“The principal elements on the early badges can still be seen today; a buffalo or bison head facing front wise; the motto; maple leaves; a scroll containing the title of the Force; and a crown at the top of the badge over the name “Canada”. We do not know the precise circumstances under which the bison head was chosen but it seems appropriate because of the close association of the RCMP with the prairie grasslands where early members depended on the buffalo for food, fuel and clothing. The adoption of the French motto gave the badge a bilingual character from the very beginning. In 1953 the badge was submitted to the College of Arms in England for redesigning according to heraldic procedures.”