Dumbbells

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Royal Canadian Regiment CEF. The colour patch is for the RCR serving as the Senior Battalion in the 7th Inf Bde, 3 Cdn Div. The dumbbells on the patch were awarded to the best platoon as decided by the GOC of the division. A special award.

[regimentalrogue]

The First World War
An RCR Officer's Diary 1914-1918
JULY, AUGUST, SEPTEMBER 1917

http://regimentalrogue.com/rcr_great_war/rcr_offr_diary_1917_07.html

AUGUST 1917

While at Lapugnoy a special platoon was organized in each battalion of the Brigade which carried out every conceivable form of training. A Brigade competition was held which the battalion won, entitling the platoon to wear the Divisional badge, a dumbbell, on the arm. This platoon became the demonstration platoon for showing any new form of tactics and training recruits.

 

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War Diary of The Royal Canadian Regiment
AUGUST 1917

 

17-8-17. - LAPUGNOY.
Brigade competition for Special Platoon. R.C.R. 1st., 42ND Battalion (R.H.C.), P.P.C.L.I., and 49TH Battalion next in order named. Competition organized with a view to encourage men to work up to the highest state of efficiency. It was first suggested that Dumbell be worn on the arm or all ranks of the best platoon in the Division, same to be competed for from time to time. Owing to the exigencies of the service it has not been possible to carry this out at present.

 

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War Diary of The Royal Canadian Regiment
JUNE 1918
http://regimentalrogue.com/rcr_great_war/1918_06_jun.html

 

8-6-18. - BOURECQ.
Fine and very warm. Companies paraded at 8.00 a.m. and proceeded to Training Ground LIERES for Company Dumbell Competition. One Platoon per Company had to be selected. The fllowing were selected No.s 3, 5, 11 and 15 Platoons. The remainder of "B" Company bathed in afternoon. Regimental Baseball Team played 52nd Cdn. Inf. Bn. and won by 22 - 1. Band and Drums attended and played selections during the game.

 

11-6-18. - BOURECQ.
Fine and Warm. One Platoon from each company proceeded to LIERES for final Competition for Dumbell Badge. No. 11 Platoon succeeded in winning this honour, and will wear these badges for twelve months or until there is another competition. 400 O.R's proceeded to Baths at HAM EN ARTOIS in morning. "B", "C" and "D" Companies were paid in the afternoon. Regimental Outdoor Ball team played 42nd Cdn. Inf. Bn. in the afternoon and after a very fast and exciting game won by 4 - 3 in the 11th innings.

 

Edited 8 April , 2020 by regimentalrogue

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Thank you regimentalrogue for the additional information.