H.M.A.S. Vengeance powder compact

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c. 1945

Overview

Circular metal powder compact featuring a colourful image of the aircraft carrier, H.M.A.S. Vengeance, covered with celluloid on the lid.
A number of planes are seen in lines on the front and rear decks, while the central area has the word 'Vengeance' spelled out by assembled crew in formation.
The ship is moving from right to left on the ocean and there is land on the horizon and pale blue sky above.
The words "H.M.A.S. Vengeance" are written in white capital letters following the lower curve of the compact.
The outside of the compact is a gold toned metal which has worn away in some areas to reveal the base metal. The image is also discoloured due to moisture and the cover is scratched.
When the hinged compact is opened, there is a mirror under the top and an area on the lower side which would have held the powder. It has a metal cover which is secured with a circular catch.

Historical information

H.M.S. Vengeance, was a British Colossus class carrier which retained its namesake during Royal Australian Navy (R.A.N.) service. The Vengeance – although never seeing active service – had been completed before the end of World War Two for use in the British Pacific Fleet as part of the 11th Aircraft Carrier Squadron.
The Vengeance was loaned to the R.A.N. in 1952, compensating for the delay of the HMAS Melbourne, and remained in service until she was returned to the Royal Navy in 1955. While in service, a number of aircraft operated off of the Vengeance, including R.A.N. Hawker Sea Furies and Fairey Fireflies.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-119-RoW00489

Item type

Themes

Social History
War and Conflict
War and Conflict > World War 2

Material

Ink