2 Canadian Army Tank Brigade formation patch

[Bill A]

The Canadian Army generally followed British organization and war establishments in World War 2. This led to the creation of army tank battalions and army tank brigades in the orbat of the CA(O). (The Canadian Active Service Force (CASF) was reorganized in 1940 into the Canadian Army (Overseas), and the Permanent Force became the Canadian Army (Active) and Non Permanent Active Militia (NPAM) became the Canadian Army (Reserve) until after WW2.)
Two Canadian Tank Brigades were formed, and adopted unique formation patches. The 1 CTB (Canadian Tank Brigade) used a ram goat as the formation patch, and 2 CTB (Canadian Tank Brigade) adopted the dagger style Cross of Lorraine patch. These patches were taken into use in June of 1941, and July of 1942 respectively.
There has been some question about the issue of the Cross of Lorraine patch for the 2 CTB. Some sources indicate that it was not taken into use, however photographic evidence indicates that at least two of the armoured regiments, the Grey & Simcoe Foresters, and the Halifax Rifles of 2 CTB wore the patch. The patch is frequently found unissued, but recently I acquired a 2 CTB patch in used condition from the estate of a former member of the Halifax Rifles. Note the two patterns of 2 CTB patches illustrated below. The patch in the lower image is the patch from the estate. Note the significant differences in the embroidery of the two formation patches, indicating that at least two runs or two different makers were involved in their production.