- 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.
Operational Service Medal
Ottawa, Ontario
Registration of Insignia
September 15, 2010
Vol. V, p. 542
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Insignia - Honour
Suspended by a claw affixed to a clasp Argent from a ribbon edged Gules and Argent (the main colour of the ribbon in accordance with the particular operation, as specified by the Governor in Council), a medal Argent the obverse bearing a contemporary effigy of Her Majesty The Queen of Canada contourné, wearing a diadem of maple leaves and snowflakes, and environed by the inscriptions ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA and CANADA separated by two maple leaves, the reverse bearing a Goode interrupted homolosine projection of the globe ensigned by the Royal Crown between two sprigs of three maple leaves, all above a branch of laurel and a branch of oak their stems in saltire;
Symbolism
Insignia - Honour
The obverse carries an effigy of the Sovereign, in whose name the medal is bestowed. The Queen is depicted wearing a diadem composed of maple leaves and snowflakes, representing Canada. The reverse of the medal indicates its purpose, which is to recognize service or support to overseas operations. The scope of Canada’s involvement throughout the world is represented by the globe projection. The branches of laurel and oak leaves symbolize honour, strength and victory. The sprigs of maple leaves and the Royal Crown reinforce the idea of service to the Canadian Crown.
The red and white edges of the ribbon are the national colours of Canada, and the colour of the broad stripe in the centre of the ribbon indicates the particular operation, theatre or type of service for which the medal is awarded.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on March 26, 2011, in Volume 145, page 1075 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Major Carl Gauthier and Cathy Sabourin, Fraser Herald, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
Cathy Bursey-Sabourin
Calligrapher
Shirley Mangione
Recipient Information
Military Institution
Military