Canada. A 22nd Infantry Battalion "Canadiens Francais" (Vandoos) Cap Badge, c.1915

In browning copper, maker marked "CARON FRÈRES MONTREAL 1914" on the reverse, measuring 52.5 mm (w) x 37.5 mm (h), both lugs bent back but intact, near extremely fine.

Footnote: The Battalion was raised in Quebec and mobilized in St. Jean, Quebec under the authority of G.O. 36, March 15, 1915. The Battalion sailed May 20, 1915 with a strength of 36 officers and 1,097 other ranks under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel F.M. Gaudet. The Battalion served in France and Belgium with the 5th Infantry Brigade, 2nd Canadian Division. It was disbanded on September 15, 1920. Established in October 1914, at the beginning of the First World War, the 22nd was created in response to a popular demand from people who wanted to have a regiment under which French Canadians could serve in their native language. The 22nd was the only active French-speaking infantry battalion on the warfront to serve in the Canadian Corps. The Battalion arrived on the front line in Belgium in September of 1915.