Alaric John Martin Woodrow

Per bend Azure semy of cross-crosslets fitchy Or and an estoile Or and Argent barry dancetty each point double barbed Azure overall a bend Gules charged with a sword blade proper enflamed also proper hilt, quillions and pommel also Or;

The estoile or star evokes the HMCS Star, at Hamilton, Ontario, where both Alaric and his son Michael served, where both of his sons, Andrew and Michael, were christened and where Mr. Woodrow wed his wife, Beverly Woodrow née Walker. The cross crosslets honour other ancient Woodrow arms. The fir tree-like markings create a play on the family name Wood-row. Fire, an ancient symbol of knowledge, here co-joined with a sword, itself a symbol of armed service, supplies two symbolic expressions for Mr. Woodrow. First, it evokes the flaming sword mentioned in Genesis 3:24 suggesting the responsibility that comes with knowledge and secondly, it evokes Mr. Woodrow’s twin careers of teacher and naval officer.

Within a triquetra of rope Azure three anchors flukes inward Or;

This unending knot also known as a triquetra is a symbol of both infinity and the Trinity. Anchors are a longstanding symbol of hope. Together the knot and anchors form a badge that recalls naval service.