1924 - C1950
With a few exceptions, RCAF badging and insignia were similar to that of the RAF and other Commonwealth Air Forces. Cap badges were worn on the Service Dress cap by officers and warrant officers, and on the Field Service (FS) Cap by all ranks. Officers of Air Rank, (Air Force equivalent to General Officers)had special pattern cap badges. WD officers and other ranks had their own patterns of caps however the badges were identical to those worn by their male counterparts.
 Officer's Cap Badge |
 Officer's FS Cap Badge |
 Warrant Officer's Cap Badge |
 Airman's Cap Badge |
A wide variety of shoulder titles were worn on Air Force and Army Service Dress and Battledress. Insignia worn on Army pattern Service Dress, Battledress and Khaki Drill uniforms were red embroidery on a khaki or khaki drill backing. On the Air Force uniforms, the insignia was embroidered or printed in light blue on a dark blue backing. Airmen invariably wore the eagle insignia, usually with the National title, especially outside Canada. Shoulder titles came in matching left and right pairs, the eagle was worn with it's head facing towards the rear.
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Canadian Officers and Warrant Officers wore only the National shoulder title, without the eagle. As with the airmen's shoulder titles, the colour of the embroidery and backing varied with the uniform. On prewar mess dress and full dress uniforms the insignia was embroidered in gold wire.
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From about 1949 to the mid 1950's RCAF insignia was modernized. New patterns of cap badges incorporating the "Queens" (Saint Edward's) Crown were authorized. Airmen received a new pattern of shoulder title, the Officer's pattern remained essentially the same as worn during the Second World War.
 Officer's Cap Badge |
 Warrant Officer's Cap Badge |
 Airman's Cap Badge |
 Airmen's National Title |
Officer and Warrant Officer Service Dress |
Officer and Warrant Officer Mess Dress |
Second World War
The RCAF Service Police brassard was worn on duty by all SP airmen and women. Many of the examples seen appear to be of local manufacture. Provost Marshals and Assistant Provost Marshals wore brassards with the initials of their appointment, surmounted by the Crown and RCAF eagle. A Royal Air Force Service Police brassard was reported to have been worn by a few Canadian Service Police assigned to duty with the RAF in England.
The Assistant Provost Marshal brassard was worn by officers assigned as Provost Marshals or on the Provost Marshal's staff.
Deputy Assistant Provost Marshal L. E. Carr.
Typical wartime RCAF Service Police brassard with stitched-on serif type letters.
Just after the end of the war, these RCAF SP escorts for accused German war criminals are wearing a new pattern brassard. Also of note is the red band on the body of the Service Dress cap and the white cap cover.
An example of the new pattern brassard as worn in the above photo. Several variations have been noted, and a simplified pattern was adopted about 1949.
A new pattern of RCAF Police brassard was introduced about 1949 - 50. The metal Crown and eagle insignia has now been replaced by embroidery. The brassard was produced in a King's Crown version until about 1954, when a Queen's Crown version was adopted.
Sealed Pattern of the Queen's Crown Police brassard adopted circa 1954. This brassard was worn into the 1960s, when it was replaced by a black and white MP brassard.
Security Guard brassard worn by Airfield/Base Defence personnel assigned to security duties.
Display of insignia worn by the late Sergeant Jack D. Shaw CD. From top to bottom: 1955 dated RCAF Police brassard; RCAF Police Identification Badge flanked by post unification Sergeant's shirt collar insignia; Military Police brassard.
 RCAF Police Belt Buckle |
 The RCAF Police Identification Badge was adopted in the late 1950s and was initially pinned in place on the jacket. A leather fob was soon produced. |
An RCAF blue/grey wallet was provided for the RCAF Police credentials.