Images(2)

H.M.S Cossack Badge

Period20th century

Classification(s)

Badges

Object TypeCrest Badge; Ship Badge

Registration NumberMMM 001960

DescriptionThere have been several Royal Navy vessels of the name H.M.S. Cossack, two of which served during and after WWII, a Tribal-class fleet destroyer, launched in 1937 (pennant number: L03 / F03 / G03) and a Co-class Fleet Destroyer, launched in 1944 (pennant number: R57 / D57). The former participated in the Altmark incident, freeing British prisoners from the German tanker Altmark in 1940 as well as in Malta convoys in 1941. The vessel sank in October 1941. The latter was active between 1945 and 1958, serving in the Far East, forming part of the United Nations naval task force after the outbreak of the Korean War.

The badge, surrounded by a twisting rope, is topped by a Naval Crown. The badge depicts on a field light blue, a uniformed cossack in dark red, mounted on horseback, holding a whip, riding stylised, white and dark blue waves. The badge does not contain but seems to reference the motto of the vessel: “Non est utilitas equum mortem flagellant”, which means “It's no use flogging a dead horse” in English.InscriptionsOn recto "COSSACK".Annotations and MarksOn verso, central part sticker reads "MM/1960".Material

Wood, plaster, paint

Technique

Cast in gesso, hand painted, on a wooden plaque.

DimensionsOverall: 15 × 23.5 cm, 0.7 kg

Alternate ID Numbers