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CANADIAN BADGES OF THE SECOND WORLD WAR
 

“Type 1” Canadian Parachutist Badge
This wartime version of the badge is shown and described as “Type 1” in “Jump Wings, History of Canadian Airborne Qualification Badges” by Ken Joyce with Service Publications. The black backing material suggests early production.

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"Type 1" Canadian Parachutist Badge, padded
This wartime version of the badge is shown and described as “Type 1” in “Jump Wings, History of Canadian Airborne Qualification Badges” by Ken Joyce with Service Publications. The period padding suggests this wing may have been worn by an officer or NCO, or someone who required a more prestigious looking badge.

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"Type 2" Canadian Parachutist Badge
Original Second World War "Type 2" Canadian Parachutist Badge. This badge belonged to Frank G. West 1st Canadian Parachute Bn. Frank qualified 17 October 1944. These were acquired by a collector direct from the veteran and are reported to be the exact wings shown in the photo.
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“Type 5” Canadian Parachutist Badge, English made
This is an English made embroidered “Type 5” badge. This wartime version of the badge is shown and described as “Type 5” in “Jump Wings, History of Canadian Airborne Qualification Badges” by Ken Joyce with Service Publications. We have observed this version of the badge on many original Second World War veteran acquired Battle Dress from members of the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion. 

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"Type 6" Canadian Parachutist Badge, English made, green backing
English made “Type 6” badge, similar to other “starch back” or “paste back” badges. This wartime version of the badge is shown and described as “Type 6” in “Jump Wings, History of Canadian Airborne Qualification Badges” by Ken Joyce with Service Publications. This badge was worn by members of the First Special Service Force and the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion.

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“Type 6” Canadian Parachutist Badge, English made, tan backing
English made “Type 6” badge, similar to other “starch back” or “paste back” badges. This wartime version of the badge is shown and described as “Type 6” in “Jump Wings, History of Canadian Airborne Qualification Badges” by Ken Joyce with Service Publications. This badge was worn by members of the First Special Service Force and the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion.

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Private Purchase “PP4” Parachutist Badge
This wartime version of the badge is shown and described on page 22 of “Jump Wings, History of Canadian Airborne Qualification Badges” by Ken Joyce with Service Publications. These badges are described as an English made version of the Canadian made “Type 1” and appear in wear in period photographs late in the war. 

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Kiska Task Force high-visibility badge
Original Second World War Kiska Task Force high-visibility shoulder badge featuring downward stabbing dagger motif. Worn by members of the Kiska task force including members of the First Special Service Force as an early type of friend or foe identifier in the foggy mountain conditions. 

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First Special Service Force Spearhead, Type 1
Original Second World War 1st Special Service Force spearhead shoulder badge, type 1. This early version of the badge can be identified with the threads connecting the “A” to the “N” being on the right side of the letters, you may compare to the circled area to other later examples.

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First Special Service Force Spearhead, Type 2
Original Second World War 1st Special Service Force spearhead shoulder badge, type 2. 

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First Special Service Force Spearhead, Type 3
Original Second World War 1st Special Service Force spearhead shoulder badge, type 3. The type 3 is different from the type 2 in that the left side of the "A" in USA at the top is slightly longer than the right side. This is also the case with the left side of the "N" in CANADA.

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First Special Service Force Spearhead, Type 4
Original Second World War 1st Special Service Force spearhead shoulder badge, type 4. This variation first appears as the Devil's Brigade makes preparations to land on the Hyeres Islands off the Southern coast of France in August 1944. It is a scarcer version of the patch which oddly does not adhere to the published design being a different shape of spearhead. 

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First Special Service Force "Das Dicke" death card
Original Second World War 1st Special Service Force "Das Dicke" death card. This example was directly veteran acquired from Charles Fiege. Charles served with the 3rd Ranger Bn in Italy before being transferred to the FSSF, and ending the war with 474th Infantry Regiment.

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First Special Service Force "Das Dicke" death card
Original Second World War 1st Special Service Force "Das Dicke" death card. This example was directly veteran acquired, having been stored in FSSF Adjutant Major W. Whitney's wallet. 

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First Special Service Force jacket patch
Original Second World War 1st Special Service Force jacket patch with Italian made arrowhead.

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