Greek Navy 'Hunt Class'Destroyer 'Miaoulis' Badge

Another unusual Naval badge that formed part of a small collection we have purchased, that we understand were displayed in a now defunct service club. 'Miaoulis' (in Greek: Μιαούλης) was a Type III Hunt-class destroyer that was built in 1942 for the British Royal Navy and was to be designated 'HMS Modbury' but was never commissioned. Prior to her completion, she was transferred to the Royal Hellenic Navy and commissioned on 25 November 1942 as 'Miaoulis' in order to relieve heavy losses of ships sustained by the Royal Hellenic Navy during the German invasion of 1941. 'Miaoulis', with pennant number L91, served in the Mediterranean Theatre throughout the Second World War. On 10 October 1943, during the Dodecanese Campaign, she saved the crew of the British destroyer HMS Panther and later served during the Greek Civil War. She was finally returned to the Royal Navy in 1959 and broken up for scrap in 1960.

This small unmounted badge is carved from wood with a scrolled rope border, picked put in gold with a blue insert to the shield that is superimposed with a silver cross, in the same design and colours of the Greek Navy jack or ensign. This is surmounted by an 'M', we assume representing the ships name 'Miaoulis'. We believe the vessel was named after Andreas Vokos, who was better known by his nickname "Miaoulis" (Greek: Ανδρέας Βώκος Μιαούλης 1765 – 24 June 1835), who was a Greek revolutionary, admiral, and politician who commanded Greek naval forces during the Greek War of Independence. A small and modest badge but one with a most unusual history. We can only assume it was removed from the ship[p when she was broken up for scrap here in the UK in 1960. Measures 6.5" x6.25" (17 cm x 16 cm) Good general condition, with some age-related wear.