28 March 1894 Dress Regimental Standing Orders

Dress Regulations for Officers

Every Officer, on appointment, shall at once provide himself with the uniform prescribed below, subject to such changes as may from time to time be made.

The Majors are responsible for the dress of the Officers, and must at once check such as are improperly dressed, or whose dress may be at variance with these Regulations.

The Badge

The Badge of the Regiment (Gazetted 7^th Feb. 1879), shall be a Maple Leaf, on which is a scroll or garter clasped with a buckle, and bearing the legend, “Queen’s Own Rifles,” and the motto, “In pace paratus,” encircling the figure 2, and surmounted by the Imperial crown.

Tunic

Black cloth, edged all round, except the collar, with black square cord. Scarlet cloth collar and cuffs, the collar edged top and bottom with ½ inch lace and a tracing of black braid inside for Lieutenants; the top only edged with ½ inch lace for Captains and Field Officers; the cuffs pointed, and ornamented as described below according to rank. The skirt rounded off in front, closed behind and line with black. On each side of the breast, 5 loops of black square cord, with netted caps and drops, fastening with black olivets. On each back seam, a line of the same cord, forming 3 eyes at the top, passing under a netted cap at the waist, below which it is doubled, and ending in an Austrian knot reaching to the bottom of the skirt. Shoulder-straps of black chain gimp, with small netted button at top. Badges of rank in bronze metal.

Distinctions of Rank

Field Officers have figured braiding below the lace of the collar, and 1 ½ inch black lace round the top of the cuff, with figured braiding above and below the lace, extending to 11 inches from the bottom of the cuff.

Captains have a row of braided double eyes, below the lace on the collar, and an Austrian knot of black square cord on the sleeve, with a tracing of braided double eyes all round it, extending to 8 inches from the bottom of the cuff.

Lieutenants have a tracing of plain braid only inside the lace on the collar, and an Austrian knot on the sleeve, with a tracing of plain braid round it, extending to 7 inches only from the bottom of the cuff.

Braid

Black mohair

Buttons

Bronze, with the figure 2 in the centre, and the designation “Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada,” encircling it.

Trowsers

a. Dress, black cloth with 2 inch braid down the side seams.

b. Undress, rifle green serge with stripes, as on the dress trowsers.

c. Pantaloons for mounted duties, black whip-cord or cavalry doeskin and stripes as for trowsers.

Busby

black lambskin, 5 inches high in front and 7 ½ inches at the back; the top 6 ½ inches long and 6 inches wide, covered with rifle green cloth; at the top, in front; an oval black silk cord cockade, relieved with scarlet, 2 inches deep and 1 ½ inches wide, with small bronze crown in centre; bronze chain ½ inch wide, on scarlet morocco leather, and lined with black velvet, with bronze rose fastenings at the sides, and a hook at the top, on the right. The Regimental Badge, bronze, with silver numberal, to be worn in front, point of stem 1 inch above the lower edge.

Plume

Black goat’s hair, 6 inches high from the top of the Busby, with small scarlet feathers at the bottom, an inch high from the top of the bronze socket.

Cap Line

A double black silk cord passing round the cap, hooked up in front, and at the sides and back, and curved downwards between the hooks, with slides on the pendant part and acorn ends.

Helmet

White cork, covered with white canvas in six seams, bound with buff leather at the bottom; above the peak and going round the helmet, a buff leather band, 1 inch wide, stitched top and bottom. The headpiece let in with zigzag ventilator, back peak to centre of crown 10 ¾ inches, side to centre of crown 9 inches, bronze side- hooks and cur chain chin-strap, the links 3/8 inch wide, on scarlet morocco leather, and lined with black velvet. At top of helmet a bronze collet, riveted on to a bronze collar, 3/8 inch wide, to receive spike and base, which are of bronze; a zinc button covered with white canvas is worn on all occasions when the spike is not used.

