HMCS GATINEAU Badge

HMCS GATINEAU Badge

Blazon

Vert, a bend wavy argent charged with two cotises bendlets azure, debruised with a sun in splendour or which is charged with a beaver sable.
(Glossary of Heraldic Terms)

Significance

HMCS GATINEAU takes her name from the Gatineau River in the Province of Quebec. It rises near the headwaters of-the St Maurice River and flows in a westerly direction before turning south to join the Ottawa River a short distance below the City of Hull, and across from Ottawa, the Canadian capital. Most authorities agree that the Gatineau River took its name from one Nicolas Gatineau or Gastineau, a notary, civic official, and fur-trader of Three Rivers, and one time connected with the Company of One Hundred Associates. It is pre­sumed that he lost his life by drowning about 1683 during one of fur-trading expeditions down the Riviere du Nord (the present Gatineau), and henceforth his name began to be applied to this river and district. Today the Gatineau River and Valley are renowned for two things: lumbering and recreation. The wavy white and blue diagonal stripe refers to the Gatineau River. The green background refers to the forests and recreational areas of the valley. The sun, source of life and health, is de­picted in the badge in reference to the fact that annually thousands of city dwellers hie off to the hills, Jakes and streams of the Gatineau River Valley to enjoy the sun­shine and outdoor life. The little black beaver is in tribute to Mr. Nicolas Gatineau and his fur-trading activities.

Remarks

Gatineau (I) was a River class destroyer. Originally HMS Express, she commissioned into the RCN in June 1943. She wore pennant H61 until she was paid off in January 1946. Gatineau (II) was a member of the Restigouche class destroyer escorts. She was commissioned in February 1959. Between 1969 and 1971 she underwent conversion to the Improved Restigouche class configuration, and wore pennant 236 until she was paid off in 1996.

Motto

"In hoc catino postestas" (In this ship lies power)

Colours

Gold and green

Battle Honours

Atlantic 1943–44, 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.