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Philip Despard Pemberton Holmes

Victoria, British Columbia
Grant of Arms and Badge
August 15, 2003
Vol. IV, p. 306

Arms of Philip Despard Pemberton Holmes
Arms of Philip Despard Pemberton Holmes Arms of Philip Despard Pemberton Holmes

Arms of Philip Despard Pemberton Holmes

Blazon

Argent between three buckets Azure, a lion passant Gules grasping in the dexter paw an anchor Azure;

Symbolism

The shield is based on that granted by Ulster King of Arms to Mr. Holmes’ grandfather, William Cuthbert Holmes, in 1909, with the blue discs replaced by buckets, symbols of the Pembertons, Mr. Holmes’ mother’s family. The anchor marks the family’s long history of naval service.

Crest of Philip Despard Pemberton Holmes

Blazon

Issuant from a circlet Argent charged with a barrulet wavy Azure, the upper edge set with triangular finials Argent and maple leaves Gules, an arm embowed in armour proper grasping an airplane propeller of three blades Sable tipped Or;

Symbolism

This is similar to the crest granted to Mr. Holmes’ grandfather, with the propeller used instead of a sword to mark Mr. Holmes’ service in the RCAF. The type of propeller shown is that of a famed Lancaster bomber, the airplane flown by Mr. Holmes in the Second World War. The coronet at the base of the crest, in the colours of the arms, represents the family’s long history in Canada, as well as the mountains and sea near Mr. Holmes’ Victoria home. The coronet can be seen as a variation of the antique crown in the arms of British Columbia, a further reference to Mr. Holmes’ service to his province.

Motto of Philip Despard Pemberton Holmes

Blazon

ARTE ET MARTE;

Symbolism

This Latin phrase means “By skill and valour”. This is the same motto included in the grant to Mr. Holmes’ grandfather.
Badge of Philip Despard Pemberton Holmes Badge of Philip Despard Pemberton Holmes

Badge of Philip Despard Pemberton Holmes

Blazon

A Steller's jay (Cyanocitta stelleri) rising proper holding in the dexter claw a torch Argent enflamed proper;

Symbolism

The torch is the symbol of Brentwood College School, which Mr. Holmes attended. The Steller’s jay is the official bird of British Columbia, and thus marks Mr. Holmes’ service to his home province and his love of its wildlife.

Background

Canada Gazette Information

The announcement of the letters patent was made on March 12, 2005 in Volume 139, page 686 of the Canada Gazette.
Letters patent granting heraldic emblems to Philip Despard Pemberton Holmes Letters patent granting heraldic emblems to Philip Despard Pemberton Holmes Letters patent granting heraldic emblems to Philip Despard Pemberton Holmes Letters patent granting heraldic emblems to Philip Despard Pemberton Holmes

Additional Information