Ornaments on Crossbelts

The ornaments shall be as follows:

a. On the left breast a lion’s face, in high relief, on a plate within a conventional foliated wreath, or raised border. Diameter over all, 2 inches.

b. Pendant from the lion’s jaws, a double chain, to hang two inches below the edge of the belt, of plain, circular links, of 3/6 inch in diameter, with a whistle thereto attached.

c. A whistle case affixed to the belt below the right breast, octagonal and tapering in shape, each of the eight sides ornamented at the top and also at the foot with an oak leaf (conventional), the whole ornamented or encircled at the top and also at the foot with a wreath or raised border of oak leaves, and ending at the foot in an acorn. The length from the top or ring of the whistle to the foot of the case 3 ½ inches.

d. The centre ornament on a plate between two wreaths of maple leaves in orle, conjoined in base, a maltese cross of black enamel, fimbriated; between the respective limbs of the cross four lioncels, passant, guardant; charged upon the cross, a plate of black enamel inscribed with the figure “2,” within the border also of black enamel and fimbriated, inscribed with the words “Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada.” Over all, the Imperial Crown of England, resting upon a soutien or supporting tablet. Breadth of ornament, 3 inches; height, 3 ¾ inches.

Sword

Half basket hilt and back piece of steel, with device of bugle and crown, black fish skin grip, bound with silver wire, slightly curved blade, grooved and spear pointed. Full size – Blade 35 inches long and inch wide at shoulder; extreme length, including the hilt, 41 inches; wight, without scabbard, 2 lbs. Second size – Blade 33 inches long and an inch wide at the shoulder; extreme length, including hilt, 38 ½ inches; weight, without scabbard, 1 lb 12 ozs.

Scabbard

Steel

Sword Knot

Black leather cord with acorn ends.

Sword Belt

Black goat skin, 1 ½ inches wide, with slings 1 inch wide, snake clasps and silver mountings; to be worn under the tunic and patrol jackets.

Pouch Belt

Black goat skin, 3 ¼ inches wide, with silver regimental plate, whistle and chain.

Pouch belts are to be worn under the shoulder-strap; the pouch to rest in the centre of the back; the centre plate in the centre of the breast.

Binocular Case

Black patent leather, to hold a field glass, with silver bugle, figure 2 in centre, surmounted by a crown.

Sabretache

Black paten leather; 3 slings of goat skin ¾ inch wide, device on flap, a silver monogram QOR.

Gloves

Black leather stitched with scarlet for parades, white kid for balls, levees, etc.

Patrol Jacket

Rifle green serge, scarlet cloth collar, the jacket to be edged all around including collar with 1 inch braid up the vents and along the back seams. Fine loops of inch mohair braid, at equal distances, down the front at each side; the top loops extend to the shoulder seams, and the bottom to 4 inches, the cuffs pointed with inch mohair braid to 5 inches from the bottom, 1 outside breast pocket on each side, let in between the loops. Fastened with hooks and eyes in front, black lining. The shoulder straps of the same material as jacket, edged with ½ inch braid, except at the base, a black netted button at the top, badges of rank in bronze metal, the collar seam covered with tracing braid.

Patrol Jacket Field Service Pattern

Rifle green serge, rounded in front, stand up collar with hook and eye, scarlet piping on the seam, cuffs pointed. A body seam on each side, five regimental buttons on front, 2 breast pockets in each side with flap, shoulder straps of same material as jacket with small bronze button at top, badges of rank in bronze metal.

Mess Jacket

Black cloth, scarlet cloth collar and cuffs, 1 inch mohair braid all round the body, forming barrels at bottom of back seams. Back seams trimmed with a double of ¼ inch braid, forming a crow’s foot at the top , and finishing over the barrels at the bottom; pockets trimmed with ¼ inch braid, forming a crow’s foot at each end and centre. Five waved loops of square cord in front, with four rows of olivets, two on each loop. Pointed cuffs of inch mohair braid, with figured tracing of black Russia braid. Mohair braid ½ inch wide all round the collar and figured tracing in centre; should straps and badges of rank as for tunic.

Mess Waistcoat.

