- 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.
HMCS Robert Hampton Gray
Ottawa, Ontario
Approval of a Badge
September 20, 2024
Vol. VIII, p. 307
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Badge
On a plate an eagle stooping Azure beaked and membered Or holding in its claws a trident bendwise sinister Gules, all within the Badge Frame for Ships and Naval Reserve Divisions;
Motto
FORTITUDO, SOLLERTIA CONSTANTIAQUE;
Symbolism
Badge
The eagle descending on its prey is taken from the badge of 1841 Naval Air Squadron of the Royal Navy, with which Lt Robert Hampton Gray, a pilot of the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve, served. The trident is taken from the badge of HMS Formidable, the ship from which the squadron operated. Its deep red colour refers to the ribbon of the Victoria Cross awarded posthumously to Lt Gray for his valour in leading an air attack on a Japanese destroyer in August 1945. The white background refers to the Arctic environment in which HMCS Robert Hampton Gray will operate.
Motto
These Latin words mean “Courage, skill and determination.” They were qualities of Robert Hampton Gray cited in the Mention in Dispatches honouring him for his role in the attack on the defences around the German battleship Tirpitz in Norway in August 1944.
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 Royal Canadian Navy, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
Robert Grey
Calligrapher
Yolande Lessard
Recipient Information
Military Institution
Military