HMCS OSHAWA Badge

HMCS OSHAWA Badge

Blazon

Azure, three fish interlaced, or.
(Glossary of Heraldic Terms)

Significance

The word Oshawa comes from the Seneca tongue and means "the carrying place." It was the site of the beginning of a portage route from Lake Ontario to Lake Skugog. However, Joseph Gould, a pioneer of this district, stated that the word oshawa was Indian for Salmon Creek. This it seems, was a term applied to a local stream that well deserved the name. The badge design was suggested by Sir Arthur Cochrane, Clarenceux King-at-arms.

Remarks

Oshawa was a member of the Algerine class of minesweeper. She was com­missioned in July 1944, and wore pennant J330 until she was paid off into reserve in July 1945. She was recommissioned in October 1945, and paid off into reserve in February 1946. She was recommissioned for the last time in April 1956, and wore pennant 174 until paid off in November 1958.

Motto

In omnia paratus ("Ready for all things")

Colours

Gold and royal blue

Battle Honours

Atlantic, 1944–1945.

References

Badges Of The Canadian Navy by Arbuckle, J. Graeme. Halifax: Nimbus Publishing, 1987.