Black cloth, single breasted, no collar, open half way down. Hooks and eyes, ½ inch braid on edges, with ¼ inch braid down the front, 1 inch from the edge. Scarlet cloth between the two braids with rows of eyes of black Russia braid down front edge on the scarlet cloth. Pockets trimmed with ¼ inch braid, forming a crow’s foot at each end, edged all round with scarlet cloth.

Forage Cap

Black cloth of special pattern, ornamented in front with a scarlet cord boss, the Regimental Badge in silver, placed on the left side 2 ½ inches from the front.

Great Coat and Cape

Gray melton cloth, double breasted, to reach within a foot of the ground. Stand and fall collar, 4 ½ inches deep, with a fly to cover the band of the cape when buttoned on. Loose round cuffs, 6 inches deep, 2 pockets with flaps at the waist in front, 2 openings behind, at the side seams, with pointed flaps 11 inches long; a pocket inside the left breast, a slit in the left side for the hilt of sword to pass through, an opening behind, 19 inches long, with a fly, 2 rows of regimental buttons down the front, 6 in each row, the top buttons 6 inches apart, the bottom ones 4 inches; 3 buttons on each skirt flap, 4 small buttons at the opening behind, and 5 flat buttons under the fly at the collar. A cloth back strap, attached to the top button of the skirt flap to confine the coat at the waist; 2 hooks and eyes on the collar. Shoulder straps on the coat, of the same material as the garment, badges of rank in bronze metal. Cape of the same material as the coat, and long enough to cover the knuckles; 4 small buttons in front, to fasten at the neck with bronze metal rose hook and chain.

In the case of Mounted Officers, for whom the above pattern of coat is authorized, the following modifications will be made: – The opening of the coat behind will be long enough to reach to the cantle of the saddle, and a gusset will be introduced commencing at the top of the slit and extending downwards to about 24 inches, with about 19 inches width at the bottom. A tab with button hold at the bottom of the gusset to close it when the coat is worn on foot. A small pocket with a flap at the back of the left sleeve. On the inside of each skirt a cloth band with button to secure the skirts over the knees when the coat is worn on mounted duties. The four buttons at the opening behind are omitted. The coat is reach to the ankles when worn on foot.

Boots

Officers when on mounted duties wear kneeboots, which must in regard to shape be in accordance with the sealed pattern, but the height will depend upon the length and the relative height of the calf. The boot, which is sloped down at the back, should reach in front to about 4 inches from the top of the knee and at the back just to the top of the calf. Officers when not mounted, wear Wellington or ankle boots; when leggings are worn on parade, by officers, a broad, heavy soled, laced walking boot shall be worn.

Leggings

Black leather, 8 inches high behind; arched over instep, to 6 inches high in front, 3 straps and buckles to fasten on outside.

Spurs

With knee boots, steel straight necked spurs fastened with straps and buckles; with Wellington boots steel box spurs will be worn.

Straps

Whenever spurs are worn with trowsers, straps are to be worn also.

Horse Furniture

Saddle

Hunting saddle with black leather crupper.

Shabraque

Black lambskin, 3 feet 4 inches in length; 1 foot 9 inches deep in front, and 12 inches behind, with rounded corners in front and rear, covering saddle and wallets; scarlet cloth edging 1 inch deep; moleskin lining; black leather seat.

Wallets

Black leather, pocket shape; black patent leather cover (for undress), with silver studs.

Bridle and Breast Plate

Black leather, the bead-stall lined with scarlet cloth, with scalloped edges, silver whole buckles and silver bit bosses, having bugle in centre, enclosing figure 2 encircled with the designation “Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada.”

Plume

Black scarlet horse hair, 18 inches long, with silver ball socket.

Head Chain

Bright steel with swivel rings and spring lock.

