VIII RECCE & 14 Canadian Hussars

[James S]

Bill, you noted before that this badge had documented provenance. Is the maker/manufacturer of this badge known? Can anyone add anything to this?

Thanks in advance.

Cheers,
James

[KGW]

Hi every1!

I got this pin not that long ago.
And looking for an answer - is this real or repro badge?
size - 30mm X 30mm, stamped - 9ct gold (tested), weight - 6.8 gr.

All the best,
KGW (CANADA)

P.S. see photos

[barriefield-brian]

Not a "real" badge but looks like a sweetheart badge. Nicely done; have never seen one for the 8th recce before. Cheers Brian

[KGW]

Thank You 4 Your help!

[Moe RCNR]

Hello KGW: I agree with Brian, sweetheart badge. I also have not seen this badge before but very nice. Would gladly add it to my collection.
Moe.

[KGW]

Thank You 4 Your offer.
This item is not for sale.

Best regards,
KGW (CANADA)

[Tanker Mike]

Here is a dress blues patrol tunic with pants I recently picked up. Interesting ribbons including a DSC and 24 years (two rosette's) on his efficiency medal.
Belonged to a L/Col D.J. Burke, anyone know his history?

[John S.]

Tanker Mike:
L Col DJ Burke is listed as a 2Lt (qual`d 1/6/39) in the COTC, mbr of 14th Cdn Light Horse in the 1939 Defence Forces List, Nov 1939.
He was awarded the Efficiency Medal 3 times; initial issue(Maj) 8 Sept 1948, first bar(LCol) 17 Aug 1953, second bar (LCol) 14 Dec 1959. In 1959, he is listed as with 14 Hussars, and his service number is TL 11099.
He may have had overseas service with 14CLH/8 RECCE, but others will have to speak to that.
Question still remains- how did he end up with a DSC?? I cannot find him listed for this award in our Naval Forces, nor in the Cdn Army, if there is a typo here, and you meant DSO!
Hope this is of assitance.
John S.

[Tanker Mike]

It was a military cross

[Voltigeur]

The only DJ Burke I could find......hopefully it is him.
Jo

BURKE, Douglas John, Captain (Acting Major) - Military Cross - Armour (4 Canadian Reconnaissance Regiment, 4 Princess Louise Dragoon Guards) - awarded as per Canada Gazette and CARO/5801, both dated 23 June 1945. Recommended for periodic award; document with Headquarters, 12 Canadian Infantry Brigade, 19-20 January 1945; with Headquarters, 5 Canadian Armoured Division, 21-24 January 1945; with Headquarters, 1 Canadian Corps, 25 January 1945 to uncertain date.

On 1 September 1944, 4 Princess Louise Dragoon Guards was engaged in an attack near Tomba di Pesaro. Major Burke commanded "A" Squadron in the attack. He was among the first to reach the objective, and immediately reorganized the remnants of the leading troops and consolidated the position. During the action very heavy enemy artillery fire was directed on the troops and many casualties were suffered. Major Burke paid no heed to the enemy fire and continued to lead and encourage the men under his command. Capture of the position by Major Burke's squadron was the first break made in the very strongly defended position and resulted in the advance by the 5 Canadian Armoured Division through the Gothic Line. This courageous officer also proved his ability as a leader during the period of 4 September 1944 to 14 October 1944 when the 4 Princess Louise Dragoon Guards were engaged in the occupation of Misano, the crossing of the Uso River, the actions at the Fiumicino, and the operation at the Rubicone. Without exception, the above actions were hard and vigorous engagements with the enemy, in which Major Burke led his squadron with determination, outstanding initiative and success. On 3 December 1944, during the Godo-Ravenna action, the squadron, under the skilful leadership of Major Burke, succeeded in penetrating the enemy line and consolidating positions astride the Godo-Ravenna highway. The squadron intercepted an enemy maintenance column, and in the ensuing fight killed ten of the enemy, wounded eight more and destroyed three vehicles. On 4 December 1944, an enemy force of four self-propelled guns and three armoured half-track troop carriers counter-attacked the positions held by Major Burke's squadron on the Godo-Ravenna road. Major Burke personally carried out a reconnaissance during this fire fight and from information gained was able to alter his troops dispositions and concentrate his fire so effectively that the enemy was forced to withdraw. Major Burke has taken part in all actions in which the unit has participated and during the entire period has given gallant service and inspired leadership above the line of normal duty.

