British HMS Apollo Plaque . BMX164

British HMS Apollo Wood Plaque. Plaque has Apollo coast of arms with the motto: “Fortis Et Benignus” (Strong and Kind) below. I believe this is the coat of arms for the HMS Apollo (M01) which during ww2 was an Abdiel-class minelayer of the Royal Navy, the eighth RN ship to carry the name. She served with the Home Fleet during WW2, taking part in the Normandy Landings before being transferred to the British Pacific Fleet. Put into reserve in 1946, she was recommissioned in 1951, serving until 1961. I believe this plaque is most likely post ww2 era, however, either for HMS Apollo M01 (which I believe this plaque is for this ship) or for the HMS Apollo F70. The plaque has “Made in Great Britian” marked on hanging insert. Size approximately 7 inches x 5 3/4 inches. Worn condition.

Additional Notes:  There were nine ships of the Royal Navy with the name HMS Apollo, named after the Greek god Apollo. Some of the more recent HMS Apollo ships:

HMS Apollo was a Leander-class light cruiser launched in 1934. She was transferred to the Royal Australian Navy in 1938, and renamed HMAS Hobart.
HMS Apollo (M01) was an Abdiel-class minelayer launched in 1943 and broken up in 1962.
HMS Apollo (F70) was a Leander-class frigate launched in 1970.

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