royal newfoundland regiment cap badge

[kayley65]

I have a royal newfoundland regiment cap badge. It was given to me when i joined cadets in newfoundland in the 70's. I was trying to get some information about it and to see it's value. It is two tone ( silver and copper.) any information related would be great....please post here or send me a quick email...tnks

 

[Island Ryhno]

Nothing special about that particular badge, it's the same as the one in use now. If you had something like this, it may be worth money! Oops, sorry, didn't mean to post two!

 

[kayley65]

8)thank you ....do you know of any web sites that would have information reguarding that badge.??

 

[Island Ryhno]

If it looks like that one, which I suspect it does, then there are not many websites out there. If you are looking for specific info about the regiment there are sites. Here is a site that sells Canadian hat badges and list's the Regiments hat bad badge price at $20 (post 1953, which is the current version) http://www.medalsofwar.com/badges.html As for the badge itself, here is a description, Armorial Description: A caribou head, within a wreath of laurel leaves surmounted by the Crown; below, and supporting the wreath, a scroll inscribed ROYAL NEWFOUNDLAND REGIMENT, mounted on a claret background. Also some history about the badge, members of The Regiment must keep there badge clean but are not allowed to polish it. This dates back to Beaumont Hamel and the tragedy that happened there. NCM's were required to keep polished brass discs on their ammo bags, as a result they were seen not only by their officers but by the Germans also. This tradition stands today.

 

[Danjanou]

Ah the infamous shiny cap badge debate. When I served with the 1st Bn (1981-1989) the line we were given re not polishing the badge was the German machine gunners had zeroed in on the shiny buttons and cap badges of the Regiment as it went over the top on July 1st 1916, hence the reason we never polished them.

Now as anyone who ever looked at pictures of the then Newfoundland Regiment at Beaumont Hamel can tell you they were wearing helmets not forage caps thus no cap badges shiny or dull. The buttons were also most likely covered in mud like the rest of the uniform, and that's from first hand accounts. When I was there were still a few vets hanging around then.

Great story though and came in handy on courses in Aldershot and/or Gagetown. Nice to see that someone has updated/modified the legend. Mind though you're really not supposed to be able to polish the anodized version shown in the picture anyway.

As to the copper version, the anodized versions came in sometime around the late 1970's early 1980's IIRC. At any rate by the time I transferred in they were on issue and that's what I drew. The old copper ones were prized possessions at least in 1st Bn, especially after the RSM banned the wearing of them in 1983 for the visit of the Prince and princess of Wales to present new Colours to both Battalions. Naturally this reg was flouted by  a few old and bold members of the Bn who still had the copper ones, including me the minute I could lay my hands on one.

One of my most prized possessions soon became my old copper one quickly acquired and worn with pride. I still have it among the other badges I've worn.

As Island Rhyno says probably not worth a lot in terms of money, but to some (like me) it has a fair bit of sentimental value.