South West Pacific 20th Minesweeping Flotilla
Date1946
Object number00040527
NamePennant
MediumFelt
Dimensions685 x 300 mm
ClassificationsCommemorative artefacts
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Peter Horne
DescriptionSixty Bathurst class minesweepers (corvettes) were built in Australia during the Second World War to conduct mine clearing operations. This commemorative pennant features the names of those which formed the South-West Pacific 20th Minesweeping Flotilla.HistorySixty Bathurst class minesweepers (also referred to as corvettes) were built in Australian shipyards under the World War II Commonwealth Government shipbuilding program.
Many of them went on to join the 20th Minesweeping Flotilla and take part in dangerous operations both during the war and for some years after when mine clearing duties were essential to the safety of ports and shipping routes.SignificanceThis pennant honours the critical work undertaken by the minesweeping flotillas after the Second World War to clear mines and ensure the safety of shipping routes and ports.