Girths

Green

Dress Regulations for Non-Commissioned Officers and Men

Uniform

The uniform of Non-Commissioned Officers and men shall be as follows:

Tunic

As issued by the Militia Department. Sergeants shall wear an Austrian knot of square cord in place of the braid on the cuffs; the shoulder straps having the letters Q.O.R. Worked in scarlet worsted. The Band and Buglers wear “wings” on the shoulder, of a regimental pattern with the latter, the arm and back seams are piped with green and scarlet Bugler’s cord, and for the bands-men with scarlet cloth. Staff Sergeants tunics shall be frogged similar to a subaltern officer’s, having the shoulder strap in place of the cord.

Patrol Jacket

Staff-Sergeants shall wear for undress a serge patrol jacket similar to the officers, but without the loops in the front.

Trowsers

Government issue with ¼ inch scarlet stripe; Rifle green cloth for Staff-Sergeants with full uniform, serge with undress.

Tunics and trowsers must be made to fit as close as the free action of the limbs will allow, necessary alterations being at the expense of the wearer, and strictly in accordance with regimental patterns.

S.S. And Sergeants mess Jacket

Black cloth, scarlet cloth collar, square in front, inch mohair braid all round the body, cuffs pointed with inch mohair braid to extend six inches from the bottom of the cuff, the inch lace to be edged with scarlet tracing braid top and bottom, forming a crow’s foot at the top and an eye at the angle at the bottom, the collar edged all round with half inch lace traced inside with braid forming an eye at each bottom corner in front, black lining, shoulder cords of twisted black cord fastening with netted ball button, the jacket to fasten with hooks and eyes.

S.S. And Sergeants’ Mess Waistcoat

Black cloth, single breasted, without collar, opening half way down, edged with half-inch mohair braid, showing a narrow edging of scarlet cloth on each side of braid, the pockets edged with tracing braid on scarlet cloth, forming a crow’s foot and eye at each end, and a crow’s foot in the centre.

S. S. And Sergeants’ Mess trowsers

Black cloth with inch mohair braid down the side seams.

S. S. And Sergeants’ Serge Jacket

Rifle green serge, fastening with 5 small Canada Militia buttons in front, shoulder-straps of same material as jacket, fastening with button, and the letters Q.O.R. Embroidered on in scarlet worsted.

Colour Sergeants shall wear a Sergeant’s Crown of regimental pattern in the angle of chivrons or Mess and Serge Jackets; service, attendance or effiency badges shall not be worn on either of these garments.

Uniform is never to be worn except for Regimental purposes, unless by permission of the Commanding Officer.

Helmet

White cork, covered with white canvas in six seams, bound with buff leather at the bottom; above the peak and going round the helmet, a canvas band, 1 inch wide, stitched top and bottom. The headpiece let in with zigzag ventilator, back peak to centre of crown 10 ¾ inches, side to centre of crown 9 inches, bronze side hooks and curb chain chin-strap, the links 5/8 inch wide, on scarlet morocco leather and lined with white leather. At top of helmet a bronze collet, riveted on to bronze collar, 3/8 inch wide, to receive spike and base, which are of bronze; a zinc button covered with white canvas is worn on all occasions when the spike is not used.

Busby

Black sealskin, according to pattern, with Regimental badge (Bronze), in front, bronze chain on a scarlet leather ground; for sergeants, a black netted button above the badge, with scarlet worsted embroidered Maltese cross.

Must be worn perfectly straight upon the head, the lower edge to rest on the eyebrows.

Leggings

Black leather, 8 inches high behind; arched over instep, to 5 inches high in front; 3 straps and buckles to fasten on outside.

The trowsers to fall two inches over the top. Worn in wet or muddy weather with all orders of dress, but not when off duty.

Sword and Sword Belt

For Staff-Sergeants, same as Officers.

Sergeants’ Cross-belts

Staff and Company Sergeants shall wear a cross-belt with ornaments similar to those of an Officer, except that the latter shall be bronze with scarlet enamel cross. They are worn in a similar manner to the Officers’, and shall be procured at the expense of the wearer.

Pouch

Government pattern.

Waist-belts and frogs

Government pattern, snake fastening.

Waist-belts should be worn so tight that they can be distinctly felt by the wearer; the snake to be permanently attached to the adjusting end of the belt, and so placed that when fastening it hooks upwards – the adjusting end to be worn on the right side. The frog is worn at left side just behind the hip.

