WW2 Canadian RCN Navy Anti-Aircraft Rating 3rd Class Trade Patch

The WW2 Canadian RCN Navy Anti-Aircraft Rating 3rd Class Trade Patch is an original insignia issued to members of the Royal Canadian Navy during the Second World War. This patch signifies the wearer’s qualification as a 3rd class anti-aircraft gunner, a role responsible for the operation and maintenance of anti-aircraft weaponry aboard naval vessels. The patch is typically constructed from dark blue wool with a machine-embroidered motif in white or off-white thread. The design features a stylized anti-aircraft gun, distinguishing it as a specialized trade badge within the naval rating system. Such patches were sewn onto the left sleeve of naval uniforms and served as a clear identifier of technical proficiency and trade specialization. Items like this are commonly found among military collections, providing tangible links to the personal histories and operational roles of Canadian naval personnel during the global conflict of 1939–1945.