Where did the CEF badge designs come from?

[Rob P.]

Please forgive me if this has been asked before, and if so feel free to link me to the information, I may not be searching properly. I have noticed, while hunting down the 133rd CEF badges that there is quite a variety of badge designs and was curious as to what were the regulations and the methods that these units used to come up with there insignia? Most of the Canadian CEF is Maple Leaf based, but not all, and in some the Maple Leaf is less accentuated. They are all great works of art I think, so I just started wondering about the parameters used to come up with each specific units design.

Thank You,

Semper Fi, Rob

[Roy]

Hi Rob,

As a novice in Canadian badge collecting I have no idea. However I think it's a good question and will look forward to seeing if anyone has any idea.

Thanks for proposing the topic.

Cheers, Roy.

[Bill A]

The badge designs came from a number of sources. In some cases they were the parent militia or permanent force unit badge, as in the case of the RCR or 72nd Seaforth Highlanders. Small modifications were made to some militia badge designs and these were worn by CEF battalions. A good example is the 13th Bn, or the various QOR battalions. Some units combined local elements of various sorts. The stetson on the 175th Bn or Niagra Falls on the 176th. Still others drew on county or location motifs. The 248th Bn used the Grey County coat of arms. Researching the imagery in the badges is a worthwhile exercise.

[servicepub]

You can also refer to "Source of Pride" by Joseph Harper. He covers the design and approval of CEF badges. Ask you library to order a copy.

[Rob P.]

Thank you Bill A and Servicepub. I will check into that book. By any chance would you know the history behind the 133rd C.E.F. insignia?

Semper Fi, Rob