Canadian Korean War 25th Brigade Badges

At the start of the 1950s, two Canadian brigade groups were created for service overseas.  The 25th Canadian Infantry Brigade served in Korea as part of the Commonwealth Division.  The 27th Canadian Infantry Brigade served with NATO forces in West Germany.

The 25th Brigade wore a red shield, with yellow maple leaf surrounded by a white laurel wreath (similar to that found in the United Nations flag). Issued in embroidery on a melton background, private purchase versions were commonly found as well, purchased in Japan and made of higher quality materials such as metal wire instead of thread. These uniforms were usually worn on battledress by troops coming home to Canada from Asia.

This brigade patch was seen worn on both sleeves, and sometimes worn alone on the right sleeve. After joining the Commonwealth Division, Canadian troops in Korea wore the formation patch of that division on the left sleeve, retaining the Canadian brigade patch on the left.

These are the Japanese made wire bullion 25th Brigade badges.