Badges of The Royal Canadian Regiment
"Badged Brodies" - First World War Helmets with the Badge of The RCR

1894 Pattern Cap Badges on the Brodie Helmet

badged_brodie1

badged_brodie2

An RCR badged Brodie helmet (private collection)

painted_brodie1

painted_brodie2

painted_brodie3

An RCR Brodie helmet with painted badge (Collection of Sheldon Maerz)

During the First World War, various units and corps of the Canadian Expeditionary Force painted their helmets with unit or corps insignia. This was done both with the early Brodie patter helmet as well as later issues. In some cases, regimental cap badges were affixed to helmets. The photos to the right show an example of a Great War helmet with the 1894 badge of The Royal Canadian Regiment. Also are links to studio photos of RCR officers wearing similar helmets.

Photos found in the archives of The RCR Museum, linked below, show some officers, including Victoria Cross winner Milton F. Gregg, wearing such helmets.

badged_brodie_hill_gregg

Lt. Col. C.H. Hill, D.S.O.
and
Lieut. M.F. Gregg, V.C., M.C.

badged_brodie_hill

Lt. Col. C.H. Hill, D.S.O.

badged_brodie_cock

Capt H.T. Cock, M.C.

badged_brodie_bon2

Lieut. Bon

It appears that these were in use by officers, although the lack of photos showing them in use by NCOs or soldiers does not necessarily mean their use was restricted to officers of the Regiment.  Notably, the badge seen on the helmet pictured at right (held in a private collection) is using the 1894 Guelphic crown badge rather than the 'official' GvR pattern badge of the Great War period.

The photos of the painted Brodie helmet at right are from another example held in a private collection.

For more information on Brodie helmets:

Share |


• Rogue Papers
• Tactical Primers
• The Regimental Library
• Quotes
• Battle Honours
• Perpetuation of the CEF
• The RCR in the First World War
• Researching Canadian Soldiers of the First World War
• Badges of The RCR
• A Miscellany
• The Senior Subaltern
• The Frontenac Times
• Site Map
• e-mail


only search
The Regimental Rogue

QUICK LINKS

Milnet.ca(Army.ca)
The Royal Canadian Regiment
The RCR Forum
CEF Study Group
British Medal Forum
British and Commonwealth Military Badge Forum
Great War Forum
Canadian Great War Project
Victorian Wars Forum
Gentleman's Military Interest Club
Empire to Commonwealth Project
Google.ca
Google Maps
CBC.ca
Toronto Sun
eBay.ca
Wikipedia