Superb WW2 Royal Navy HMS Encounter Screen Badge (1934-42)
HMS Encounter was an E-class destroyer built for the RN, commissioned in 1934. Upon completion, the ship was attached to the Mediterranean Fleet in 1935–36 during the Abyssinia Crisis and during the Spanish Civil War of 1936–39, she spent considerable time in Spanish waters, enforcing the arms blockade.
At the start of WW2, Encounter was assigned to convoy escort and anti-submarine patrol duties in the Western Approaches and participated in the Norwegian Campaign before joining Force H in mid-1940.
She was extremely busy during the war earning the following battle honours -
Atlantic 1939
Norway 1940
Spartivento 1940
Libya 1941
Malta Convoys 1941
Mediterranean 1941
Sadly during the Second Battle of the Java Sea in 1942, whilst fighting the Japanese navy, she was hit by shells from the Yamakaze, Kawakaze, Myōkō and Ashigara which immobilised Encounter and set her on fire. Lieutenant Commander Eric Morgan, the destroyer's captain, ordered the ship to be scuttled, preventing her capture by the Japanese, eight of the ship's company were killed and the remaining 149 became prisoners of war when they were rescued the following day.
This amazing heavy cast metal badge is presented on a solid Oak shield and has a good used patina, it measures 17” x 11” and would make a great addition to any collection.
Local delivery, U.K & international shipping available with collection’s welcome too
