Souvenir felt naval pennant - HMAS Parramatta

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c. 1961

Overview

Triangular souvenir naval pennant in vertical orientation made from a navy blue felt base with embroidered red, green, blue and gold detailing.
The wide end of the pennant would have had two fabric ties attached to the edge for hanging, but only remnants remain.
In the upper section of the pennant is the ship's crest. It features a depiction of a stylised Aboriginal figure standing over water, spearing a fish. A gold rope circle encompasses this, surmounted by a red British Naval crown.
Between the crown and the rope circle is a small, curved green scroll with the name 'PARRAMATTA'. Beneath the central circle sits a pair of crossed Australian indigenous clubs/weapons interlocked with a boomerang in gold. The motto 'STRIKE DEEP' is printed in a large, curved green ribbon scroll underneath the tools.
Embroidered vertically down the tapered end of the pennant is the name of the ship, 'H.M.A.S. PARRAMATTA'.
The edges of the felt have been overlocked with white thread to prevent fraying.
The back of the pennant shows all of the threads from the upper side, with the writing appearing in reverse. There is no maker's tag.

Historical information

This felt pennant was most likely produced between 1961 and 1991, specifically aligning with the service era of HMAS Parramatta (DE 46). She was a River-class destroyer escort that saw service during the Vietnam War and the Indonesia–Malaysia Confrontation.

Felt naval pennants were highly popular wartime souvenirs throughout the British Commonwealth—most notably across New Zealand and Australia - during and post WWII.
They were frequently purchased by service members, merchant mariners, or civilians as patriotic keepsakes, homefront memorabilia, or gifts for family members to commemorate maritime service.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-119-RoW01118

Item type

Collectibles

Embroidery

Ephemera

Pennants

Souvenirs

Themes

Defence > Navy

Social History