WW1 Canadian CEF British BEF Stretcher Bearer Trade Patch (1)

The WW1 Canadian CEF British BEF Stretcher Bearer Trade Patch is a cloth insignia historically issued to personnel in the Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF) and the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) during the First World War. This patch was worn by qualified stretcher bearers, whose role was to provide first aid and evacuate wounded soldiers from the battlefield. The trade patch typically features a red Geneva cross, the international symbol for medical services, embroidered onto a khaki or dark wool background. It was sewn onto the upper arm of the service dress uniform and served as an official identifier for medical support staff. The stretcher bearer trade was a recognized specialization, and individuals had to undergo specific training to qualify. These insignia pieces are valued for their historical significance, reflecting the important contribution of medical personnel in military operations of the era. The patch is an example of the standardized badges used across Commonwealth forces during the conflict.