The 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. 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.
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