HMCS MIRAMICHI Badge

HMCS MIRAMICHI Badge

Blazon

On a field of birch bark proper, a pile barry wavy of ten argent and azure and overall an equilateral triangle, apex to the chief gules, charged with a porcupine or.
(Glossary of Heraldic Terms)

Significance

This ship is named after Miramichi Bay in New Brunswick. WF Ganong, in his report read before the Royal Society of Canada in May 1926, states the following in part: '... the collective data are found to point consistently to the conclusion that MIRAMICHI is a direct lineal, though corrupted descendant via the forms MISA­MICHI and MECHEW A Y (CHY) from a name MAIS­SIMEUASSI meaning MICMAC LAND, applied by the Montagnais people to the country occupied by the Micmac south of the Bay Chaleur'. From this it seems apparent that the meaning of 'Miramichi' is 'Micmac Land'. A study of the legends and stories of the Micmacs in so far as the word Miramichi is concerned produced nothing suitable for badge design. However, we do know these people used birch bark to cover their wigwams and to make their canoes and utensils. Also they hunted the porcupine for food and especially perhaps for the quills which they used to decorate their clothing and utensils. Putting these items together it has been possible to arrive at a badge design that is distinctive and interpretative. The field or background is a representation of birch bark while upon it is placed a V-shaped compartment known in heraldry as a 'pile.' This is shown as heraldic water and represents the Bay of Miramichi. Over all is an equilateral triangle suggestive of the Indigenous wigwam and this is charged with a porcupine in gold.

Remarks

Miramichi (I) was a Bangor class minesweeper of the 1939-1940 construction period. She was commissioned in November 1941, and wore pennant 1169 until she was paid off in October 1945. Miramichi (II) was a Bay class minesweeper, and commissioned in July 1954, wore pennant 150 until she was paid off in October 1954. She was then transferred to the French Navy. Miramichi (III) was also a Bay class minesweeper. She was commissioned in October 1957,and wore pennant 163.

Motto

Loyal à la mort. (Loyal unto death)

Colours

Red and gold

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.