New NNSH uniform finds

[Bill Alexander]

Hi Cammy, Nice find. A couple of questions. Which pattern cap badge is on the tam and glen? The MG pattern or no MG pattern?
What is the naming on the Memorial Cross?
Thanks.

[Cammy]

Hey Bill. The badge on both is the non MG pattern,although I do have one of those in my collection.

I do know he was an original though,checked up on my records/list of the boys who went over on the Orion.

Here is another pic of the Memorial Cross with name,plus a few other pics just for fun..

Cheers!

[Cammy]

Here are a few pics that I took while visiting a North Novie Veteran in NS last July.These items will be going to a museum.As well it should...
:P
I hope you guys don't mind me posting these pics,thought you all would find it interseting.We know it's still out there,and here is the proof!

Cheers

[Wayne McGee]

I for one deeply appreciate the job you're doing for the North Novies and by extension, 1NSHighrs.
I've never seen an example of the "Assault Helmet" with a metal capbadge.
Way Cool!
Thanks for sharing.
Cheers

Wayne
Siol Na Fear Fearail

[Bruce Parker (RIP)]

A quick question, perhaps Bill A. can provide some insight as well. I see both NNSH battledress do not have a 'CANADA' flash underneath, nor does the work Canada appear in the title. How come? Was this a unit thing or a more general 3rd Division phenomenon? I ask because I have a Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa battledress that similarly doesn't have the word Canada anywhere.

[Cammy]

Hey Wayne,I gotta say thanks for that bud! The fact that it is appreciated makes me realize even more Veteran documentation must be done . I enjoy meeting these fellas.I even met the driver of my great uncles carrier(My uncle was the Bren gunner)and was with my uncle the morning of July 25th,the day my great uncle was killed. He told me the whole story right up to ten minutes before he was killed
Before we know it,they will not be with us anymore.See you next time home!

Cheers!

[Cammy]

Bruce,I was wondering the same thing.At first I thought it was maybe because it was stripped off,but the battledress with the occupation stripe does not have it either.That is the original battledress of the Veteran I met that day,and he assured me no insignia was stripped off.The great coat I have from the Veteran grouping DOES have the Canada flash though.I'd be interested to know the answer myself.
Cheers!

[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.