VF-871 Naval Air Squadron Badge
Blazon
Azure, a base barry wavy of four argent and azure, over all a winged centaur argent reguardant and arresting, holding in the position to shoot to the sinister a bow and arrow gules, the latter flighted and barbed argent and the bow stringed of the same, a quiver gules filled with arrows and issuing from the dexter side of the centaur, being suspended by a strap or from the sinister shoulder, the centaur winged, armed and unguled or.
( Glossary of Heraldic Terms)
Significance
The central device of this badge design is the centaur, but in this instance it has been given wings to assist it as it gallops over the waves of the ocean in search of its enemies. The centaur is shown in the act of stopping, and with the bow in the ready position, as if having sighted a foe, and preparing to attack and destroy it.
Remarks
Originally Royal Navy Squadron 883 it had been formed at Royal Navy Air Station (RNAS) Yeovilton in October 1941, but was later disbanded and remained inactive until 1945. It became an RCN squadron on January 24, 1946 and joined HMCS Magnificent when she commissioned. On May 1, 1951 the squadron was renumbered to 871 and was finally disbanded on March 16, 1959 to amalgamate with VF-870.
Motto
Pugnandum surgimus (We rise to light)
Colours
White and red
References
Badges Of The Canadian Navy by Arbuckle, J. Graeme. Halifax: Nimbus Publishing, 1987.