- 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.
Special Operations Forces Branch
Ottawa, Ontario
Approval of a Badge
July 20, 2017
Vol. VI, p. 739
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Badge
A V-42 fighting knife proper within an annulus Sable;
Motto
COMMISSA UT VIAM INVENIAT;
Symbolism
Badge
The V-42 fighting knife was originally used by members of the Canadian-American First Special Service Force in the Second World War, and thus illustrates the link between the personnel of the Special Operations Forces Branch and those of allied commando units. The knife also represents the Branch’s role in countering threats to Canadians and Canadian interests around the world. The black ring differentiates this badge from that of the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command.
Motto
This Latin phrase means “Committed to finding a way”. The Motto is a variation of that of the Command, Viam inveniemus, meaning “We shall find a way”.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on March 31, 2018, in Volume 152, page 896 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Bruce Patterson, Deputy Chief Herald of Canada, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
Eva Pilar-Cass
Calligrapher
Kathy Feig
Recipient Information
Military Institution
Military