- 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.
HMCS Montréal
Ottawa, Ontario
Approval of a Badge
December 9, 1991
Vol. II, p. 163
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Badge
Azure a pile reversed Argent charged in base with two barrulets wavy Azure and above over all a coronet of maple leaves and fleur-de-lis set on a jewelled rim all Azure the maple leaved fimbriated Argent;
Motto
TON BRAS SAIT PORTER L’ÉPÉE;
Symbolism
Badge
The two blue bars represent the St. Lawrence River and the triangular shape Mount Royal, which gave its name to the city of Montreal. The coronet, a symbol of royalty, recalls the name of the mountain. The fleur-de-lis situates the city in the province of Quebec, while the maple leaves represent her status as a Canadian ship of war. Blue and white are the colours of the flag of Quebec.
Motto
TON BRAS SAIT PORTER L’ÉPEE, meaning “Your arm knows how to bear a sword” is taken from the French lyrics of the Canadian national anthem. The ship has traditionally used a line from the English lyrics as the motto translation, “We stand on guard for thee”, to express a similar sentiment.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on January 5, 2013, in Volume 147, page 3 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Not available
Painter
* Not available / Non disponible
Calligrapher
* Not available / Non disponible
Recipient Information
Military Institution
Military