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Communications and Electronic Branch (Canada)

by Jorge Candeias

Communications and Electronic Branch

See also:

Communications and Electronic Branch

This is the flag of the Communications and Electronics (C & E) Branch of the Canadian Forces; as such, it is the flag of all the Communications units. (CF Branches are loosely analogous to the various "corps" of the forces of other nations). It is termed a "branch" or "camp" flag, used to indicate a particular unit, camp, establishment, etc, or to represent the branch as a whole; unlike colours, standards, or guidons, it is not permitted to be marched on parade, nor is it saluted. It is also not permitted to be defaced with any device or unit number (although this has been done, unofficially, from time to time). The flag's ratio is 1:2, The colours are listed are French grey (Munsell Notation 5PB5/2) over dark blue (Munsell Notation 7.5PB2/2). [This information is from the publication "Flags, Ensigns, Colours, Pennants and Honours for the Canadian Forces", 12 June 1980].

Ordinal numbers are not used with Communications units; so 712 (Montreal) Communication Squadron would either be called "seven-twelve" or "seven-one-two"; but not "712th". My own unit is 728 (St. John's) Communication Squadron, called either "seven-twenty-eight" or "seven-two-eight", depending on the speaker's preference. This is not universal across the CF; battalions of units are numbered ordinal (1st Battalion, The Royal Newfoundland Regiment), as are some regiments themselves, for historical reasons (8th Canadian Hussars (Princess Louise's)).
John W.L. Field, 10 April 2000