WW1 Canadian CEF 256th Battalion Sweetheart Lapel Pin

The WW1 Canadian CEF 256th Battalion Sweetheart Lapel Pin is a commemorative item linked to the 256th Battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Force during the First World War. Sweetheart pins were small badges or brooches produced for the families and loved ones of service personnel, intended to be worn on civilian clothing as a symbol of support and connection to those serving overseas. This particular pin typically features the battalion’s insignia, often crafted from materials such as brass or silver-tone metal, and may display enamel detailing with the CEF or battalion-specific number. The 256th Battalion was raised in Canada in 1916 and later became the 10th Battalion, Canadian Railway Troops. Sweetheart pins are notable as personal artifacts that reflect the home front experience and familial bonds during wartime. Items such as this lapel pin serve as tangible links to Canadian military history and to the social customs of the early twentieth century.