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COMMONWEALTH UNIFORMS & GROUPS OF THE SECOND WORLD WAR

#NN4 Canadian "Aertex" Shirt
Original WWII Canadian “Aertex” shirt. Commonly worn by Canadian soldiers in Italy, but also used in other areas of operations. Nicely maker marked with C broad arrow. Large size. Top example. $200 *On Hold*

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#CD825 Princess Louise Dragoon Guards Battle Dress Jacket
Original WWII Princess Louise Dragoon Guards Battle Dress jacket. The base jacket is a 1943 Canadian made example with the earlier brighter green buttons and wool neck closure. The wearer's left sleeve features a tank “gunner operator” trade badge, the right sleeve features very nicely executed four-years overseas service chevrons, and each sleeve has three-bar NCO rank chevrons for a Sergeant and shoulder titles. All the insignia are machine applied in typical period fashion, in both zig-zag and straight stitch, with fading to the threads and the badges have nicely sunken into the wool. Under the shoulder titles, the jacket features very subtle evidence of the abbreviated “4 P.L.D.G.” shoulder title being previously worn on the jacket prior the application of the full “Princess Louise IV Dragoon Guards Canada“ title being applied in 1945 for the trip home. The early 1943 date of the jacket, the well-worn patina, and the evidence of the early titles being previously worn all suggests this jacket saw a lot of actual wear during the Second World War unlike most of the strictly “coming home” jackets. The Princess Louise Dragoon Guards saw action in famous battles including; Sicily, Liri Valley, Gothic Line, Capture of Ravenna, Mount Sorrel, Motta Montecorvino, Hitler Line, Tomba di Pesaro, Naviglio Canal, and North-West Europe 1945. Don’t miss this opportunity to own this very special jacket. $1900

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#BB7 West Nova Scotia Regiment Major’s Battle Dress Uniform
Original WWII West Nova Scotia Regiment, 1st Canadian Division Major’s Battle Dress uniform. The base jacket is 1944 Canadian made example with wool neck closure. All the insignia is original period applied in typical fashion. The shoulder straps have machine applied Major’s rank insignia in the correct Infantry branch colour. The shoulder sleeves feature English made canvas “WEST NOVA SCOTIA REGT” titles and 1st Canadian Division badges. The lower right sleeve features very nicely executed five-years overseas service chevrons, the bottom one representing 1939. The officer’s ribbon bar is still present. The jacket includes the officer’s matching Battle Dress trousers which are the standard combat style. The set is in worn condition. A great original set. $1450

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#BB8 3 RCA Battle Dress Uniform
Original WWII 3 Royal Canadian Artillery (RCA), 1st Canadian Division Battle Dress uniform. The base jacket is 1944 Canadian made example with wool neck closure. All the insignia is original period applied in typical fashion. The shoulder straps have English made canvas “3 RCA” titles and 8th Army badge. The shoulder sleeves feature canvas “CANADA” titles and canvas 1st Canadian Division badges. The lower right sleeve features very nicely executed five-years overseas service chevrons, the bottom one representing 1939. The jacket includes a lanyard which appears to have been with it forever, and the soldiers matching Battle Dress trousers which are the typical late-war style for coming home. The set is in worn condition, and there are a few tiny moth nips. A great original set. $950

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#BB6 First Pattern Denison Smock
Original WWII Canadian / British parachutist Denison Smock. Well worn "been there" example with the tail flap removed, and several darned repairs (Possibly from crossing an obstacle such as barbed wire). The smock still features the original tag, stating it is a size 3 produced in 1942, with makers information. Background; The Denison smock was a coverall jacket issued to Special Operations Executive (SOE) agents, the Parachute Regiment, the Glider Pilot Regiment, Air Landing Regiments, air observation post squadrons, Commando units, and other Commonwealth airborne units, to wear over their Battle Dress uniform during the Second World War. The garment was also issued as standard to the scout and sniper platoons of line infantry battalions. Great service used example that is very appealing. $1950