Haversacks

Government pattern.

Are worn on the right side under the shoulder strap. When in use they will hang over the sword, the top immediately below the hilt. When empty they will be rolled up, and rest inside the hilt of the sword on the frog.

Knapsacks

Government pattern.

Worn so that the top is in line with the bottom of the collar of the tunic – the great coat and canteen straps to buckle upwards, resting immediately below the outer top edges of the pack and canteen respectively, the ends being curled inwards – the pack straps fastened over the shoulder straps.

Water Bottles

Government Pattern.

Worn over the left shoulder and right hip, but under the shoulder strap, the mouth being just below the lower edge of the waist belt.

Great Coats

Government Pattern.

Shall be folded for the knapsacks to a size of 13 inches deep and 15 inches wide. When worn on parade the back strap must be taken off and the coat drawn in closely in two folds, turning outwards, forming a plait of eight inches.

Fitting

Waistbelts, straps or slings are not upon any account to be cut or altered. If they cannot be made to fit by the ordinary means they must be returned to the store for exchange, or for alteration by a competent mechanic.

Cleaning

Varnish, jet, or any substance with a brittle surface must not be used in the cleaning of belts. Harris’ Composition or common blacking only will be allowed.

Orders of Dress

Officers and men are particularly cautioned against the unsoldierly habit of appearing inpublic, when coming to or returning from parade, or any occasion when they may be in uniform apart from the Regiment, with tunics, serge or great coats unbuttoned. Non Commissioned Officers and men shall invariably wear the waist belt when in uniform, except on fatigue duty.

No medals, save those given for actual service, meritorious conduct, or saving of life, shall be worn by either officers or men.

Watch chains or trinkets shall not be visible in uniform. When Full Dress Uniform is worn at balls, levees and entertainments white cuffs will be worn.

Review Order

Officers

Full dress; horse furniture, for mounted officers, complete.

Non- Commissioned Officers and Men

Tunic, busby or helmet, black woolen or cotton gloves, and pouch.

Field Day Order

Officers

Serge uniform and forage cap. Horse furniture for mounted officers same as Review order, without shabraques; wallets with covers.

Non-Commissioned Officers and Men

Serges, if issued; otherwise cloth tunics, forage caps and pouches.

Marching Order

Officers

Same as review order, with watch coats folded and carried, with straps, same as knapsack, or rolled across the right shoulder. Mounted Officers, watch coats rolled and strapped across the saddle, over the holsters and under shabraque.

Non-Commissioned Officers and Men

Same as Review order, with complete kit and equipment. The great coat to be folded on the back of the knapsack, with the forage cap, badge outwards, between the coat straps on the back. Gloves will not be worn.

The following order in dress for “Marching Order” is to be observed:

Haversack and water bottle under shoulder straps but over waist belt, then button shoulder straps and put on knapsack over all.

Drill order

Officers

Same as Field-day order

Non-Commissioned Officers and Men

Same as on Field-day order, but without pouches for rank and file.

Mess Order

Officers

Shell jacket and waistcoat, cloth trowsers, black neck-tie. Officers on duty will wear pouch belt, with jacket hooked up at mess, and appear in the ante-room with swords.

Divine Service Order

Officers

Same as Review order.

Non-Commissioned Officers and Men

Same as Review Order, without pouches for rank and file.

RANK BADGES

All rank badges shall be procured at the expense of the wearer.

Chevrons

Chevrons shall be worn on both arms by all Non-Commissioned Officers, each stripe being ½ inch black braid on a scarlet cloth ground, shewing 1/8 inch light between and on the edges.

With tunics, all three bar chevrons and under shall be worn on the upper arm, the point being on inch above the elbow; four bar chevrons, between wrist and elbow with points upwards.

With great-coats and serges, Staff Sergeants shall wear them with points up between wrist and elbow; others on the wrist with points down.

