HMCS MACKENZIE Badge

HMCS MACKENZIE Badge

Blazon

Gules, a bend wavy argent upon which a like bendlet azure, and over all a lion rampant or, armed and langued of the third, charged on the shoulder with a hurt upon which a representation of a compass rose of eight points argent, the vertical and horizontal pointers extending beyond the perimeter of the hurt.
(Glossary of Heraldic Terms)

Significance

This destroyer derives its name from the great Mackenzie River, that in 1789 was discovered and explored by Sir Alexander Mackenzie, a native of Scotland and partner in the famous North West Company of fur traders. The gold lion rampant upon a red field is the re­verse colouring of the main device in the Royal Arms of Scotland, this change being a necessary heraldic dif­ference, and is used here in reference to Mackenzie and the land of his birth. The compass rose on the lion's shoulder, is a symbol of geography, travel and explor­ation and is used here as a reference to Sir Alexander's great feats in this field. It is also part of the crest in the armorial bearings of the Northwest Territories through which the Mackenzie River flows.

Remarks

Mackenzie was the lead ship of the Mackenzie class of destroyer escorts. Wearing pennant 261, she was commissioned in October 1962. She was paid off in 1993.

Motto

"By virtue and valour"

Colours

Gold and scarlet

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.