Commemorative War of 1812 Medal

Blazon

Suspended from a neck ribbon Gules bordered Argent, a medal Argent the obverse bearing a contemporary effigy of Her Majesty The Queen of Canada contourné, wearing the Royal Crown and environed by the inscriptions ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA and CANADA separated by two maple leaves, the reverse bearing two swords in saltire surmounted by a fouled anchor and flanked by two tomahawks addorsed, the whole ensigned by the Royal Crown and above two scrolls inscribed 1812-1815 and DEFENCE OF CANADA • DÉFENSE DU CANADA;

Symbolism

The medal takes a form similar to those bestowed on aboriginal allies of the Crown following the War of 1812. The obverse shows an effigy of Her Majesty The Queen, indicating that the medal is bestowed in the name of the Sovereign. The reverse is a design found on the Canadian Forces War of 1812 Commemorative Banner, symbolizing the defence of British North America during the War of 1812 by the Royal Navy and Provincial Marine, the British Army and colonial militias, and their First Nations allies, represented by the anchor, the swords and the tomahawks respectively. The ribbon uses the colours of the National Flag of Canada, also used in the Canadian Forces War of 1812 Commemorative Banner.