HMCS COWICHAN Badge

HMCS COWICHAN Badge

Blazon

On a field barry wavy argent and azure, a pale argent on which a chief's ceremonial mask traditional of the "Cowichan" type of the Salish, vert.
(Glossary of Heraldic Terms)

Significance

Cowichan is an Indigenous word meaning "between streams". Thus the vertical strip or "pale" in the middle of the badge lies between two sections of heraldic "water". The mask depicted is taken from one in the Anthropological Museum, University of British Col­umbia (Museum Number 1784, Raley Collection). It is described as being of the traditional type produced by the Salish, particularly in the Cowichan district of Vancouver Island, and often referred to as the "Cowi­chan type" mask. Typical features are the two smaller heads rising above the forehead, and the protruding eyes. The original mask is made of wood and is probably painted red, black and white, but in order that the badge may be accurately described in terms of our heraldry it has been depicted all in the one colour green, as though carved out of jade.

Remarks

Bay Class Minesweeper

Colours

White and green

Battle Honours

Atlantic 1941–45, Normandy 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.