The Canadian Navy at the Calgary Stampede

[nigelweysom]

here are some pictures from the Calgary Stampede Parade
Nigel

[OLd Naval Guard]

Nice Pics Which Raise a question. I noticed in the Recreation of Saliors in Old Square rig , the Canada Flashes are in Red. Why is that? Does this mean they are RCNVR or what?.I have seen pics of Pre-unification RCN personal and they have both Gold and Red Canada Flashes. I am used to seeing Canadain naval personal with Gold Canada FLashes. Perhaps an old Salt might shed some light Thanks in Advance Old Naval Guard LS

[Matelot]

Old Guard. Gold flashes and trade badges were worn on #1's (rig of the day for ceremonial divisions etc.) and the red badges were on #2's (usual going ashore rig, dress of the day on base etc.) and on #3's (shipboard rig entering harbour etc., usually your old #2's) You go go ashore in #1's if you wanted instead of #2's. At least in the 50's and 60's (before Hellyer)

[JohnS]

... I noticed in the Recreation of Saliors in Old Square rig , the Canada Flashes are in Red. Why is that? Does this mean they are RCNVR or what?.I have seen pics of Pre-unification RCN personal and they have both Gold and Red Canada Flashes. I am used to seeing Canadain naval personal with Gold Canada FLashes. Perhaps an old Salt might shed some light Thanks in Advance Old Naval Guard LS

I can't give you an 'official' answer, however here's my understanding (I could be corrected).

The red badges were used on RCN, RCNR & RCNVR Ratings' uniforms. My father was a Petty Officer (1st Class) in the RCNVR during WWII. He had two 'dress' uniforms, one with gold badges (cap badge, 'CANADA' shoulder flashes, and rank ensignia), and one with red badges. The gold badges were on his #1 dress uniform (e.g. divisions/parade), while the red badges were on his #2 'going ashore' dress uniform, & his #3 'work' uniform. I've attached a photo showing a couple of his badges.

I think the red badges were used by both the RCN and RCNR right into the '60's, however I don't remember seeing them around unification time.

[OLd Naval Guard]

Thanks Gents, Yes that has solved a mystery that has puzzeled my for a while. Its nice to see naval personnel in the Old square rig. I think that for specail occasions, such as Honour Guards, and Naval Bands they should be brought back. In the Army, there are Red tunics, Pith Helmets Bearskins headdress Kilts and soforth. Why cant Canadain Naval personal have a cermonial uniform for special occassions too?:confused:Oh well Mr. Hellyer indeed:mad: OLd Naval Guard LS