- The Governor General of Canada
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Philip Despard Pemberton Holmes
Victoria, British Columbia
Grant of Arms and Badge
August 15, 2003
Vol. IV, p. 306
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Argent between three buckets Azure, a lion passant Gules grasping in the dexter paw an anchor Azure;
Crest
Issuant from a circlet Argent charged with a barrulet wavy Azure, the upper edge set with triangular finials Argent and maple leaves Gules, an arm embowed in armour proper grasping an airplane propeller of three blades Sable tipped Or;
Motto
ARTE ET MARTE;
Badge
A Steller's jay (Cyanocitta stelleri) rising proper holding in the dexter claw a torch Argent enflamed proper;
Symbolism
Arms
The shield is based on that granted by Ulster King of Arms to Mr. Holmes’ grandfather, William Cuthbert Holmes, in 1909, with the blue discs replaced by buckets, symbols of the Pembertons, Mr. Holmes’ mother’s family. The anchor marks the family’s long history of naval service.
Crest
This is similar to the crest granted to Mr. Holmes’ grandfather, with the propeller used instead of a sword to mark Mr. Holmes’ service in the RCAF. The type of propeller shown is that of a famed Lancaster bomber, the airplane flown by Mr. Holmes in the Second World War. The coronet at the base of the crest, in the colours of the arms, represents the family’s long history in Canada, as well as the mountains and sea near Mr. Holmes’ Victoria home. The coronet can be seen as a variation of the antique crown in the arms of British Columbia, a further reference to Mr. Holmes’ service to his province.
Motto
This Latin phrase means “By skill and valour”. This is the same motto included in the grant to Mr. Holmes’ grandfather.
Badge
The torch is the symbol of Brentwood College School, which Mr. Holmes attended. The Steller’s jay is the official bird of British Columbia, and thus marks Mr. Holmes’ service to his home province and his love of its wildlife.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on March 12, 2005, in Volume 139, page 686 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Bruce Patterson, Saguenay Herald, assisted by the Heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority
Painter
Linda Nicholson
Calligrapher
Karen Mackay
Recipient Information
Individual