Cap Badge - Railway Service Guards (Brtish Columbia) During the First World War, Chinese labourers were contracted by the British government for service on the Western Front in Europe. After traveling by boat from China to Vancouver, they were transported by rail across Canada to Halifax. In order to prevent desertions among the Chinese during the trip, the Railway Service Guard was formed in Vancouver in 1915. The Guard provided policing and security during the trips and at staging camps along the route and at Petawawa, Ontario. The Railway Service Guard was primarily formed from men either too young or old for service in the CEF, as well as discharged veterans. The Guard was disbanded about 1917 and most of the men were absorbed by the Garrison Regiment or Special Service Companies. Although the Railway Service Guard was not a Military Police unit as such, they provided police type services and there is anecdotal evidence to suggest that some members wore MP type brassards. A cap badge and collar badge were produced for this unit but they appear to have not been officially approved by higher authority.