HMCS UNICORN Badge

HMCS UNICORN Badge

Blazon

Azure awinged unicorn rampant Argent armed unguled crined and winged Or.
(Glossary of Heraldic Terms)

Significance

Named for the Royal Navy ship that explored Hudson's Bay in search of the Northwest Passage. This badge design was furnished by the Admiralty who have graciously granted its use as the ship's badge. The mythical animal shown in the badge is actually awinged horse or pegasus, but having the horn coming from its head it is considered to be a winged unicorn, rather than a horned pegasus. It has been the custom to add wings to any figure held in veneration, from the angels of Christianity to Mercury and Pegasus. Because the name Unicorn is highly esteemed in British naval annals, the wings were added.

Remarks

Naval Reserve Division, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Motto

UNICUS EST (The only one of its kind; Unequalled)

Colours

Royal Blue and White

Battle Honours

Pre-The First World War
ARMADA, 1588; CADIZ, 1596; PORTO FARINA, 1655; SANTA CRUZ ,1657; LOWESTOFT, 1665; ORFORDNESS, 1666; SOLE BAY, 1672; SCHOONEVELD, 1673; TEXEL, 1673; "Vestale" ,1761; "Tribune", 1796; BASQUE ROADS, 1809.

The Second World War
SALERNO, 1943; OKINAWA, 1945.

United Nations Operation-Korea - 1950-1953
KOREA, 1950-53..

References

The Insignia and Lineages of the Canadian Forces Volume 2, Part 1 Extant Commissioned Ships, Directorate of History and Heritage, January 1, 2001.