RCN Officer's Insignia

[RCN]

The entry level rank for an Officer was usually Officer (or Naval) Cadet.

This was an entry at college/university level, whilst the officer aspirant was undergoing the necessary academic education for his degree. He would be enrolled in the ROTP or UNTD programs while attending a university or the Canadian Services college at Royal Roads. A candidate could also come in under a scheme called the "Venture plan". It commenced in 1954 to train short service officers & pilots for the RCN.

Note: these were not ratings promoted from the ranks. They came to be officers under a different scheme.

Whilst undergoing their training Officer Cadets wore the Naval Cadet insignia on the lapels of their service & battledress tunics.

Illustrated below is the insignia for a Naval Cadet, both Kings & Queen's crown varieties:

[RCN]

After the Officer Cadet graduated from his university, or the Canadian Services College, or the Venture plan, he was promoted to Midshipman. Now his formal Naval &/or specific Branch Officer (ie: Engineering, Supply) training commenced.

He now exchanged his black Officer Cadet insinia for the white Midshipman insignia, worn identical to that of the former, ie: on the lapels of his tunic.

Note: Both Officer Cadets & Midshipman wore the standard Officer's cap badge, shown in the thread under 'Officers Cap badges.'
Illustrated below is the Midshipman insignia:

[RCN]

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