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HMAS WAGGA pennant
HMAS WAGGA pennant

HMAS WAGGA pennant

Date1992
Object number00033901
NamePennant
MediumFelt, paint
DimensionsOverall: 300 x 580 mm, 0.04 kg
ClassificationsCommemorative artefacts
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionA pennant commemorating the 50th anniversary of HMAS WAGGA. HMAS WAGGA was an Australian Minesweeper (corvette) built for the Australian Navy in WWII and was commissioned in 18 December 1942. HistoryAfter her commissioning in 1942, HMAS WAGGA spent 1943 in Australian waters and the waters of Papua New Guinea. She served as a convoy escort, minesweeper, conducted anti-submarine patrols and provided gunfire support forces by bombarding onshore targets. Her duties in New Guinea continued throughout 1944 and into 1945. In November 1945, the Pacific war over, HMAS WAGGA was signed over to the Reserve Fleet where she remained for six years. However in 1951 she was recommissioned to the RAN and became a training ship, surveyor and patrol vessel. From 1957 to 1960 HMAS WAGGA had multiple recommissions and laying offs. In October 1960 she was decommissioned and sold in March 1962 to the South Australian Carrying Co. HMAS WAGGA had become "the last of the Bathurst Class in seagoing commission for the RAN". SignificanceThere are few tangible removable items relating to naval vessels that can be removed from the actual vessel. Pennants therefore became a popular souvenir or wall decoration for crew members and their family.