VIII RECCE & 14 Canadian Hussars

[Bill A]

Curious. He certainly didn't think much of dress regs and RO's. Two issues, wearing collars on Battle Dress, and wearing formation patches well after they had been ordered removed. Formation patches were no longer allowed as of January 1, 1947.
His BD appears to be 1949 pattern, and with his rank and bio, this must be the early or mid 50's.

[Michael Reintjes]

Agree totally but it is what it is.....I certainly would be skeptical if the photos were not included....the jacket is beautiful. Would be interesting to track down more mid 50's shots of this unit and see if this was general practise or just the Col. being the Col.

[Michael Reintjes]

Bio says he became Col in January 1954...BD is a 49 as well.....Kings crown rank...definitely intriguing stuff...

[slick_mick]

Gents,

As a non Canadian with a limited knowledge of Canadian badges, what makes this badge so highly desirable? Is it because of a small amount of badges produced? If this is the case, any ideas approximately how many would have been made?

Or did the regiment do something of note during the war?

Mick

[barriefield-brian]

Only 854 in the regiment including officers. Dont know how many were made but they are scarce. Another popped up on e-bay tonight http://cgi.ebay.ca/CANADA-VIII-RECCE...item255e6af64e
This one looks better than the previous one for sale...... at least the scroll is put on straight. It is hallmarked London and stamped silver. Private purchase? Cheers Brian

[slick_mick]

Thanks Brian!

[barriefield-brian]

8th recce badge marked T, Miles London , Sterling silver. Anyone heard of this maker? Cheers Brian

[GregN]

Hi Brian, a good question re the T. Miles maker. I have a odd Calgary Highlanders badge by the same maker. It has a nice burnished gilt front but a odd sand-cast back. Perhaps our UK based/focused members know more about this maker?

Greg

[James S]

Interesting badge Greg.

Given the consensus on the T.Miles maker not being a genuine Second World War era maker. I wonder why somebody would bother copying/faking a Calgary highlanders badge. I can understand the financial motivations behind creating a fantasy VIII Recce piece, but a Calgary Highlanders cap badge? Makes me wonder?

[GCR817]

As fate would have it, I picked this up today.

It is a 1949 dated tunic (and pants) which belonged to LCol Burke. His web belt from 1944 is present as well, when he was a Maj with the 4 PLDG and won a MC.

Also his Patrol Dress cap with badge.

The cap and collars are screw post backed in fire gilt and silver.

[Bill A]

Nice tunic and badges. With two tunics showing the 8 Recce bull's eye patch, there must have been some sort of regimental dress distinction. It would be interesting to find the policy. And, this puts the bulls' eye patches in another perspective. One can no longer assume that they are Second World War.
Thanks for posting the images Geoff.

[Phillip Herring]

It's interesting that the collar badges are on a battledress tunic.
I just noticed Bill's mention of collar badges on the McKenzie tunic.
Regimental peculiarity?

Phil

[Michael Reintjes]

Bill Wrote :One can no longer assume that they are Second World War.

My thoughts exactly....

[edstorey]

I can confirm that the 'bull's eye' patch was worn on post-WWII BD - I will see if I have anything in my dress regulations material on it.

[Michael Reintjes]

here are some shots of the jacket in the photos...