HMCS ASSINIBOINE Badge

HMCS ASSINIBOINE Badge

Blazon

Blazon Or, a bend wavy azure charged with two cotises wavy argent, over all a bison's head caboshed proper.
(Glossary of Heraldic Terms)

Significance

The unofficial war-time badge of the original ship of this name displayed a buffalo and three green maple leaves in chief. These devices were chosen no doubt without consideration of their suitability to interpret the name or the point of correct heraldry.

According to the Encyclopedia Americana the name Assiniboine was applied by the Algonquins to a tribe of the Sioux who did their cooking by dropping heated stones into water. They inhabited the territory between the Missouri and Saskatchewan Rivers. and the name Assiniboine was given to a tributary of the Red River that flows into Lake Winnipeg. HMCS Assiniboine, being a river class destroyer. derives its name from this river. Although the name would best be interpreted or depicted by a stone or group of stones from which flames issued , this could hardly make a very glamorous badge design, so the buffalo head has been chosen in reference to the location of the river - Manitoba, and also in respect of the war-time device. The golden background represents the fine wheat-growing region through which the river flows and the blue and white bend is a symbol for the river.

Remarks

Originally HMS Kempenfelt, Assiniboine (I) was commissioned into the RCN shortly after the outbreak of World War II, and served in ocean escort duty until the appearance of the first corvettes in 1940. Assiniboine carried the pennant D18 and later 118 until she was paid off in August 1945. Assiniboine (II) was a member of the seven ship St. Laurent class. Originally designed as a destroyer escort, the class was extensively refitted between 1964 and 1966, and emerged as helicopter carrying destroyers. Assiniboine was commissioned in 1956 and wore pennant 234 until she was paid off in 1988.

Motto

NUNQUAM NON PARATUS (Never unprepared)

Colours

Black and gold

Battle Honours

Atlantic, 1939-1945; Biscay, 1944; English Channel, 1944­1945.

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.