Badges

The several ranks are entitled to chevrons and badges as under:

Pioneers – Crossed axes, in scarlet worsted, on both arms, two inches above the elbow.

Corporals – Two stripes.

Sergeants – Three.

Pioneer Sergeant or Corp. – Crossed axes, worked in scarlet worsted, or both arms, above the stripes.

Colour Sergeant – On right arm, badge of Crossed Swords and Crown, surrounded with a wreath worked in scarlet and black silk, with one stripe underneath, and on left arm three stripes.

Orderly room Clerk – Three Stripes.

Armourer Sergeant – Three Stripes.

Hospital Sergeant – Three Stripes.

Paymaster-Sergeant – Three Stripes.

Bugle-Major – Four stripes & Crossed Bugles.

Sergeant Instructor in Musketry – Four Stripes & Crossed Rifles.

Quarter Master Sergeant – Four Stripes & 8 pointed star.

Bandmaster – a Lyre

Sergeant Major – a Crown.

Staff Sergeants distinctive badgees shall be in black silk relieved with scarlet, worn on both arms.

MERIT BADGES

General Regulations

Distinctive badges may be awarded to NCO’s and men for Good Service, Marksmanship and Attendance. The winners of the Good Service and Marksmanship badges must have performed at least 60 per cent of the Regimental drills, and the winners of the Attendance badges at least 90 per cent of the Regimental Drills. These badges shall be first issued at the expense of the Regiment, but in case of their becoming worn out or lost, they must be replaced at the expense of the wearer.

Good Service

the Good Service Badge is not to be given for service alone; good conduct, punctual attendance at drill, and cleanliness in dress, shall also be taken into consideration. They shall be awarded by the Commanding Officer, and may be by him recalled should a man disgrace himself, the object being that none but deserving men shall wear them.

(Size 1 2/4 inches square – to be worn on the right arm, just above the sleeve knot, but not more than one badge to be worn.)

The Three years service badge shall be – A Maltese Cross in scarlet worsted.

The six years service badge shall be – A Maltese Cross and Star (6 points) in scarlet worsted.

The nine years service badge shall be – A Maltese Cross in scarlet worsted, surmounted by a Crown.

Attendance

The attendance Badge shall be a Six pointed Star in scarlet worsted.

(Size 1 ¼ inches in diameter – to be worn on the right arm just above the sleeve knot, or, when Service Badge is worn, then immediately above it.)

The Three Years Attendance Badge shall be a Star (2 inches in diameter) surmounted by a crown in scarlet and black cloth, to be worn in the same manner as the Attendance Badge.

When attendance badge have been won three years consecutively they shall be replaced by the three years Attendance badge.

Marksman’s

Marksman’s badges shall be awarded in accordance with such regulations as the Rifle Committee may issue from time to time. These badges, with the exception of the Badge for Battalion Best Shot, must be removed at the end of the year following the year in which they have been worn.

(Size, 3 inches wide by 2 2/4 deep – to be worn on left arm, just above the sleeve knot)

The badge for battalion Best Shot shall be Crossed Rifles in scarlet silk, surmounted by a crown.

The Sharpshooter’s Badge (grade A) shall be Crossed rifles in scarlet silk.

The Sharpshooter’s Badge (grade B) shall be crossed Rifles in scarlet worsted.

The Marksman’s Badge shall be a single Rifle in scarlet worsted.

Drill Instructors

Drill Instructors shall wear a badge – Crossed sword bayonets embroidered in scarlet silk.

(Size 2 ¾ inches wide by 1 ¾ deep – to be worn on both arms, immediately above the stripes of NCO’s, or an inch above the elbow with men.)

Signallers

Signallers shall wear a badge – Crossed Flags embroidered in scarlet silk.

(Size of Flags, 2 inches each – to be worn on both arms, above the chevrons of Non-Commissioned Officers, or an inch above the elbow with men.)

Stretcher Bearers

Stretcher Bearers shall wear a badge – A Geneva Cross in scarlet worsted.

(Size, 1 ¾ inches in diameter – to be worn same as Signal Badges.)