Insignia: Red Patches - WW1

[APentland]

In reading the World War I War Diaries for the Canadian Engineers, I came upon an order concerning red patches.  Is this insignia specific to engineers or representative of the Canadian Corp in general?  Some of the topics suggest that patches were not worn for security reasons (like enemy target practice).  This does not seem that case here as suggests that it might have been subject to the officer, or the time or place.  Anyone?  ps I wanted to use this reference in an essay on Vimy and wanted to confirm this.

FYI - The reference is from the Edward Snowden Collection in the Archives at York University - specifically, Order No. 1 - Company Orders by Captain G.R. Turner, M.C., Acting O.C., 2nd Field Company, Canadian Engineers - from the Field January 3rd, 1917

â Å“A further supply of red patches is now available for issue for every issue and N.C.O.and man must have these sewn on within the next two days.  Torn or ragged patches must be replaced.â ?

F

 

[Art Johnson]

The Red Patch is an identification patch for the 1st Canadian Division. It was further supplemented by a Brigade patch.
I understand that these insignia were used to identify soldiers who could be AWOL or deserters.

Visit Michael Durosh's web site for more information:

http://www.canadiansoldiers.com/

P.S. Did you have a relative who served in the 48th WW II?

 

[Michael OLeary]

A scan of the CEF Distinguishing Patches foldout from the CEF history can also be seen at my site here:

http://regimentalrogue.com/wallpaper/rogue_wallpapers.htm#C.E.F.%20Distinguishing%20Patches

 

[Michael Dorosh]

The engineers of all divisions wore a red rectangle, with the letters C.E. in blue, usually sewn to the division patch.