The Viceregal Lion
  1. The Governor General of Canada
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HMCS Tecumseh

Calgary, Alberta
Confirmation of the blazon of a Badge
January 15, 2009
Vol. V, p. 416

Badge of H.M.C.S. Tecumseh

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Blazon

Badge

Sable an annulus Argent surmounted by a panther crouching to spring Or;

Motto

IN PACE BELLUM PARA;


Symbolism

Badge

The crouching panther shown against the darkness of the night sky represents the celestial panther, the totem of the clan to which the great Shawnee warrior and leader Tecumseh (c. 1768-1813) belonged. Tecumseh’s name, literally “I cross the path”, has also been translated as “a panther crouching in wait”. The annulus marks the unity of the various tribes originally from the Ohio region brought together by Tecumseh and allied with the British in the War of 1812.

Motto

Meaning “In peace prepare for war”.