Images(2)

H.M.S Arethusa Badge

Period20th century

Classification(s)

Badges

Object TypeCrest Badge; Ship Badge

Registration NumberMMM 004006

DescriptionThe badge belongs to the light cruiser HMS Arethusa, the name ship of her class. It was launched in March 1934. After serving in the 3rd Cruiser Squadron in the Mediterranean, along with her sister ship, HMS Penelope, in 1940 it was called to join the Home Fleet. The light cruiser joined Force H. Eventually, it returned back to the Mediterranean and took part in a number of convoys connected to Malta. It was sold for scrap on 9 May 1950.

The pentagon-shaped badge depicts on an azure field, an Or crescent moon above a stylized depiction of sea waves. A twisting rope motif acts as a border to the badge. It is topped with a naval crown of the same colour. At the top, the name of the ship ‘H.M.S. ARETHUSA’. At the bottom of the crest is a wooden plaque in the shape of a banner bearing the ship’s motto ‘CELERITER AUDAX’ which translates to ‘Swiftly and audacious’. The badge is mounted onto a wooden plaque as a commemorative piece.
InscriptionsOn recto "H.M.S Arethusa Celeriter Audax"Material

Wood, cast metal

Technique

Cast metal, hand painted on a wooden plaque.

DimensionsOverall: 57 × 41 cm, 4.1 kg

Alternate ID Numbers