges which are not issued by the CF.

Phil

Thank you for the clarification

Chris

Really quite simple, white serpents on officer's hat badges (regardless of their occupation). Other ranks wear a badge with a gold coloured serpent. On privately purchased Offr/CWO gold wire badge, the serpent is silver. There's a gold wire OR variant, with a gold coloured serpent, that snuck into use approximately 10-12 years ago. The big heads allowed this version to be worn by MWOs... M9C :)

Interesting distinction. Is this authorized in the Medical Branch dress regulations?

In a prior life, I was the custodian of that particular regulation, and I've seen the documentation and the sealed pattern Officer / OR badges with silver/white and gold serpents... So, I'm going to go out on a limb and say yes. M9C

This is a distinction that I was not aware existed. I will have to pay more attention to the Med Branch badges.

Always learning something new, that's what makes this such a great hobby.

Chris

The two CFMS cap badges that Highlandas has pictured are both wire embroidered private purchase. I'm surprised that anybody below the rank of CWO/CPO1 would be allowed to wear either one. There is a mylar embroiderd CF issue cap badge for NCMs.

Phil