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Image Not Available for HMAS BRISBANE lapel badge
HMAS BRISBANE lapel badge
Image Not Available for HMAS BRISBANE lapel badge

HMAS BRISBANE lapel badge

Datec 1940
Object number00044560
NameBadge
MediumMetal, enamel
DimensionsOverall: 30 x 25 mm
ClassificationsCommemorative artefacts
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThis round lapel badge features the crest of the Queensland Coat of Arms and refers to the second HMAS BRISBANE, a shore establishment at New Farm, Brisbane. It served as a support base for Australian naval fleets during World War II. After a series of name changes, the site was decommissioned in 1994 and then developed into apartments.HistoryThe second HMAS BRISBANE was a shore establishment at New Farm, Brisbane, consisting of wharves, warehouse buildings and assembly areas. This establishment was called HMAS PENGUIN IV before being commissioned HMAS BRISBANE II on 1 August 1940 and used during World War II. HMAS BRISBANE II was paid off on 30 September 1942 and was recommissioned the next day as HMAS MORETON. The shore establishment stayed as HMAS MORETON for an extended period of time before the base was decommissioned in 1994 and the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) moved to Bulimba, Queensland. The former site then became a residential apartment area. The Queensland Coat of Arms is the oldest State Arms in Australia and was granted to the Colony of Queensland by Queen Victoria in 1893. The crest is separated into three sections, the upper half, coloured gold features a bull and ram which is symbolic of the primary industries as well as the sheaf of wheat featured on the lower left corner coloured black. The lower right corner, coloured red features a column of gold rising from a heap of quartz which represents the importance of the mining industry. The motto at the bottom, 'AUDAX AT FIDELIS' is Latin meaning, 'Bold but Faithful'.SignificanceThis badge is a rare representation of HMAS BRISBANE and its two year period as a shore establishment. Only a small number of HMAS BRISBANE lapel badges were produced because of the short operational career of the base.