What have we here? No 20

[Bill A]

Interesting photo of a Governor General's Horse Guard trooper. He is wearing the GGHG imposed formation patch and a stretcher bearer armband. Above the GGHG patch it appears he is wearing an AOS?

[WJ Miller]

HI Bill,

It looks to me just to be the "Canada" patch? more precisely, black smudge, white "ADA".

[edstorey]

Sure looks like that to me.

[WJ Miller]

I've tried to enhance the image as best I could (sharpness/added contrast).

Still looks like black smudge, "ADA", to me...

[WJ Miller]

The GGHG photo reminded me of a detail from an LAC photo that has always caught my eye. The "N" in this Gunner's 'Canada' patch is stained (see the dark stain on the Div patch below) which makes it look missing. Also, it looks as though the censors have scratched out the "14" on his epaulette patch.

detail from Mikan Number: 3202991 "Sergeant D. Mills and Gunner H.W. Embree checking the gunsight of a Priest M-7 105mm. self-propelled gun of the 14th Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery (R.C.A.), France, 20 June 1944."

[Bill A]

Ok, that is likely a CANADA title on his arm. Canadians were not allowed AoS strips but were required to wear the nationality title.

[WJ Miller]

Okay Bill, a question for you. Hypothetically, if this were an AoS patch, shouldn't it be worn below the Div patch AND what colour combination would be proper for the Trooper?

[Bill A]

IF the GGHG were a Brit armoured unit, yes the AoS should be below the formation patch. The AoS for the armoured corps was yellow and red.
For some reason the CANADA title just didn't click in my mind when looking at the image. And, we know that lots of weird and wonderful insignia practices that defied RO's can be found.

[WJ Miller]

IF the GGHG were British Armour would they be RTR or RAC? Does the yellow and red AoS apply for both?

Seriously, is there any online reference for AoS patches and the colour combinations? I'm curious now... and there is nothing to do at work this afternoon...

[Bill A]

Hi Bill, The Royal Tank Regiment was a component of the Royal Armoured Corps. In the same way that the GGHG were a regiment of the Canadian Armoured Corps/Royal Canadian Armoured Corps. In poking around the web I didn't find any good references for AoS.
Phil, I think there is some confusion here with the Arm of Service strips (AoS) and the Canadian Army Occupation Force (CAOF).

[WJ Miller]

Originally Posted by Bill A

...The Royal Tank Regiment was a component of the Royal Armoured Corps...

Yes, but there IS a distinction... methinks GGHG would be RAC affiliated. or possibly Yeomanry? hmm confused myself now nevermind...

[Bill A]

Bill, Not sure what comparison you are making. The GGHG were "heavy cavalry" if that is the comparison, not yeomanry. (The GGHG were allied with the British Royal Horse Guards, which was amalgamated and is now the Blues and Royals.)