- 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.
Louis Ernest Grimshaw
Kingston, Ontario
Grant of Arms, Flag and Badge
January 15, 1996
Vol. III, p. 77
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Gules a griffin segreant Argent armed langued and winged Or charged at the shoulder with a maple leaf Gules between four bugles Argent stringed Or three in chief and one in base;
Crest
A demi golden retriever issuant Or gorged with a ribbon Gules pendant therefrom a plate bordered and charged with a cross Gules holding in the paws a closed book Gules clasped Argent;
Motto
SERVIRE DEO REGINAE ET GREGI;
Flag
A banner of the Arms;
Badge
A parachute Or pendant therefrom a cross pattée Gules surmounting two swords in saltire points upwards Or;
Symbolism
Arms
The red and white colours are a reference to Canada and to the arms of St. George, honouring Mr. Grimshaw’s place of birth and his faith. The griffin symbolizes several elements of Mr. Grimshaw’s professional and personal life. The griffin has been used in several arms for the name Grimshaw in Britain, and is used in the arms for Frontenac County, Mr. Grimshaw’s place of work and residence. It also refers to the National Defence College/Centre for National Security Studies, where Mr. Grimshaw teaches and conducts much of his research. The gold wings and maple leaf allude to his service in Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry and the Canadian Airborne Regiment. The bugle refers to Mr. Grimshaw’s military service and is repeated four times for his children. It also echoes his personal philosophy and the ideal of “the thinking, fighting soldier”.
Crest
The golden retriever honours Mrs. Grimshaw’s vocation as a professional breeder of retrievers. The retriever’s paw rests on a book, representing Mr. Grimshaw’s work as a researcher, historian and instructor. The pendant hanging from the dog’s collar symbolizes Mr. Grimshaw’s interest in chivalry through the display of the cross of St. George.
Motto
This Latin phrase means “To serve God, the Queen and the people” and repeats the themes of the arms.
Flag
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Badge
The parachute is a reference to Mr. Grimshaw’s skills as a parachutist. The cross and swords symbolize his antiquarian interests in military insignia.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on November 22, 1997, in Volume 131, page 3589 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Louis Grimshaw and Robert D. Watt, Chief Herald of Canada, assisted by the Heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority
Painter
Robert Grey
Calligrapher
Nancy Ellis
Recipient Information
Individual