The Viceregal Lion
  1. The Governor General of Canada
Heraldry Today

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Bradley James Aitchison

Brantford, Ontario
Grant of Arms, Flag and Badge
December 15, 2011
Vol. VI, p. 84

Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.


Blazon

Arms

Gules on a pile reversed Sable fimbriated Argent between two millrinds a tower Or;

Crest

Issuant from a Loyalist civil coronet Or a wyvern Gules embellished and holding in its claws an anchor Or;

Motto

LABORE ET CONSTANTIA OMNIA VINCO;

Flag

Gules on a pile issuant from the hoist Sable fimbriated Argent a tower Or;

Badge

The Crest within an annulus Sable fimbriated and inscribed LABORE ET CONSTANTIA in letters Or;


Symbolism

Arms

The black triangle represents the northward migration of Mr. Aitchison’s ancestors, who came to Upper Canada as Loyalist refugees following the American Revolution. The triangle also resembles a plough moving through soil, a reference to the family’s farming heritage, and a roof peak, representing Mr. Aitchison’s interest in home renovations and real estate. The gold tower reinforces this symbolism. The white border on the triangle resembles the sashes worn by members of military colour parties, and thus symbolizes Mr. Aitchison’s service as a member of the colour party of the Hamilton Branch of the United Empire Loyalist Association of Canada. The gold millrinds represent the family’s farming heritage and Mr. Aitchison’s own employment as a transport truck driver for a livestock feed mill.

Crest

The coronet symbolizes Mr. Aitchison’s Loyalist ancestry. The wyvern is the principal charge in several Drake arms in England, and thus represents the family of Mr. Aitchison’s mother, the Drakes. The anchor represents his involvement in the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets in his youth; the anchor is also a charge in certain arms of the Gray family, Mr. Aitchison’s maternal grandmother being a Gray.

Motto

This Latin phrase means “By labour and persistence I conquer all”.

Flag

The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.

Badge

The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.


Background

Canada Gazette Information

The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on March 24, 2012, in Volume 146, page 748 of the Canada Gazette.


Artist Information

Creator(s)
Original concept of Forrest Pass, Saguenay Herald, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.

Painter
D. Robert Tunstall

Calligrapher
Luc Saucier


Recipient Information

Individual