HMCS COLUMBIA Badge

HMCS COLUMBIA Badge

Blazon

Gules, a bend wavy argent charged with two like cotises azure, and over all in the center a dogwood flower proper.
(Glossary of Heraldic Terms)

Significance

This ship is named for the Columbia River, one of the largest in North America flowing into the Pacific Ocean. The river is said to have been named by Captain Robert Gray of Boston after the ship Columbia in which he sailed into the river's mouth in 1792. The white and blue diagonal wavy stripes are suggestive of the river. The red background refers to the fact that the head­waters of this great river are in British Columbia, red being one of the Royal colours. The flower of the dog­wood, displayed as the main device, is the floral emblem of British Columbia and amplifies the connection with that Province.

Remarks

Columbia (I) was originally the USS Haraden, one of the four-slackers transferred to the RCN as part of the lend/lease programme. Arriving in September 1940, she wore pennant D49 then 149 until she was paid off in June 1945. Columbia (II) was a member of the Restigouche class of destroyer escorts. Commissioned in November 1959, she wore pennant 260. She was paid off into reserve in February 1974.

Motto

Floreat Columbia ubique ("May Columbia flourish everywhere")

Colours

White and red

Battle Honours

Belgian Coast, 1914–15, Atlantic 1940–44.

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.