AN HISTORICALLY INTERESTING NAVAL ENSIGN RECOVERED FROM THE AIRCRAFT CARRIER H.M.S. EAGLE PRIOR TO HER SINKING OFF MALTA AS A RESULT OF ENEMY ACTION 11TH AUGUST, 1942
stitched in strips of red, white and blue bunting attached to cotton sleeve with three brass rings -- 108 x 52in. (274 x 132cm.)

Provenance: Able Seaman Hugh Wilson (1920-2001) aboard Eagle during the action snatched this souvenir as he abandoned the ship, and thence by descent.

In August 1942, Eagle was one of four aircraft carriers operating in the Mediterranean under command of Rear-Admiral Lyster and formed part of Operation Pedestal - the hugely important operation to supply Malta. A fleet of seventy-seven vessels guarding fourteen merchantmen had to pass through the Sicilian Narrows in the face of determined opposition from enemy submarines, dive bombers and torpedo boats. Eagle was hit on the 11th August by several torpedoes and sank quite quickly. Her usual complement of 748 had been increased to 930, of these two officers and 161 ratings were lost.

Condition Report
Ragged edge, small area of loss top right and bottom right, six or seven small moth holes in red bunting, otherwise flag in remarkably strong, fresh and original condition.

We are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of this property. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Charles Miller Ltd is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD “AS IS” IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE.