HMCS Margaret Brooke

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Halifax, Nova Scotia
Approval of a Badge
April 15, 2020
Vol. VII, p. 245

Badge of HMCS Margaret Brooke
Badge of HMCS Margaret Brooke
 
Badge of HMCS Margaret Brooke

Badge of HMCS Margaret Brooke

Blazon

On a plate a caribou rampant proper holding an escutcheon Or edged Gules semé of bezants and charged with a quatrefoil slipped Vert, all within an annulus charged with a rope Or issuant from in chief a billet fesswise Vert edged Or inscribed with the name of the ship in letters Argent, surmounted in base by three maple leaves, and ensigned by a naval crown Or its sails Argent;

Symbolism

The caribou refers to the SS Caribou, the ferry on which Sub-Lieutenant Margaret Brooke, a nurse serving with the Royal Canadian Navy, was travelling when it was torpedoed by a U-Boat in 1942. Brooke was honoured for her bravery in attempting to save the life of her colleague Sub-Lieutenant Agnes Wilkie. The four-leaf clover was a good-luck charm carried by Brooke during the ordeal. The shield symbolizes protection, and its colours, green and yellow, are those of Saskatchewan, Margaret Brooke’s home province. The border of the shield alludes to the deep pink ribbon of the Order of the British Empire, of which Brooke was made a Member in recognition of her bravery. The white background refers to the Arctic environment in which HMCS Margaret Brooke will operate.

Motto

Blazon

MAGNANIMI SUNT FORTES;

Symbolism

Meaning “Merciful are the brave,” this Latin phrase alludes to Margaret Brooke’s compassion and heroism.

 

Background

Canada Gazette Information

The announcement of the letters patent was made on March 27, 2021 in Volume 155, page 1315 of the Canada Gazette.

Letters patent approving the heraldic emblems of HMCS Max BernaysLetters patent approving the heraldic emblems of HMCS Margaret Brooke

Additional Information

Creator(s)

Original concept of the Royal Canadian Navy, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.

Painter

Eva Pilar-Cass

Calligrapher

Doris Wionzek

Recipient Type

Military Institution