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Victoria, British Columbia
Grant of Arms and Badge
August 15, 2003
Vol. IV, p. 306
Arms of Philip Despard Pemberton HolmesBlazonArgent between three buckets Azure, a lion passant Gules grasping in the dexter paw an anchor Azure; SymbolismThe shield is based on that granted by Ulster King of Arms to Mr. Holmes’ grandfather, William Cuthbert Holmes, in 1909, with the blue discs replaced by buckets, symbols of the Pembertons, Mr. Holmes’ mother’s family. The anchor marks the family’s long history of naval service. |
CrestBlazonIssuant from a circlet Argent charged with a barrulet wavy Azure, the upper edge set with triangular finials Argent and maple leaves Gules, an arm embowed in armour proper grasping an airplane propeller of three blades Sable tipped Or; SymbolismThis is similar to the crest granted to Mr. Holmes’ grandfather, with the propeller used instead of a sword to mark Mr. Holmes’ service in the RCAF. The type of propeller shown is that of a famed Lancaster bomber, the airplane flown by Mr. Holmes in the Second World War. The coronet at the base of the crest, in the colours of the arms, represents the family’s long history in Canada, as well as the mountains and sea near Mr. Holmes’ Victoria home. The coronet can be seen as a variation of the antique crown in the arms of British Columbia, a further reference to Mr. Holmes’ service to his province. |
MottoBlazonARTE ET MARTE; SymbolismThis Latin phrase means “By skill and valour”. This is the same motto included in the grant to Mr. Holmes’ grandfather. |
Badge of Philip Despard Pemberton HolmesBlazonA Steller's jay (Cyanocitta stelleri) rising proper holding in the dexter claw a torch Argent enflamed proper; SymbolismThe torch is the symbol of Brentwood College School, which Mr. Holmes attended. The Steller’s jay is the official bird of British Columbia, and thus marks Mr. Holmes’ service to his home province and his love of its wildlife. |
BackgroundCanada Gazette InformationThe announcement of the letters patent was made on March 12, 2005 in Volume 139, page 686 of the Canada Gazette.   |
Additional InformationCreator(s)Original concept of Bruce Patterson, Saguenay Herald, assisted by the Heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority PainterLinda Nicholson CalligrapherKaren Mackay Recipient TypeIndividual |