Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians)

The Arms (Gules a fess Argent charged with a hammer and nail in saltire Sable, in chief a demi lion rampant Or, in base a canoe paddled by four men proper, in the stern a flag Argent flowing towards the dexter inscribed NW in letters Sable) and Crest (On a mount a beaver gnawing at a tree proper) of Sir Donald Alexander Smith, 1st Baron Strathcona and Mount Royal, beneath a scroll Gules edged and inscribed PERSEVERANCE in letters Or, and within a chaplet of maple leaves, roses, thistles and shamrocks proper surmounted by a scroll Gules edged and inscribed LORD STRATHCONA’S HORSE ROYAL CANADIANS in letters Or, the whole ensigned by the Royal Crown proper.

The Crown represents service to the Sovereign. The shield, beaver and maple tree were the coat of arms and crest of the first Lord Strathcona and were taken from symbols used by the North West Company. The wreath of roses, thistles, shamrocks and maple leaves represents Canada’s ethnic link with Great Britain. “LORD STRATHCONA’S HORSE ROYAL CANADIANS” is a form of the regimental title, and “PERSEVERANCE” is the motto of the regiment.