The Regimental Rogue

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

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An RCR badged Brodie helmet (private collection)

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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.

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

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

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Capt H.T. Cock, M.C.

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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 provate collection.

For more information on Brodie helmets:

 
 

The Regimental Rogue