- 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.
Alfred William Somerset Mortifee
Vancouver, British Columbia
Registration of Arms
October 20, 2022
Vol. VIII, p. 122
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Per fess Vert and Azure on a fess engrailed Or between in chief two primrose flowers proper and in base a ducal coronet Or, a seagull volant proper;
Crest
A seagull statant on a rock proper supporting with the dexter foot a shield Azure charged with a dogwood flower slipped and leaved proper;
Motto
SAGIRE ET AGERE;
Symbolism
Arms
Primroses were one of Mr. Mortifee’s favourite flowers and symbolize love. Green and blue allude to the land and sea, while the seagull is found on the three continents where Mr. Mortifee lived. To him, gold represented generosity.
Crest
The dogwood, the emblematic flower of British Columbia, represents Mr. Mortifee’s home province. The seagull repeats the symbolism of the arms.
Motto
This Latin phrase means “Discern and act.”
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on January 1, 1900, in Volume 0, page 0 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original Concept of the College of Arms, London.
Painter
Artist of the College of Arms, London / Artiste du Collège d’armes, Londres
Calligrapher
* Not applicable / Sans objet
Recipient Information
Individual
The recipient’s emblems were originally recorded at the College of Arms, London, England, 15 March 1962.