HMAS VENDETTA cap tally

Maker Royal Australian Navy (Australian, founded 1913)

Date1958-1979

Object number00004018

NameCap tally

MediumCotton

DimensionsOverall: 30 x 940 mm
Display Dimensions: 29 x 940 mm

ClassificationsClothing and personal items

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionTallies are attached around a sailor's cap and identify the ship in which they serve. This partial tally from HMAS VENDETTA is gold lettering on black cloth. VENDETTA played an active role during the Vietnam War.HistoryHMAS VENDETTA was the same class of destroyer as the Australian National Maritime Museum's HMAS VAMPIRE. Launched in 1954 at the Naval Dockyard in Williamstown, Victoria, VENDETTA served in the Royal Australian Navy until decommissioned in 1979. During that time, the ship served in South-East Asian waters with the Commonwealth Far East Strategic Reserve (FESR) and played a vital role during the Vietnam War as troop carrier escort and naval gunfire support. Together, VENDETTA and the other two Darings VAMPIRE and VOYAGER, formed the 10th Destroyer Squadron. This multi-purpose gunship was sold to a breaker's yard in 1986. The other Daring class destroyer, VOYAGER, sank in 1964 after a fatal collision with HMAS MELBOURNE.SignificanceThis cap tally from HMAS VENDETTA represents a RAN ship with a significant operational history in the South-East Asia region.