C22854 CANADIAN WWI "CAMERON HIGHLANDER" LIEUTENANT'S SERVICE TUNIC, KILT & BALMORAL. In 1910, the 79th Cameron Highlander of Canada regiment was created in Winnipeg Manitoba. They were allowed to adopt the same uniform as the Queen’s own Cameron Highlanders, with some variations in the badges. During the great War, they formed 43rd, 174th and 179th Battalions. The progression of the war made it so that they needed to send more men overseas. Thus, Canada created many battalions. In the beginning they sent battalion 1 to 17, while the casualties were growing, Canada formulated 260 different Battalions who would joined different regiments once they arrived overseas. This Tunic was for the 179th Infantry Battalion part of the 79th regiment. The regiment was awarded 18 battle honors, one being for the Somme in 1916. They share this honor with their allied regiments, Scotland and Vimy. This is where Canada achieved their greatest success in the war. The Tunic is made of a kakhi wool, it is a light brown. It is 19" wide at the breast, and 17" wide at the waist. It has a four button front closure, which are all made of brass. They are 1 1/4" wide in diameter, and they have the pre-war militia design upon them. This is of a Beaver as the central figure, with; Canada militia, written around it, while there is a kings crown atop it, which is framed by maple leafs. The buttons for the breast pockets and the waist pockets, are the same, the only difference is that they are, 3/4" wide in diameter. The collar badges, are approximately 1 1/2" wide, and they are made from silver, as well as, brass. The silver is located on the exterior of the badge and it is the foliage that surrounds the interior. While the interior, is 179 in the center with Cameron Highlanders of Canada framing it within, as well as, a brass border beneath it with; overseas Canada Battalion. The top brass figure is of the kings crown. The shoulder badge, is of a half moon brass badge that states CANADA. They are located on either shoulder at the very end towards the arm. They are ½" high by 2" wide. The tunic was missing both pipes on the right arm, however, the previous owner, found a replacement, and added the one on the right arm. These two pipes meant that this officer was a lieutenant. They match the tunic and they are located directly underneath the band. The original tag is still in good condition in the interior pocket of the left side. It states that it was manufactured by McFarlane & Cairns civil and military tailors, on December 16th in 1915. It also has the original name of the owner, (not very legible) as well as, that it was manufactured in Winnipeg, which is where the Cameron Highlanders were from. The tunic was designed with two belt loops on the reverse, unfortunately the belt is not included, as well as, a "v" like cut at the bottom for the sporran. The tunic is almost flawless with a smaller hole on the right breast pocket, as well as, beneath it beside the waist pocket. These could be considered moth damage. The kilt is also in very good condition. The tartan is called the Cameron of Erracht, It is named after Sir Allan Cameron of Erracht who fought against the loyalist from 1775 to 1778, he then organized the 79th Regiment in 1793. They were known as the Cameron Highlanders by 1804. The tartan was designed by Sir Allan’s mother Marsali Maclean. The Kilt is 48" wide unfolded, and 16" folded (32" waist), while it is 26" long. There are 5 buttons on the interior for the straps, however, there is one missing to make a complete set. The leather tab was also sown on by the previous owner, while the buckle appears to have been repaired during the period. The kilt is not dated, however, there is some writing on the interior. It has two names handwritten; W. West and J. Fitzgerald. On the left side, there is a broad arrow stamp, however, it is surrounded by W, D, circle with triangle, and 21. It is not clear what this means, yet, we do know that the broad arrow means that the kilt was made from the British empire. There is one hole on the reverse bottom, otherwise you could consider this mint for its condition and age. The Balmoral, or Tam O’shanter, is approximately 7 ½' wide in diameter and it is made from the same fabric as the tunic. The cap badge is 2 1/4" high by 2" wide. It consist of silver and brass, same as the collar badge, however, the design is different. It has Saint Andrews cross in the center, which is the patron of Scotland, with 179 directly in front of it. It has the same foliage as the collar badge and it also states; Cameron Highlanders of Canada. It has the kings crown atop it, with a lion on top of the 179. Overseas is directly beneath the badge between the foliage. Directly underneath the badge, the Cameron of Erracht tartan is between it and the Balmoral. The original tag is still in great condition on the interior, where it states; By app. To her Majesty Queen Mary est 1854 Scott Adie Ltd. 38 Conduit street London, W.I. The Royal Scotch Warehouse, Made in Scotland. There is also a handwritten name; Lt J. N. Dyer. The cap is in exquisite condition with no imperfection, it is flawless. Superb & very hard to find Canadian WW1 uniform.

To Order this item, please use one of the two e-mail addresses below to contact us. Please make sure to quote the item number in your e-mail

-E-Mail Address pawmac@nbnet.nb.ca  Or  guild@nb.aibn.com

To return to the main page please CLICK below