Material: Brass (gilt finish) with twin lugs and securing pin
Dimensions: 52 mm W × 35 mm H
Design: This original Canadian youth aviation insignia represents the early heritage of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets. Struck from a single piece of gilding metal brass, the die-stamped insignia depicts a central albatross or eagle in full flight with its long wings outstretched horizontally. Placed directly above the bird's head is a large, highly detailed Canadian maple leaf showing distinct organic vein textures across its surface. The bottom portion of the openwork composition is anchored by a two-tier flowing banner scroll that displays the text "AIR CADETS" on the upper ribbon and "CANADA" on the lower section in raised, textured capital lettering.
Reverse: Plain brass with two horizontal lugs and retaining pin for cap or wedge attachment
Circa: 1941-1968
Notes:
The Royal Canadian Air Cadets was initially formed in April 1941 during the height of the Second World War to train young teenage boys in aviation skills, creating a vital pool of future pilots and ground crew for the Royal Canadian Air Force.
The design was replaced in the 1968 Unification by the more fancy Queens Crown, and scrolled cap badge.