New NNSH uniform finds

[Bill Alexander]

No simple answer. Insignia policies issued during the war repeatedly stressed that CANADA titles were to be worn on tunics where the titles did not clearly indicate the regiment / corps was Canadian. That is certainly the case with the NNSH. When their titles were being designed and approved in 1941 it was noted that they would have to wear the Canada as they were not clearly identified as Canadian. The two other units in the 9 Brigade had CANADA incorporated into the titles.
However, most of the tunics that come into collector's hands today are tunics that were badged at the end of hostilities. During the period after the German surrender, Canadian soldiers turned in the field tunics and had new battledress issued. (Note: Many tunics found today may have 1941, 1942, etc dates stamped in them. That was the manufacture date, not the date of issue. It was quite possible that a 1942 made tunic came out of stores in 1945.) During the "Dutch Summer" the Canadian regiments were stationed in Holland awaiting repatriation to Canada. It was during this time that the fellows had new BD issued, and with that, new insignia. The only authorized insignia for the Canadian Army overseas was printed or canvas titles and patches. These were not popular with the soldiers and they often had stashed in their sewing kits earlier issue melton or privately purchased melton titles. As they were processed for repatriation, the "rules and regs" were not adhered to as firmly, and the supplies of insignia were not always available. Either this fellow didn't have the Canada titles to put up, or he didn't want to put them up. Wearing North Nova titles back in Canada without Canada's was not a big issue, and besides most of the fellows were de-mobilized within weeks upon returning to Canada.