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#CM5 First Pattern Denison Smock
Original WWII Canadian / British parachutist Denison Smock with period rigger modified front zipper for easy donning, doffing and better ventilation in the field. The type of zipper and parts used for the modification were taken from a parachutists jump over-smock. The jump over-smock was a common source of parts and pouches the riggers would make use of to modify the Denison. The top of zippers never seem to perfectly line up, a feature observed on other veteran souvenir smocks with zippers, due to the angled placement of the zipper on the original over-smock. The zipper underlay at the bottom of the jacket is also made from over-smock material, and zipper pull tab is original from the over-smock as well. The threads to attach the zipper have faded exactly the same way as the factory threads used to construct the smock, providing further evidence this is a true period done example. The smock still features the original tag, stating it is a size 3 produced in 1943, with some makers information, it is faint but can be made out with some effort. Included are a pair of Captain’s epaulettes that suit the smock nicely. Background; The Denison smock was a coverall jacket issued to Special Operations Executive (SOE) agents, the Parachute Regiment, the Glider Pilot Regiment, Air Landing Regiments, air observation post squadrons, Commando units, and other Commonwealth airborne units, to wear over their Battle Dress uniform during the Second World War. The garment was also issued as standard to the scout and sniper platoons of line infantry battalions. Great service used example that is very appealing. $1975

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#ML1 Second Pattern Denison Smock
Original WWII British / Canadian second pattern “Denison” smock. Background; The Denison smock was a coverall jacket issued to Special Operations Executive (SOE) agents, the Parachute Regiment, the Glider Pilot Regiment, Air Landing Regiments, air observation post squadrons, Commando units, and other Commonwealth airborne units, to wear over their Battle Dress uniform during the Second World War. The garment was also issued as standard to the scout and sniper platoons of line infantry battalions. This example is a used “been there” example with fading, a couple snags, and stains from field wear. The flap that goes under the crotch is still present despite being often removed. This is how a real combat worn smock looks, and we have left it untouched. Perfect for a Commonwealth display of soldiers entering Germany in 1945. $1200

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#MC38 Canadian KD Cotton Shirt
Original WWII Canadian khaki drill cotton shirt. This type of shirt was often warn in the field in more tropical climates such as Italy. Unissued condition and rare to find. $450

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#CD794 Canadian Ammunition Boots
Original WWII Canadian ammunition boots, sometimes referred to as “ammo boots”. Early war 1940 Canadian production, differing slightly from the British counterpart by not having a toe cap. Worn but nice condition and a genuine matching pair, there is a patch repair to the rear of one ankle, this is very clearly a genuine period that has been worn in. The soles are really nice with original period hobnails. The boots are an appropriate mannequin / display size, probably around a modern American size 9. The laces are a replacement as is often the case. Overall, a great pair of boots. $425

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#CD630 Officer's Battle Dress Trousers
Original WWII Canadian / Commonwealth officer's Battle Dress trousers. Manufactured in high quality officer's grade gabardine fabric to Battle Dress specs. Perfect mannequin display size. This is the only set we've handled so far, much harder to find than the standard wool enlisted examples. $175

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#CD554 Canadian Battle Dress Trousers
Original WWII Canadian Battle Dress trousers. Size 32-34 waist, these will fit a normal size modern mannequin. Nicely maker marked and dated 1945, and featuring C broad arrow stamp. Excellent condition and appropriate for a mannequin. $125

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#BS24 Canadian 1942 'Plimsolls' 
Nice matching pair of Canadian manufactured 'Plimsolls' canvas shoes. These were the standard issue PT / gym shoes in khaki for the Army. Manufactured by Dominion Rubber Co. Ltd. in 1942 and marked accordingly on the interior sole of the show. The bottom sole of the shoes are also C broad arrow marked. Perfect matching pair of Plimsoll's that would be very tough to upgrade. No laces present. $125
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#BS147 RN / RCN White Shoes
Original WWII Royal Navy (RN) or Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) white uniform dress shoes. Maker marked and dated 1942. Size 7. Good service used pair with original laces. $125
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#BS15 British / Canadian Army Officers Boots
British / Canadian Army officers boots with buckles. Manufactured by John White in 1945, M Fitt, Size 8. War department marked. Super nice condition without flaw and only lightly worn. Shown in use by members of 1 Canadian Parachute Battalion in Germany. This is the perfect set to complete your officer mannequin or display. $425
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SOLD

