Material: Embroidered cloth shoulder patch.
Size: 120 mm × 54 mm.
Description: This authentic semi-circular shoulder sleeve flash was worn natively at the top of the tunic arm to identify regional squadron affiliation within the national youth program. The outer curved border features the cleanly stylized text "ROYAL CANADIAN AIR CADETS" stitched in a stark white rayon thread. Nestled inside the main arc is the numeric designation "103" rendered in an eye-catching blue fill outlined in white, directly positioned over the horizontal city identifier reading "NORTH VANCOUVER." The reverse displays a classic tight cheesecloth or buckram backing configuration common to mid-century Canadian textile manufacturers, lacking any ink stamping or corporate labels.
Circa: 1950s - 1971
Notes:
This shoulder patch identifies 103 Squadron of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets in North Vancouver, British Columbia. Its direct layout and squadron numbering reflect the practical style of cadet insignia intended for unit identity on uniform.
This specific piece represents a highly sought-after era for collectors because the unit's text layout vanished entirely in 1971 when the squadron officially rebranded as the 103 Thunderbird Squadron.