Neglected area of collecting?

[Bill A]

The thread and images posted on the Cyprus and other post war Canadian deployments feature the use of armlets by the army. The armlets were made of a heavy weave olive drab cotton, most with a black elasticized strap that connects two sides of the armlet and slips over the arm. At the top, the armlets had a loop sewn into the fabric which allowed it to be slipped through the epaulet. The armlet had room for a regimental title, a formation badge, and non-commissioned rank. They were portable, and could be transferred from uniform to uniform. Most were worn on summer dress, either over shirt sleeve order of dress or over the bush dress tunic. As shown in some images, they were also worn over the battledress tunic.
For some reason, these are largely ignored by collectors. They are a unique piece of Canadian militaria.

[edstorey]

Here is one example.

[David Tremain]

Here's my one and only example, given to me by my wife's cousin, who wore it when he was in the Lord Strathcona's Horse. David

[Traist]

Hi, South Africa used a similar system. Mainly only indicating NCO's ranks, but Military Police and Regimental Police also wore them , amongst others. Regards Andrew

[Bill A]

A couple of observations and questions about the armlets that have been posted. Interesting to see how the RCA units put their identification on the armlet. Nice neat job on the "whiting" on the sergeant's rank.
Question for David. Was your wife's cousin an officer in the LdSH? Note the addition of the worsted Canada, a requirement when the title did not clearly indicate the unit was Canadian.

[barriefield-brian]

I have a few of these. this is one of the unusual ones. Cheers Brian

[Bill A]

Hi Brian, That is an unusual armlet. Do you know the significance of the "5"?