HMCS ST. CROIX Badge

HMCS ST. CROIX Badge

Blazon

Argent, a cross wavy azure charged with a similar one argent issuing from between the arms of the cross saltirewise four maple leaves, gules.
(Glossary of Heraldic Terms)

Significance

During the war, HMCS St Croix used an unofficial badge that displayed on a shield a large maple leaf with a cross laid over it. It also had in "the chief" the three maple leaves that were in common use at that time. Thus, out of respect for the war-time crews of HMCS St Croix the devices used in their unofficial badge have been employed in the new one.

Remarks

St. Croix (I) was originally the USS McCook, one of the four-stackers transferred to the RCN from the American Navy. She was commissioned into the RCN in September 1940, and she wore pennant 181 until she was lost in action September 20th 1943. In memory of her gallant crew, the devices of her unofficial badge have been transferred to the official badge. St. Croix (II) was a member of the Restigouche class of destroyer escorts. She was commissioned in October 1958 and wore pennant 256 until she was paid off in November 1974.

Motto

"Stand, fight, yield not"

Colours

Blue and white

Battle Honours

Atlantic 1940–43

References

Badges Of The Canadian Navy by Arbuckle, J. Graeme. Halifax: Nimbus Publishing, 1987.

CFP 267 - Badges of the Canadian Forces, Minister of Supply and Services Canada, 1977.