[John S.]

Tanker Mike:
A/Maj Douglas John Burke awarded the MC 23/06/1945, as a member of 4th Princess Louise Dragoon Guards. I suspect that this was a periodic award, as opposed to immediate, due to the date of the award.
LT Col Jacksons` history of the 4th PLDG`s might make mention of this officer, but as the history does not have an index, you might have to read through a great deal of the 306 pages to find this.
Cheers,
John S.

[Moe RCNR]

First mention, that I could find, of D.J. Burke in the PLUGs history by H.M. Jackson was on Pg. 201. This is immediately after the regiment was converted to infantry. Further mentions are on Pages 202, 204 and 217. Page 217 mentions his promotion to Major and his taking over "A" Squadron as O.C.
Cheers.
Moe.

[Tanker Mike]

Thanks to all for the info, the uniform is very nice and includes his rare coloured side cap.

[Voltigeur]

Further informations on the PLUGs in action on 1st September.

The regiment was re-roled as infantry on July 13, 1944, and assigned to the newly raised 12th Canadian Infantry Brigade of 5th Canadian (Armoured) Division. The decision was the result of 8th Army commanders noting that the 5th Armoured Division was hampered by a shortage of infantry personnel and that the existing brigade, the 11th, was increasingly unable to meet the demands made of it. Having spent the winter of 1943 serving as dismounted infantry and often fighting largely as such, the regiment was an obvious choice for a transfer to the infantry corps. Though its members, officers and men alike would be hostile to the new role, they would distinguish themselves all the same.
Going into battle for the first time without their armoured cars, the Princess Louise were assigned the capture of Monte Peloso on September 1, 1944. Identified on Canadian Army maps as Point 253 and strongly held by the enemy, the feature was part of the German's Gothic Line. Following a murderous enemy artillery barrage that lasted for half an hour and badly scattered the attacking squadrons, C-Squadron pushed off for the objective at 13:10 with the remainder of the regiment close behind. Crossing a rutted farm field at the feature's base, the Princess Louise ran headlong into German paratroops forming up for an attack on nearby Point 204. Tearing into the startled Fallschirmjäger, caught on the open ground as they assembled for their counterattack Lord Strathcona's Horse Sherman tanks raked them with 75 mm cannon fire or their hull mounted machine guns. Flushed from slit trenches on the forward slope by the closing tanks, the enemy infantrymen were shot down by the advancing Princess Louise. Fighting its way forward in the face of heavy sniper, machine gun, and mortar fire, the regiment cleared a number of houses partway up Point 253, supported by the Strathconas. Rumbling to within feet of the buildings, the 32-ton Shermans reduced them to rubble with high explosive rounds prior to the waiting Plugs rushing in with rifle and bayonet. Though ultimately successful, 4th PLDG's first experience serving as dismounted infantry had not been without cost: 35 Princess Louise Dragoon Guards were killed taking Point 253 and another 94 wounded.

[Tanker Mike]

Some recent ebuy auctions for this officer, a very nice badge, but I think its an officers capbadge. I don't recall this unit wearing a cross belt for parade or patrol dress.

http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?...=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Nice 8th RECCE officers collar, private purchase? No makers mark.

http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?...=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Original cloth flash

http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?...=STRK:MEDWX:IT

Original bullseye, were these made in canvas as well?

http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?...=STRK:MEDWX:IT