Attributed 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion Battle Dress Group
Original WWII 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion Battle Dress uniform worn by Pte Samuel Lange. Prior to enlisting, Samuel was a Canadian of German descent who was a prospector and miner by trade. Samuel volunteered for service on 28th of October, 1943, at age 27. On 12 January 1944 Pte Lange was transferred to the A-35 Canadian Parachute Centre, Camp Shilo, Manitoba. He received his Parachutist qualifications one month later and on June 1, 1944, he qualified as a 3" Mortarman. On July 8th, 1944 Pte Lange embarked for the UK to "proceed on special duty". Once overseas, he was assigned to the 1 Canadian Parachute Training Company (1CPTC) where was put to work as a Mortarman instructor. This is the exact uniform worn in the photo of Pte Lange when he married his beautiful wife at the end of hostilities, as well as in the portrait of him. We suspect based on the fantastic condition of this uniform it must have been very carefully stored perhaps with his wife's wedding dress in the post-war years. The desirable canvas 1CPB titles, Pegasus patches, and genuine wartime Airborne wings are extremely clean and nicely period machine sewn in the expected fashion. The wings on this BD are a "Type 5" English made wing as originally produced and made available for the duration of the war in November 1943, and has been inspected by Ken Joyce in hand. This textbook attributed and period photographed uniform set is the best condition example we've handled from the Parachute Battalion, and from an interesting member of this unit. *Sold*
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Queen's Own Rifles Battle Dress Jacket
Original WWII 3rd Canadian Division, Queen's Own Rifles of Canada Battle Dress jacket. The base jacket is Canadian made by a Montreal firm and dated 1943 with C broad arrow. The jacket has all period applied insignia that is sunken down. The insignia includes; Queen's Own Rifles shoulder titles, 3rd Cdn Div sleeve badges, and Rifle Regiment Sergeant rank chevrons. There is no tailoring to the collar on this example. Great example from a famous D-Day unit. *Sold*

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#CD784 Essex Scottish Battle Dress Jacket with Wound Stripe
Original WWII Essex Scottsih of Canada Corporal’s Battle Dress jacket with wound stripe. The base jacket is Canadian manufactured and dated 1943. The badges are all English made canvas examples including; “ESSEX SCOTTISH CANADA” shoulder titles, blue 2nd Canadian Infantry Division shoulder badges, and a wound stripe on the lower left sleeve. Looking inside the sleeves of the jacket, the badges have sunken into the fabric as would be expected for old period badging, you can see this effect in the interior sleeve photograph and better in hand. This jacket was purchased from a Canadian picker at a local militaria show, it is in genuine worn condition and has an overall worn patina to it. *Sold*

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Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry Battle Dress Tunic
Original WWII 1st Canadian Division PPCLI Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry battle dress tunic. Impressive original period backed printed insignia. *Sold*
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1942 Denison Smock
Original WWII British / Canadian 1942 Denison Smock. Mint condition and without flaw in a desirable large size. *Sold*
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1944 Windproof Camouflage Smock
Original WWII British / Commonwealth windproof smock. These loose cut four pocket smocks were introduced late in the war, and saw extensive use with infantry across North West Europe. In the post-WWII years these smocks were used again by Commonwealth soldiers in Korea, the French in Indochina, and were a mainstay of British special forces into the 1970’s. Excellent condition, without any damage or modification and likely unissued, with bright colours in the coveted brushstroke camouflage, features the original makers tag on the interior in “Size I” which fits a standard modern mannequin perfectly. Great jacket. *Sold*

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2nd Canadian Division Calgary Highlanders Battle Dress
Original WWII Canadian Calgary Highlanders battle dress tunic and head dress grouping. Canadian made blouse dated 1944 with original applied insignia nicely sunken in exactly how it should be. Good large mannequin size, perfect for a combat display. Excellent condition set in lightly worn condition without any notable flaws. *Sold*

