- The Governor General of Canada
The contents of this Register are intended for research purposes only. The heraldic emblems found in the Register may not be reproduced in any form or in any media without the written consent of the Canadian Heraldic Authority and/or the recipient.
The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada
Montréal, Quebec
Confirmation of the blazon of a Badge
May 15, 2008
Vol. V, p. 287
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Badge
Azure the figure of St. Andrew proper standing on a mount Vert holding his cross Argent all within an annulus Azure fimbriated and inscribed NEMO ME IMPUNE LACESSIT in letters Or, ensigned by the Royal Crown and environed by a wreath of thistles proper all between a scroll on either side of the Crown inscribed THE BLACK WATCH and two scrolls Or in base inscribed ROYAL HIGHLAND REGIMENT and OF CANADA in letters Sable, the whole set on the diamond-cut star of the Order of the Thistle Argent;
Motto
NEMO ME IMPUNE LACESSIT;
Symbolism
Badge
The Crown represents service to the Sovereign. The badge of the regiment is styled on that of their former British allied regiment The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) – now, through amalgamation, The Royal Regiment of Scotland – whose badge, in turn, was based on that of the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle, the highest order of chivalry in Scotland. The diamond-cut star, the thistles (the national flower of Scotland) and the representation of St. Andrew (the patron saint of the Order and of Scotland) and the cross appear on the Order’s badge. The scrolls bearing the words “THE BLACK WATCH”, “ROYAL HIGHLAND REGIMENT” and “OF CANADA” are a form of the regimental title, and “NEMO ME IMPUNE LACESSIT” is the motto of the regiment and the Order of the Thistle.
Motto
NEMO ME IMPUNE LACESSIT, meaning “No one shall touch me with impunity”.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on November 22, 2008, in Volume 142, page 2988 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Not applicable
Painter
* Not applicable / Sans objet
Calligrapher
* Not applicable / Sans objet
Recipient Information
Military Institution
Military