Skip to main content

H.M.S Penelope Badge

Period20th century
Classification(s)
Object TypeCrest Badge; Ship Badge
Registration NumberMMM 004014
DescriptionThe badge belonged to the Arethusa-class British light cruiser, HMS Penelope (97), launched in October 1935. In October 1941, she arrived in Maltese waters to join Force K along with HMS Aurora, and destroyers, HMS Lance and HMS Lively. HMS Penelope was subjected to intense Axis bombing while being repaired in Malta's Dockyard between March 25 and April 8, 1942, which had a devastating impact on the three maritime cities, particularly Cospicua. The ship was nicknamed as "HMS Pepperpot" because of the multiple shrapnel holes in its sides. Running against time, workers repaired the most significant holes, the rest were patched up with wood. On the evening of April 8, the ship slipped out to safer ports for refitting. The ship had a short career during WWII, as it was torpedoed and sunk by the German U-boat U-410 near the coast of Naples, on its way to Anzio, in 18 February 1944. This event saw the death of 415 crew members.

The pentagon-shaped badge shows on a Field Blue, a female head White. She is wearing a white (but now discoloured) veil which covers her hair and, a headpiece with red detailing. The badge is topped by a Naval Crown. The name of the ship 'HMS PENELOPE' is featured above the metal cast badge. Below, there is a banner which contains the words ‘CONSTANTIA-ET-FIDE’ which mean 'with constancy and faith'. The badge is mounted onto a wooden plaque as a commemorative piece.
InscriptionsOn recto "H.M.S Penelope Constantia-et-Fide"Annotations and MarksOn verso, centre, a large number 6 in yellow.Technique
Cast metal, hand painted on a wooden plaque.
DimensionsOverall: 40.5 × 57 cm, 4.9 kg
Alternate ID Numbers
  • Inventory Card: 40202-3
  • EEA Norway Grant: EEA.1365
  • HM Object Number: 81796
Public Access
On view
Location
  •   Malta Maritime Museum, Third Floor