HMCS CHAUDIERE Badge
Blazon
Vert, three cotises in bend wavy or, debruised in the center with a plate voided, the inner edge evicted.
(Glossary of Heraldic Terms)
Significance
This ship derives its name from the Chaudiere River which rises in Lake Megantic and discharges into the St. Lawrence almost opposite Quebec City. The word Chaudiere means, according to the Dictionnaire Larousse, "a large metallic vessel used for warming, cooking, boiling etc." It is generally agreed that the river received its name because of the effect produced by the spectacular falls near its mouth, which tumbling into a great bowl-shaped basin, resembled "a pot full of boiling water." In the badge design, the golden diagonal wavy stripes represent the river. The white circular device in the centre, termed in heraldry "a plate", has been hollowed out or "voided", with a scalloped effect on the inner rim. This is to symbolize the appearance of the basin with its foaming waters where the river tumbles into it.
Remarks
Chaudiere (I) was originally HMS Hero, transferred to the RCN in November 1943. Wearing pennant H99, she served until paid off in August 1945. Chaudiere (II) was a member of the Restigouche class of destroyer escort and was commissioned in November 1959. Wearing pennant 235, she was paid off into reserve in May 1974.
Motto
La fortune sourit aux braves (Fortune smiles on the brave)
Colours
Gold and green
Battle Honours
Atlantic 1944, Normandy 1944, Biscay 1944
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.