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1st Canadian Division Signals Sergeant Battle Dress Tunic
Original WWII 1st Canadian Division signals sergeant battle dress tunic. Original period applied insignia including printed 1st Div flash with R.C.C.S. marking (Royal Canadian Corps of Signals), printed Canada titles, overseas bars, and Sergeant rank chevrons. Good mannequin size. Nice honest worn condition, probably a field worn working battle dress, there is no noticeable moth damage or signs or bad storage. Produced in Jan 1943, when looking at the date it could read 43 or mistakingly read 45, however the tunic confirms it is a 43 based on the early collar closure and early buttons. This is a great WWII tunic that very likely saw action in Italy. *Sold*
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Royal Rifles of Canada, Hong Kong and POW Veteran Grouping
Original WWII Canadian grouping that belonged to Rifleman Joseph C. Frenette. Rfn. Frenette fought in Hong Kong in 1941. At the end of the battle he was taken as a prisoner of war until the end of hostilities in 1945, when he arrived home to live the rest of his life. He was one of the survivors who lived through years of cruelty and hard labour at the hands of the Japanese guards. The included photos show Frenette prior to shipping off to Hong Kong (Original photo) a photo showing him in uniform upon being returned to Canada at the end of hostilities (Copy) and a photo of him outside of his home in Victoria B.C. during the 1970's (Original photo). Also included in the grouping is Frenette's cap, with cap badge and backing. When this group was acquired from the family by another collector, Frenette's wife stated he had this cap with him in the POW camp, however it is in surprisingly good condition if that is the case(?). Frenette's rare and nice Royal Rifles of Canada lanyard. Frenette's uniform removed Royal Rifles of Canada shoulder title, as well as golden thread 'CANADA' title which seem to appear only in Hong Kong groupings but not much is currently known about these rare titles. Frenette's uniform removed overseas bars including the 39'r bar. And most exciting, Frenette's uniform removed Hong Kong patch and very rare Hong Kong pin/button (All of this insignia is shown in wear in the photo from the end of the war!). These kind of groupings to soldiers who survived famous battles and captivity are extremely uncommon, Hong Kong groups rarely ever come around and this one includes a nice cap as well as very rare insignia items. *Sold*
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Pte Nauss #51550 Named Battle Dress Grouping, 1 Canadian Army HQ
Original WWII Canadian Battle Dress grouping of Pte. Nauss #51550. Pte Nauss landed in France in July 1944 and was a driver attached to the Lincoln & Welland Regiment until April 1945 when he ended up with 1 Canadian Army Headquarters. This battle dress represents his time with 1 Cdn Army HQ. Pte Nauss would have been involved with moving troops to some tough battles. The group includes his battle dress blouse, trousers, and a letter found within one of the pockets. His battle dress blouse is appropriately 1944 dated, and his trousers while having faint markings are WWII Canadian issue as well. Both his blouse and trousers are nicely named, which is rather uncommon. All insignia is period applied and everything is completely untouched exactly how it came home. We have a digital copy of his file which will be e-mailed to the buyer, it is shown in the photos. *Sold*
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Glengarrians D-Day Veteran Cpl Darling Grouping
Original WWII Canadian grouping to Glengarrian infantry D-Day veteran Cpl Darling C53800. Cpl Darling departed for England with the Glengarrians in 1941 and took part in the D-Day invasion of Normandy, France on 6 June 1944.  While the unit pushed into France, Cpl Darling was shot in the stomach during a firefight with the Germans.  Once wounded, Cpl Darling required multiple surgeries in England prior to returning home.  The first letter home to his mother Cpl Darling describes the fighting in France one month after landing on D-Day prior to being wounded. The first letter to mom avoids any grim details and talks mostly about the weather and the Canadians strong fighting ability, he says he has good morale thanks to a steady supply of cigarettes. The second letter to his mom he informs her that he is recovering from multiple surgeries to remove a bullet from his stomach. Reading the second letters it seems Cpl Darling is somewhat relieved to let his mother know he is going to be okay despite his wounds and he will be returning home alive and well. We found the letters to be very enjoyable to read.  Aside from the important historical letters, there are several other rare artifacts included. The first highlight is a rare and desirable canvas 'GLENGARRIANS CANADA' shoulder title along with his cap badge (one broken lug) and ribbon bar.  The biggest highlight of this group is something we have never encountered before, Cpl Darling was photographed by a Canadian Army photographer holding a captured Nazi armband and this photo was published in a 1945 dated newspaper with an interesting story about how the armband supposedly came from the 'SS trooper' who shot him, and states he 'got him with a grenade'. Is it possible this story is true?  We're not so sure, but what is definitely true is that the included Nazi armband is the EXACT armband he is shown holding in the photo. The armband as a nice original NSDAP armband with machine woven swastika. The group includes everything shown in the above photos. This is a GREAT group that you will enjoy from a real D-Day infantryman who was wounded in direct action defeating the Third Reich.  Fresh out of the woodwork and never in a collection before, came out of shoebox at the families estate that was not opened since the 1950's. *Sold*
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#BS95 3A/T RCA 3rd Canadian Division Battle Dress
Original WWII Canadian 3rd Division 3 Anti-Tank (A/T) Royal Canadian Artillery (RCA) battle dress grouping.  This small unit landed on D-Day with the 3rd Canadian division and fought in the Normandy campaign, there is a fair bit of information published about them. The well sunken down period applied insignia is zig-zag machine sewn and toned to an almost golden colour that really makes the badges look impressive. The battle dress tunic itself is Canadian made and faintly dated 1944. The beret, in matching nice lightly worn condition is also 1944 dated with the original cap badge in place that has never been removed. On this uniform is a twisted red and blue lanyard, we are unsure why it has what may be an RCOC lanyard on it but this is how it was received, the lanyard can be easily removed but we are including it and leaving the decision up to the next owner. This is the ultimate 3rd Division 3 A/T RCA uniform group. *Sold*
 
