WW2 Canadian Army 4 Year Overseas Service Stripes

The WW2 Canadian Army 4 Year Overseas Service Stripes were issued to Canadian soldiers during the Second World War to denote four years of continuous overseas service. The insignia consists of four chevrons, typically machine-embroidered in red or gold thread onto a dark khaki or green wool background, designed to be sewn onto the lower right sleeve of a uniform. Each stripe represents one year of active service outside Canada, and they were awarded consecutively as additional years accrued. The stripes provided a visible recognition of a soldier’s extended commitment, particularly in operational theaters such as Europe, Italy, and the Mediterranean. These service stripes formed part of the broader Canadian Army uniform regulations of the era. Surviving examples are often collected as part of broader efforts to document the service and individual experiences of Canadian military personnel during the Second World War. Dimensions and thread color may vary depending on period and manufacturer.