The contents of this Register are intended for research purposes only. The heraldic emblems found in the Register may not be reproduced in any form or in any media without the written consent of the Canadian Heraldic Authority and/or the recipient.
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Confirmation of the blazon of a Badge
December 15, 2009
Vol. V, p. 489
Badge of H.M.C.S MontréalBlazonAzure a pile reversed Argent charged in base with two bars wavy, overall a coronet of maple leaves and fleurs-de-lis Azure fimbriated Argent; SymbolismThe two blue bars represent the St. Lawrence River and the triangular shape Mount Royal, which gave its name to the city of Montreal. The coronet, a symbol of royalty, recalls the name of the mountain. The fleur-de-lis situates the city in the province of Quebec, while the maple leaves represent her status as a Canadian ship of war. Blue and white are the colours of the flag of Quebec. |
MottoBlazonTON BRAS SAIT PORTER L’ÉPÉE; SymbolismTON BRAS SAIT PORTER L’ÉPEE, meaning “Your arm knows how to bear a sword” is taken from the French lyrics of the Canadian national anthem. The ship has traditionally used a line from the English lyrics as the motto translation, “We stand on guard for thee”, to express a similar sentiment. |
BackgroundCanada Gazette InformationThe announcement of the letters patent was made on March 20, 2010 in Volume 144, page 441 of the Canada Gazette.   |
Additional InformationCreator(s)Not applicable PainterNot applicable CalligrapherNot applicable Recipient TypeMilitary Institution Other InformationThe badge was originally approved on 1 July 1991 and recorded in the Public Register of Arms, Flags and Badges of Canada, Volume II, p. 163. |