Steel plaque from the HMS Vanguard’s Wardroom, mounted to a mahogany shield and with brass plaque stating the name of the vessel and area of the ship where the plaque would have been found. The ship’s plaque reads, “SIG OFF MAG ADM MAG BRIT” which is an abbreviation of a Latin phrase which translates to “Official Seal of His Britannic Majesty’s Admiralty”

Launched in November of 1944, the HMS Vanguard was the largest, fastest and last of the Royal Navy’s battleships. Christened by the then Princess Elizabeth, she completed her sea trials after the war but eventually became flagship of the Mediterranean fleet, and later flagship of the Home Fleet Training Squadron.

After serving Britain in both military and state functions, by the end of the 1950’s the ship was considered obsolete and too expensive to maintain. This 10th ship to bear the name HMS VANGUARD was sold for scrap in 1960, ending her service.