- 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.
Victoria Cross
Ottawa, Ontario
Registration of Insignia
August 15, 2008
Vol. V, p. 338
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Insignia - Honour
Suspended from a ribbon Murrey by a letter V affixed to the lower edge of a clasp bearing two laurel branches bound by a ribbon, a bronze cross pattee charged with the Royal Crest of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (On the Royal Crown a lion statant guardant royally crowned) above a scroll inscribed PRO VALORE (meaning “For valour”), each end draped over the dexter and sinister limbs of the cross;
Motto
PRO VALORE;
Symbolism
Insignia - Honour
The design is essentially that of the original Victoria Cross, instituted by Royal Letters patent on 29 January 1856. The use of the Royal Crest as used by Queen Victoria indicates that the Sovereign is the source of the award; it is also appropriate as a reference to the name of the award and to the involvement Queen Victoria had in its creation. The laurels in the clasp are a traditional symbol of victory.
Motto
PRO VALORE, meaning “For valour”. The use of mediaeval Latin rather than English for the motto is the only substantial change from the design of the original Victoria Cross.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on March 21, 2009, in Volume 143, page 692 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of the War Office of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.
Painter
Bruce Beatty
Calligrapher
* Not applicable / Sans objet
Recipient Information
Military Institution
Military