Chromed metal brooch securing the plaid over the left shoulder on an Officer’s full dress scarlet uniform. Worn by Major Edward William Bickle, VD, most likely post WWI.
Lt. Edward William Bickle, as a member of the 48th Highlanders, volunteered for overseas with 355 other members of the Home Battalion on 07 August 1914. He was part of an advance party on 27 August to Valcartier, Quebec and signed his attestation papers for the 15th Battalion (48th Highlanders) there on 18 September. After sailing to England the 15th Battalion left for France on 12 Feb. 1915 and were in the line in March. At Ypres Bickle was sent out of the line due to high fever on 22 April, just missing the first Chlorine gas attack of the war. Returning to the battalion on 22 May he was assigned to No. 3 Company for the battle of Festubert. He was made Company Commander of No 4. Company after the battle, while still a Lieutenant. Leading his company at the battle for Mont Sorrel on 2/3 June 1916 he was wounded and invalided out. After returning to Canada, Lt. Bickle rejoined the Home Battalion, becoming Captain in 1928 and Major, Commanding D Company in 1932. During WWII Major Bickle served on the National War Finance Committee.