Warrant Officer Class II
Warrant Officer
Class II was a rank created during the First World War in the
Canadian Army. In 1915, the rank of Warrant Officer was split into
two classes, with Class II being the lower of the two, and Class I
the higher.
In May 1915, appointments previously warranted were given the rank
of Warrant Officer Class I (the senior grade), while some appointees
previously ranked as senior Sergeants now became graded as Warrant
Officer Class II. The new rank of WO II was not recognized in
Canada, however.
No warrant
officers, class "1", have been, or will be appointed in the CEF
in Canada.
There is not, nor has there ever been, any such rank as warrant
officer Class "2" in Canada. Therefore, NCOs who have held
warrant rank Class "2" overseas, automatically lose the same on
return to Canada.
Warrant officers Class "1", who have received their warrants in
the field, are permitted to retain their rank in the CEF, in
Canada, provided they do not accept an appointment lower than
that for which the warrant was granted.1
Rank Insignia
The insignia for this rank was originally a "bare" crown, with the
addition of other devices according to the soldier's trade. In 1915,
a crown and wreath insignia was adopted, generally worn in brass.
During the Second World War, embroidered badges of wool (worsted)
and khaki drill denim insignia were most common, though the older
metal badges were seen on greatcoats or on leather wristbands. The
Tudor Crown was replaced with the St. Edward's Crown after the
ascension of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1952.
The insignia was worn on the lower forearm of both sleeves of
uniform garments, including Battle Dress Blouses, Khaki Drill
Jackets, Bush Dress, Service Dress, and Greatcoats. The metal badge
was also seen worn on a leather bracelet on the left wrist when in
short-sleeved shirt as part of Summer Dress.
The rank was
effectively replaced after Unification with that of Master Warrant
Officer in the newly combined Canadian Armed Forces.
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|
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Crown
and wreath badge in metal, as worn on Service Dress. |
|
Crown
and wreath badge in worsted, as worn on Battle Dress
(King's Crown) |
Appointments and
Insignia
May 1915-1939
1939-Unification
