More XII Dragoons

[Doug N]

As a child of the Empire, Canada inherited the British regimental system, & its rich diversity of tradition & heraldry. There were very English regiments within the Canadian army; as well as those with Irish, Welsh & French roots. There were more Scottish regiments in Canada than in Scotland.

It would be hard to choose a favorite badge from amongst them. Any short list would have to include the badges of several regiments from the Canadian prairies. The rural prairies were mainly settled by eastern Europeans. These citizens & militiamen had little direct connection with conventional British heraldry. Some of the badges they created to represent themselves are quite unique, & in my estimation among the most distinctly "Canadian" patterns of the country's army.

Badge motifs featuring charging buffalos, bucking broncos, snarling wolves, etc. might make some military purists snort in derision. I think they're great. I'd describe them as 'loud & proud' - & very 'Canada'.

The badges shown are those of the Manitoba Dragoons:
The first pattern (1903-22 +-) in white metal by Scully, & in darkened copper by Gaunt.
The second pattern (1922-39) in voided gilt & silver officer's pattern by Gaunt. The OR's collars in this series were mirrored, but I have never seen a facing pair in officers.
The final pattern (1939 - 64) in OSD bronze & bullion embroidery; both circa WW2.