#BS116 CANLOAN Lieutenant's King's Own Scottish Borderers Battle Dress
Original WWII battle dress tunic for a Canadian CANLOAN Lieutenant with the King's Own Scottish Borderers. The battle dress tunic itself is a British made example with original tag in Size No. 9 and dated 1945. The original period applied insignia includes scarlet infantry branch Lieutenants pips, Canada titles, and the tartan patch of the King's Own Scottish Borderers to which this Canadian officer was attached. *Sold*
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#CD131 5th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, RCA Battle Dress Grouping
Original WWII 5th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, RCA, battle dress grouping including battle dress tunic, beret, and named gun drill manual for the 40-MM A.A. gun.   The named gun drill manual was in the pocket as we received it, it could be the owners name but we have no way to confirm, it was left entirely as found.  All original wartime machine applied insignia nicely sunken down exactly how it should be.  A great group ready to be displayed from an interesting AA unit. *Sold*
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#CD319 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion Battle Dress
Original WWII 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion (1CPB) Battle Dress Tunic. Worn condition, the left sleeve has a minor snag and the original insignia shows use and fading. This tunic features a rare period applied English made airborne wing, these wings are very tough to find on the loose and even harder to find period applied to Battle Dress. These wings are described as Private Purchase 4 (PP4) in Ken Joyce's book "Jump Wings" and we had him confirm these wings in hand. Other desirable insignia includes canvas printed 1CPB shoulder titles, and English made embroidered Pegasus patches, and wound stripe which had fallen off and carefully put back in place in the original holes. All the insignia is period machine sewn in place. The base tunic is a Canadian example, the markings aside from the C broad arrow have faded. NOTE: We have added a pair of yellow slips to complete the tunic, they are constructed of vintage no-glow fabric and the first of this variety we've encountered, they are being included as a bonus. Aside from the addition of yellow slips and re-attaching the wound stripe, this tunic is undisturbed as found with no provenance. Scarce. *Sold*
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#CD143 1st Canadian Division Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Dress Group 
Original WWII 1st Canadian Division RCR (Royal Canadian Regiment) Private’s battle dress tunic and 1944 beret. Original period applied insignia includes a trade specialist chevron, 1st Canadian Division flashes, Royal Canadian Regiment shoulder titles, wound stripe, ribbons, 8th Army shoulder flash, and two year wartime service chevrons. All of the insignia is original machine applied, sunken down exactly how they should be with loose threads on the sleeve interior. The battle dress tunic itself is Canadian made example, the date is somewhat obscured but based on the button closure of the collar is likely 1944 or 1945. Included is a nice 1944 dated RCR beret with original wartime applied cap badge in matching lightly worn condition. *Sold*
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#TT1 2nd Canadian Armoured Brigade RCASC Battle Dress Tunic
