Canada, Cef. A 187Th Infantry Battalion Collar Badge & University Of Ottawa Cotc Cap Badge

Includes:

1. First War 187th Infantry Battalion "Central Albert Battalion" Officer's Collar Badge: three-piece construction, in silvered copper, with two silver overlays, one incorporating the number "187", the other a ribbon banner inscribed "CANADA", maker marked "J.E. BLACK Co.", measuring 32.8 mm (w) x 36 mm (h), one of two lugs intact, the other lug has broken off and accompanies the badge independently.

2. Second War University of Ottawa Canadian Officers' Training Corps (COTC) Cap Badge: two-piece construction, university coat-of-arms in white metal, mounted to a brass base, unmarked, measuring 39.3 mm (w) x 47.2 mm (h), both lugs and pin intact. Near very fine and near extremely fine, respectively.

Footnote:

1. The 187th Infantry Battalion "Central Albert Battalion" was raised in the District of Red Deer, Alberta with mobilization headquarters at Red Deer under the authority of G.O. 69, July 15, 1916. The Battalion sailed December 20, 1915 under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel C.W. Robinson with a strength of 24 officers and 744 other ranks. In England, the Battalion was absorbed into the 21st Reserve Battalion. It was disbanded on September 15, 1920.

2. In the fall of 1939, the University of Ottawa administration approved the creation of the Canadian Officers' Training Corps, University of Ottawa Contingent comprising a company, headquarters and three platoons. The following year, the contingent was authorized to become a battalion. Within a year the unit swelled to 550 men. In 1942, an Officers' Training Corps for the air force was created, and the next year another for the navy. While students were not obligated to go off to war before the end of their studies, training in one of the corps was mandatory for all those aged 18 and up. Over a thousand University of Ottawa alumni enrolled in the military during the Second World War, of which 50 died overseas. The unit was eventually disbanded during the unification of the Armed Forces in 1968.