Neglected area of collecting?

[Bill A]

The thread and images posted on the Cyprus and other post war Canadian deployments feature the use of armlets by the army. The armlets were made of a heavy weave olive drab cotton, most with a black elasticized strap that connects two sides of the armlet and slips over the arm. At the top, the armlets had a loop sewn into the fabric which allowed it to be slipped through the epaulet. The armlet had room for a regimental title, a formation badge, and non-commissioned rank. They were portable, and could be transferred from uniform to uniform. Most were worn on summer dress, either over shirt sleeve order of dress or over the bush dress tunic. As shown in some images, they were also worn over the battledress tunic.
For some reason, these are largely ignored by collectors. They are a unique piece of Canadian militaria.

[edstorey]

Here is one example.

[David Tremain]

Here's my one and only example, given to me by my wife's cousin, who wore it when he was in the Lord Strathcona's Horse. David

[Traist]

Hi, South Africa used a similar system. Mainly only indicating NCO's ranks, but Military Police and Regimental Police also wore them , amongst others. Regards Andrew

[Bill A]

A couple of observations and questions about the armlets that have been posted. Interesting to see how the RCA units put their identification on the armlet. Nice neat job on the "whiting" on the sergeant's rank.
Question for David. Was your wife's cousin an officer in the LdSH? Note the addition of the worsted Canada, a requirement when the title did not clearly indicate the unit was Canadian.

[barriefield-brian]

I have a few of these. this is one of the unusual ones. Cheers Brian

[Bill A]

Hi Brian, That is an unusual armlet. Do you know the significance of the "5"?

[Phillip Herring]

I have seen some Second World War armlets to the Canadian Army. They all seem to have been worn in the Italian Campaign on the tropical uniforms. 1 CID, 5 CAD, 1 CAB, 1 Corps.

Phil

[Mike Jackson]

Bill A:
I regret my memory was failing me - the two Canadian "combinations" I have are:
148mm x 74mm rectangle of khaki Aertex shirt material bearing a straight, EonF title CANADA above a printed 1 Can Inf Div sign ... and...
89mm x 73mm rectangle of khaki Aertex shirt material bearing a straight, printed title CANADA above a printed 5 Can Armd Div sign with yellow RCAMC. This has four press studs to affix to shirt.
Both show signs of having been worn - which enhances their value to me.

[Bill A]

Thanks Mike, Any chance of an image?

[barriefield-brian]

Originally Posted by Bill A

Hi Brian, That is an unusual armlet. Do you know the significance of the "5"?

Sorry Bill,I dont know. Picked up at a yard sale a couple of years ago. Cheers Brian

[David Tremain]

Bill, yes, my wife's cousin was a Lt.Col., although may have been a Major when he was a Movements Officer. I also have his tunic with officer's silver collar badges, major's rank insignia and para wings, but alas, no cap badge, cap or pants. David.

[Mike Jackson]

Originally Posted by Bill A

Thanks Mike, Any chance of an image?

Herewith:
img245.jpg

[Bill A]

Thanks Mike. The RCAMC 5 CAD in printed is a scarce patch. (Along with the melton version.)

[Mike Jackson]

Originally Posted by Bill A

Thanks Mike. The RCAMC 5 CAD in printed is a scarce patch. (Along with the melton version.)

And all the better for being in near mint condition but having been worn. It's not listed in Sexton's book. Thanks for letting me know.
Are 2/ CANADIAN SPECIAL INFANTRY/ BATTALION (Sexton 480) and 1ST BN/ DUFFERIN AND HALDIMAND/RIFLE/CANADA (Sexton 347c) rated rare shoulder titles?
Mike