Original WWII Royal Canadian Army Service Corps (RCASC) 2nd Canadian Armoured Brigade Battle Dress tunic. This Brigade consisted of the armoured regiments the 1st Hussars, Fort Garry Horse, Sherbrooke Fusiliers, and “C” Squadron of The Elgins. The brigade saw action from D-Day to the end of the war. RCASC members of this brigade were responsible for holding, moving, and issuing to the brigade food, ammunition, POL, and any other necessary equipment - a daunting task for an armoured brigade while in combat. This tunic is in service worn condition, with original period badging including titles and brigade patches that are machine sewn and well sunken down, with some thread coming undone on the bottom portion of the wearer’s right side shoulder title. The collar has been opened up for a more stylish look when coming home at the end of hostilities. *Sold*
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#BS45 21st Army Group Named Royal Canadian Engineers Battle Dress Grouping
Original WWII Canadian 21st Army Group Battle Dress grouping to Royal Canadian Engineer Sergeant Joseph Ulrich Noel. The grouping consists of Sgt Noel’s Battle Dress tunic, trousers, beret, discharge certificate, and final church service invitation. Sgt Noel was entitled to the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp at the end of hostilities after serving honourable in the UK and Continental Europe, his other additional medals would have been awarded later (This can be researched by the buyer). The Battle Dress tunic is entirely original period badged, with 21st Army Group and Royal Canadian Engineers shoulder sleeve insignia, trade badges, Sergeant chevrons, and overseas chevron’s. The trousers are also named to Sgt Noel and are a standard pair in serge style for coming home. The beret is a nice 1944 dated original badged example. The discharge certificate provides the next owner everything he needs to begin additional research. Presumably Sgt Noel wore this uniform for the final time to attend the Alberta Remembrance Day Services, as per instruction he put his discharge certificate in his pocket in case he was questioned and following the service he hung the uniform up until it was consigned by the current owner to our website, the grouping is entirely undisturbed and original. Great opportunity to buy an untouched grouping from a Canadian soldier who served overseas with research potential. *Sold*
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Canadian 21st Army Group Provost Corps Battle Dress Grouping
Original WWII Canadian 21st Army Group Provost Corps (Military Police) Battle Dress grouping. This is an untouched veteran grouping consisting of the original period badged Battle Dress tunic, original badged beret, whistle with lanyard, and MP armband. The group is exactly as found by one of the pickers we work with, but sadly we do not have the name of who wore it. Excellent set! *Sold*
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#EC154 Regiment de Maisonneuve Battle Dress Jacket
Original WWII Regiment de Maisonneuve of Canada Staff Sergeant's Battle Dress jacket. Original period badged example with all badges well sunken into the fabric and attached in the expected fashion, showing equal patina across all components. The badges include "REGIMENT de MAISONNEUVE CANADA" shoulder titles, 2nd Canadian Division sleeve badges, Staff Sergeant rank badges consisting of three chevrons and crown, and four years overseas chevrons. The bade jacket is a 1944 Canadian example. The jacket is named, but it's very faint, the soldiers Regimental Number is also present "D59065" and this is in the correct range for Regiment de Maisonneuve (Page 26, Regimental Numbers of the Canadian Army, by Clive M. Law) it won't be hard to figure out who the original owner was doing some research. Great jacket from one of the French Canadian units. *Sold*

