Canadian Parachute Badge Regulations 1950s

[slaird]

When did the Canadian Army regulations for the parachute badge change to allow permanent wear of the badge after basic jump qualification? In Dec 1948 my grandfather earned his parachute badge at Rivers Manitoba as a member of 1 PPCLI. In early 1952 upon return to Canada from Korea with 2 PPCLI he voluntarily declined to continued jumping. This was possibly due to an old war injury to his leg in 1943 flaring up and causing discomfort. The regulations at the time (CAO 84-25) required three years service in a jump battalion to retain wearing of the parachute badge. 2PPCLI was not considered a jump battalion while serving in Korea. However on return to Canada from Korea 2 PPCLI took over jump battalion designation from 1 PPCLI. My grandfather was required to forfeit his para badge in 1952 and was posted out of 2PPCLI. However I have a photograph of him wearing his jump wings in 1956 at the School of Infantry, Camp Borden. By that time he had rebadged to the Canadian Guards and later QOR. Retired in 1966.

 

[exspy]

When did the Canadian Army regulations for the parachute badge change to allow permanent wear of the badge after basic jump qualification? In Dec 1948 my grandfather earned his parachute badge at Rivers Manitoba as a member of 1 PPCLI. In early 1952 upon return to Canada from Korea with 2 PPCLI he voluntarily declined to continued jumping. This was possibly due to an old war injury to his leg in 1943 flaring up and causing discomfort. The regulations at the time (CAO 84-25) required three years service in a jump battalion to retain wearing of the parachute badge. 2PPCLI was not considered a jump battalion while serving in Korea. However on return to Canada from Korea 2 PPCLI took over jump battalion designation from 1 PPCLI. My grandfather was required to forfeit his para badge in 1952 and was posted out of 2PPCLI. However I have a photograph of him wearing his jump wings in 1956 at the School of Infantry, Camp Borden. By that time he had rebadged to the Canadian Guards and later QOR. Retired in 1966.

Your grandfather sounds like an interesting guy. Can you tell us more about his service?

I had never heard of the three-year rule, but a) I can't see all of the Regular soldiers who went to Korea with their respective 2nd Battalions having to forfeit their wings for no other reason than an administrative order and b) their may very well have been an amendment or cancellation of CAO 84-25 in later years which saw soldiers like your grandfather having their wings reinstated.

 

[Blackadder1916]

Your grandfather sounds like an interesting guy. Can you tell us more about his service?

I had never heard of the three-year rule, but a) I can't see all of the Regular soldiers who went to Korea with their respective 2nd Battalions having to forfeit their wings for no other reason than an administrative order and b) their may very well have been an amendment or cancellation of CAO 84-25 in later years which saw soldiers like your grandfather having their wings reinstated.

What the CFAOs were from the 1970s through to 1990s.

CFAO 10-6 -- AIRBORNE DUTY WITH THE SPECIAL SERVICE FORCE

5. Parachutist volunteers for the Special Service Force will serve a minimum three-year tour of duty. Members may be permitted to extend their tour with the Special Service Force provided that:

CFAO 55-10 -- THE CREATION AND AWARDING OF CANADIAN FORCES FLYING AND SPECIALIST SKILL BADGES

PARACHUTE BADGE
22. A qualified parachutist will normally forfeit the parachute badge when:
a. after qualification on a CF-approved parachutist course, the
member refuses to serve as a parachutist;
b. the member requests to discontinue parachuting before completion
two years of satisfactory parachute duty;
c. after volunteering for service in the Canadian Airborne Regiment,
the member refuses to serve there as a parachutist after
qualification on a CF-approved parachutist course; or
d. the member refuses to make a parachute descent at any time while
serving in a position in an airborne unit for which the member is
entitled to draw paratroop allowance.[/URL]