HMCS Max Bernays, Royal Canadian Navy

HMCS MAX BERNAYS, ROYAL CANADIAN NAVY

Official blazon

On a plate a ship’s wheel Gules environed by two laurel branches fructed their stems crossed in saltire Azure, all within an annulus charged with a rope Or issuant from in chief a billet fesswise Azure 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.

Origin/meaning

The ship’s wheel represents the courage of Acting Chief Petty Officer Max Bernays in remaining at the helm of HMCS Assiniboine while under surface gun attack by a U Boat in 1942, during which time the bridge and wheelhouse were surrounded by flames, represented here by the red colour. The laurel wreath appears in the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal awarded to Bernays, as well as in the hat badge he wore as an Acting Chief Petty Officer. The white and blue are the colours of the ribbon of the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal. The white background also refers to the Arctic environment in which HMCS Max Bernays will operate.

The badge was granted April 15, 2020.

Literature: Image from https://reg.gg.ca/heraldry/pub-reg/regVolume.asp?lang=e&RegVolume=VII&pg=3&npp=100