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#KK2 Sgt David Clowes 4th Queens Own Hussars Grouping
Original WWII grouping of Sergeant David Clowes. Sgt Clowes joined the 4th Queen's Own Hussars in 1940 and fought with them under the 1st Armoured Brigade until 1943. He then joined the British 7th Armoured Brigade of the British V Corps in Italy. Among Clowes, souvenirs is a pith helmet badge of the 8th Bersaglieri which was wiped out at Tobruk. It was the most highly decorated unit of the Italian Army. Also included in the group is a very unique (Never seen before) ID bracelet obviously made in North Africa, possibly Egypt, depicting a British MKI Cruiser tank in an artistic metal 3D relief. It would be from North Africa because when Clowes joined 2RTR in Italy, it was equipped with Sherman tanks. There is also an unusual 1st Armoured Brigade embroidered patch that depicts the Rhino with a ball stuck to the end of its horn. It was manufactured in that way. It is a little clairvoyant because the Disney movie "Bed Knobs and Broomsticks" had not been made yet. A nice complete group to an early tanker who possibly took part in fighting as early as the Greek campaign. *Sold*

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#CD669 British 9th Battalion Paratrooper Grouping, Pte Thorold
Original WWII British 9th Battalion Paratrooper combat grouping of Pte Harold "Ron" Ronald Thorold, Regimental Number 14869388. Ron was born in 1926 in Lambeth (Surrey) and enlisted in the British Army 30 November 1944 with the East Surrey Regiment. After completing basic infantry training, he was transferred to the Army Air Corps Depot on 1 March 1945 where he completed parachute training, and he was then sent to the 9th Battalion in time for Operation Varsity and the race to Wismar, Germany. He left the army at the end of the war and joined the Royal Air Force Reserve and was then active with the Air Training Corps. Ron died 14 January 2022 at age 95. The grouping consists of Ron's untouched 9th Battalion combat smock worn on operations in Germany with original period-applied sewn down slip-ons, jump qualification wings, pocket litter including captured panzer dust goggles, issued camouflage scarf, old cigarette packaging, and women's nylon hose, it is a true time capsule. The smock has an interesting personalized cat artwork above the left breast pocket, and is named and numbered in many places and has never been cleaned. Ron's Battle Dress jacket is also a true wartime original with 9th Battalion slip-ons, printed canvas Parachute Regiment shoulder titles, jump qualification wings, and printed canvas Pegasus sleeve badges. Other bits include; An array of Parachute Regiment accoutrements including bullion badge, cap badge, and sterling pins. An East Surrey cap badge from Ron's initial enlistment. A group of Air Training Corps badges from his service in the reserves following the war, and a few other little things. There is even a small British patriotic flag, the type usually seen being flown by civilian patriots when the troops returned home, this was also in the smock pockets. These items became available shortly after Ron's death. You may be wondering where Ron's beret is, in many cases British para's are buried with their berets, that's probably what happened here as it was never made available from his estate. The items were originally put to auction in various lots and split up between two collectors, we went to great efforts to reunite the group and offer it here to collectors to be preserved as a single lot as it should be. Here is your chance to preserve Ron's memory and own a genuine British Paratroopers grouping with provenance including two awesome jackets that are each very appealing. *Sold*

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#EC153 The Ontario Regiment Sergeant's Battle Dress Jacket
Original WWII The Ontario Regiment of Canada Sergeant's Battle Dress jacket. Original period badged example with all badges well sunken into the fabric and attached in the expected fashion, showing equal wear and patina across all components. The badges include "THE ONTARIO REGIMENT CANADA" shoulder titles, 1st Canadian Tank Brigade formation sleeve badges, Sergeant chevrons, and five years overseas chevrons with 39'er. The base jacket is a 1945 Canadian example. This tunic was likely the one worn home to Canada by the soldier at the end of hostilities. Great example of a Canadian armoured jacket. *Sold*

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#CD764 Original Signaller’s RCCS Battle Dress Grouping, Cpl H. Goldner
Original WWII 1st Canadian Armoured Brigade Signaller’s Battle Dress and Beret grouping of Cpl H. Goldner. The 1st Canadian Armoured Brigade had members of the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals (RCCS) attached to handle the advanced communications skills required for armoured warfare. Grouping consists of Cpl Goldner’s Battle Dress jacket and armoured RCCS beret. The jacket is Canadian manufactured and dated 1944. Cpl Goldner’s Regimental Number D21586 is written in the jacket, this is from the range assigned to A & B Corps Signals R.C. Signs (Page 26, Regimental Numbers of the Canadian Army, Clive Law). The badging is period done and consists of “CANADA” shoulder titles, 1st Canadian Armoured Brigade “RCCS” sleeve badges (English made), and five years overseas chevron’s with 39’er. The jacket also still has the medal bar with ribbons. The armoured beret is dated 1942 and was manufactured by Kangol Wear Limited of England. It has an original period mounted RCCS cap badge and blue felt backing. The set has been well preserved, free of moth damage showing just light genuine period wear. Cpl Goldner was in a Sherman M4A4, and he served in Italy and Holland. More information of Cpl Goldner's service will be provided to the buyer, as well as instructions on how it can be further researched. Nice group. *Sold*

