T.S.S.California Anchor Line Ship Badge 1923 -1943

A scarce original pre 1943 period 'T.S.S.California souvenir pin badge', in the form of a white enamel ships wheel the centre mounted with the 'Anchor Line' shipping line swallow tail flag. Good condition, complete with original pin fittings, enamel intact but very minor hairlines cracks to flag, gilt finish remains bright. Diameter 27mm.
T.S.S. California was steam turbine ocean liner built in Glasgow Scotland 1923 for the Anchor Line. She carried passengers between Glasgow and New York via Derry and Boston. In 1939 she was requisitioned by the Admiralty and converted to an Armed Merchant Cruiser and in 1943 along with the 'Duchess of York' she was attacked and bombed by the Luftwaffe west of Vigo, Spain. T.S.S. California was steam turbine ocean liner built in Glasgow Scotland in 1923 for the Anchor Line. She carried passengers between Glasgow and New York via Derry and Boston. In 1939 she was requisitioned by the Admiralty and converted to an Armed Merchant Cruiser. In 1943 along with the 'Duchess of York' she was attacked and bombed by the Luftwaffe west of Vigo, Spain. The attack cost the lives of 46 servicemen and crew and both ships were abandoned. It was feared the flames from the troopships would attract U-boats, so they were sunk by Royal Navy torpedoes.

Code: 66626