What were the vingt-doos?

Answer 1

Royal 22nd Regiment of Canada

The Royal 22nd Regiment was from the French-speaking providence of Quebec. Their common name was "van-doos" which was short for the French word for "22". They fought in WW1. During WW2, they fought with distinction in the Italian Campaign with the Canadian 1st Infantry Division. This unit still exists.

Their regimental cap badge was a Beaver in brass and a round silver disc with a crown mounted on its center.

During WW2, the "Van-Doos" soldiers wore a large patch in the shape of an arc with 3 colors: Blue, Yellow and Red.

Links: http://archives.cbc.ca/war_conflict/first_world_war/topic/579/

http://www.army.forces.gc.ca/22RRB/index_e.htm