Canadian Army Cadet side cap

[Pylon1357]

Here we have a WWII dated Army Cadet Wedge Cap. It has a rather beat up Fort Gary Horse badge on it. It came to me this way, however, I am not certain the badge is original to the cap.

I assume this badge is damaged (missing the overlay) and it was not removed to denote a cadet. Any ideas and comments are welcome.

[Bill A]

Hi Cliff, That sure is unusual. I have not seen many cadet wedge caps with any badge other than either the plastic Canadian army cadet badge or the same badge in metal.
The badge is the Fort Garry Horse, but is it a lugged or slider fastener?

[Pylon1357]

Hi Bill, This badge has lugged fasteners. I am with you in regards to the Cadet Cap Badge. I have always thought the badge may have added for show. Other than missing the overlay, it is the same as a WWII FGH badge.

[guest_000]

the cadet instructors often added the unit affiliate badge to the headress. Is the size that of an adult per chance. The CIL can't do that now a days but back then who knew and lots of vets where on the list.

[servicepub]

The cadet instructors did not wear this cap but had a uniform that was similar in nearly all respects to an Infantry officer (scarlet backing to pips, Infantry Mess Dress, etc...) In those days the Cadet Instructors, for the Army, were known as Cadet Services of Canada (CSofC). You are correct that, although there was a CSofC cap badge, some affiliate uits encouraged the CSofC ficers to go "Regimental" and wear the same uniform and insignia as the affiliate unit - especially the Militia units. This ensured that in the Mess there was no division and, after the war, many of the CSofC officers were former soldiers.

[boots and saddles]

Originally Posted by servicepub

The cadet instructors did not wear this cap but had a uniform that was similar in nearly all respects to an Infantry officer (scarlet backing to pips, Infantry Mess Dress, etc...) In those days the Cadet Instructors, for the Army, were known as Cadet Services of Canada (CSofC). You are correct that, although there was a CSofC cap badge, some affiliate uits encouraged the CSofC ficers to go "Regimental" and wear the same uniform and insignia as the affiliate unit - especially the Militia units. This ensured that in the Mess there was no division and, after the war, many of the CSofC officers were former soldiers.

Hi Cliff
I have the two badges(also the cap without badge) am I right in assuming that they don't signify different era's but same era just different duties or capacities, trades whatever. Ray

[servicepub]

The "Royal Canadian Army Cadets" badge was worn by boys between the ages of 12 and 18. The "Cadet Services of Canada" was worn by adult males who were commissioned into the 'secondary reserve' of the Canadian Army. The RCAC, in it's hey day were based on schools and the CSofC instructors were often the teachers in these schools. By the late 1960s most schools had abandoned the cadet program and the Militia (Primary Reserve) units became the main sponsors of cadet corps. At this pointvmost teachers got out of it also and the CSofC were staffed mostly with a mix of retired Militia soldiers and young officers who had just 'aged out' of the cadets but wanted to stay involved.
If you have the time check out this site. - http://www.armycadethistory.com/

Clive