WW1 Canadian CEF 253rd Queen’s University Highland Battalion Collars Insignia Pair

This pair of collar insignia represents the 253rd Queen’s University Highland Battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF) from the First World War. The 253rd Battalion was formed in Kingston, Ontario, in 1916, primarily drawing recruits from Queen’s University and the surrounding region. Each insignia features traditional design elements associated with Canadian Highland battalions, including distinctive regimental motifs and the “253” battalion number, crafted in brass with lugs for attachment to the collar of the uniform tunic. Collar badges such as these served to identify the soldier’s specific battalion and regiment within the wider CEF organization. They were typically issued in pairs as part of standard military dress. Items like this pair of 253rd Battalion collar insignia are of interest to collectors and historians for their association with a unit that contributed to Canada’s involvement in the First World War before its personnel were absorbed into other battalions for overseas service.