- 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.
Donald Scott Williamson
Hamilton, Ontario
Grant of Arms, Flag and Badge
August 15, 2014
Vol. VI, p. 439
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Or on a chevron between in chief two thistles and in base a Viking ship Azure, a cogwheel Or;
Crest
Issuant from a naval crown Or sails Argent a mount standing thereon an eagle wings addorsed and inverted Azure armed and membered Or holding in the dexter claw an arrow Azure;
Motto
TRUTH • DILIGENCE • HONOUR;
Flag
Azure on a Canadian pale Argent an eagle wings addorsed and inverted Azure armed and membered Or holding in the dexter claw an arrow Azure and crowned with a naval crown Or sails Argent;
Badge
An eagle wings addorsed and inverted Azure armed and membered Or holding in the dexter claw an arrow Azure and crowned with a naval crown Or sails Argent, all encircled by a strap Azure edged, inscribed with the Motto and clasped in base with a cogwheel Or;
Symbolism
Arms
The thistles allude to Mr. Williamson’s Scottish ancestry in the Shetland Islands, while the Viking ship represents both his naval career and his Viking ancestors. The cogwheel represents his many years as a metallurgist and machine pattern designer.
Crest
The eagle evokes family lore in the Shetlands and the story of an ancestor, Robert Nicolson, who rescued an infant girl from an eagle’s nest. The pair eventually married and their descendants were known as “Eagle Bairns”, or eagle children. The arrow alludes to two other female ancestors of Mr. Williamson’s who were members of the Mohawk Nation. The naval crown represents his long service in the Royal Canadian Naval Reserve, from which he retired with the rank of Lieutenant-Commander.
Motto
Not applicable.
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 14, 2015, in Volume 149, page 502 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Donald Scott Williamson, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
Debra MacGarvie
Calligrapher
Shirley Mangione
Recipient Information
Individual