- The Governor General of Canada
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Donald Scott Williamson
Hamilton, Ontario
Grant of Arms, Flag and Badge
August 15, 2014
Vol. VI, p. 439
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Blazon
Arms
Or on a chevron between in chief two thistles and in base a Viking ship Azure, a cogwheel Or;
Crest
Issuant from a naval crown Or sails Argent a mount standing thereon an eagle wings addorsed and inverted Azure armed and membered Or holding in the dexter claw an arrow Azure;
Motto
TRUTH • DILIGENCE • HONOUR;
Symbolism
Arms
The thistles allude to Mr. Williamson’s Scottish ancestry in the Shetland Islands, while the Viking ship represents both his naval career and his Viking ancestors. The cogwheel represents his many years as a metallurgist and machine pattern designer.
Crest
The eagle evokes family lore in the Shetlands and the story of an ancestor, Robert Nicolson, who rescued an infant girl from an eagle’s nest. The pair eventually married and their descendants were known as “Eagle Bairns”, or eagle children. The arrow alludes to two other female ancestors of Mr. Williamson’s who were members of the Mohawk Nation. The naval crown represents his long service in the Royal Canadian Naval Reserve, from which he retired with the rank of Lieutenant-Commander.
Motto
Not applicable.