Material: Gilt brass or Staybrite Hybrid
Size: 35 mm w × 30 mm h
Description: This 16th Battalion (Canadian Scottish) insignia features a prominent, textured numeral "16" layered over a stylized Saltire or St. Andrew's cross. A traditional Tudor crown rests symmetrically at the apex of the cross pattern, signifying allegiance to the reigning sovereign. The lower portion features a sweeping, upturned banner detailed with a finely pebbled texture. It is inscribed with the Scots Gaelic motto "DEAS GU CATH", which translates directly to "Ready for the fray". The entire piece is rendered in a polished golden brass finish, equipped with contemporary dual pin-back fasteners rather than historical wire loops or lugs on the reverse side.
Circa: 20th Century
Notes:
The 16th Battalion was initially mobilized at Camp Valcartier, Quebec, in August 1914, drawing its pioneering recruits from four distinct, pre-war Canadian highland militia regiments. Because of these mixed roots, the uniform styling prominently incorporated custom Scottish accents, including the iconic Lennox tartan patches worn beneath the insignia on their glengarry caps. The Gaelic motto "DEAS GU CATH" holds an exceptional place in commonwealth military history, as very few overseas Canadian infantry units chose indigenous Scottish legal phrasing over traditional Latin text.
Unable to ID, assuming a later commemorative dress design.