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#CD765 Canadian Army Leather Jerkin
Original WWII Canadian Army leather jerkin. Quality multi-piece leather and blanket wool construction, this garment was very popular on the front lines and significantly better quality than the British version. This example is in excellent unissued condition, complete with maker’s tag dated 1943. A small number of these were discovered in Western Canada and sold surplus decades ago. This is the second one we’ve encountered from that hoard; they are very difficult to find in this condition now. This example is a size medium, it’s ideal for a mannequin display as shown, Battle Dress not included. *Sold*

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#MA45 Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa Battle Dress Jacket
Original WWII 3rd Canadian Division, Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa Battle Dress jacket. The base jacket is Canadian made by a Montreal firm and dated 1944 with C broad arrow. The jacket has all period applied insignia that is sunken down. The insignia includes; English made "Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa MG" canvas shoulder titles, 3rd Cdn Div sleeve badges, Corporal rank chevrons, and five years overseas chevrons with 39'er. There is some custom period tailoring to the collar, but it still retains the buttoned up Battle Dress look. Great example from a famous D-Day unit. *Sold*
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#VV1 Gnr C.K. “Chuck” Bradley, No. 2 Forward Observer Unit
Original WWII grouping that belonged to Gunner C.K. “Chuck” Bradley of the elite No. 2 Forward Observer Unit, Royal Artillery, 6th Airborne Division. The unit was formed in August 1944 and consisted of 48 Canadians and 32 British soldiers pulled from artillery regiments of their respective armies who were qualified as parachutist. The unit saw action in the Ardennes, Operation Varsity and the subsequent battles to conquer Germany, and the race to Wismar and the Baltic Sea where the unit linked up with Soviet forces.The grouping includes Chuck’s wartime parachute qualification wings, matching pair of airborne Pegasus badges (Starch back variety), First Allied Airborne Army badge, two Royal Artillery shoulder titles, two Canada shoulder titles, and brass cap badge all in worn and uniform removed condition with some loose threads still present. In addition, the group includes photo copies of The History of No. 2 Forward Observation Unit by Commanding Officer LCol H.J.B. “Harry” Rice and No. 5 Section Commander Capt R.C. “Bob” Hamilton, and various photos as reference material. This group is looking for a good home, so this is your chance to keep Chuck’s memory alive and preserve his wartime souvenirs. *Sold*

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#VV2 Gnr James G. Auld, No. 2 Forward Observer Unit
Original WWII grouping that belonged to Gunner James G. Auld of the elite No. 2 Forward Observer Unit, Royal Artillery, 6th Airborne Division. The unit was formed in August 1944 and consisted of 48 Canadians and 32 British soldiers pulled from artillery regiments of their respective armies who were qualified as parachutist. The unit saw action in the Ardennes, Operation Varsity and the subsequent battles to conquer Germany, and the race to Wismar and the Baltic Sea where the unit linked up with Soviet forces.The grouping includes James Auld’s wartime parachute qualification wings, strait airborne tab (Starch back variety), airborne Pegasus (Printed variety), Royal Artillery shoulder title, Canada shoulder title, brass cap badge, and parachute cord strand all in worn and uniform removed condition with some loose threads still present. In addition, the group includes photo copies of The History of No. 2 Forward Observation Unit by Commanding Officer LCol H.J.B. “Harry” Rice and No. 5 Section Commander Capt R.C. “Bob” Hamilton, and various photos as reference material. This group is looking for a good home, so this is your chance to keep James’s memory alive and preserve his wartime souvenirs. *Sold*

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#BP44 Calgary Highlanders Battle Dress Jacket
Original WWII Calgary Highlanders of Canada Corporal’s Battle Dress jacket with wound stripe. The base jacket is Canadian manufactured and dated 1944, with makers information and C broad arrow stamp. The shoulder badges are English made examples including; “CALGARY HIGHLANDERS CANADA” paste back shoulder titles, blue 2nd Canadian Infantry Division sleeve badges, a wound stripe on the lower left sleeve, and three years service chevrons. Looking inside the sleeves of the jacket, the badges have sunken into the fabric as would be expected for old period badging, you can see this effect in the interior sleeve photograph and better in hand. We have known about this jacket for many years, it originally came from a premium collection of original jackets and was with the consignor until made available again. The jacket is lightly worn condition as would be expected, most likely worn home by the soldier at the end of hostilities and then hung up in a closet. *Sold*

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