| Place | Africa: North Africa, Libya, Cyrenaica, Tobruk Area, Tobruk |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | RELAWM30273 |
| Collection type | Technology |
| Object type | Maritime vessel or watercraft |
| Physical description | Brass |
| Place made | Italy |
| Date made | Unknown |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
Director Firing Pistol Grip from the Italian Cruiser San Georgio
Description
Brass pistol grip and trigger from a direction finder. There are no maker's marks or numbers.
History / Summary
The San Giorgio took part in the Italian defence of Tobruk from June 1940 until January 1941. After Italian resistance ceased on January 22, the crew scuttled the ship. San Giorgio's hulk was commissioned by the British in March 1943 as HMS San Giorgio for use as a stationary repair ship and was used by them for the rest of the war.
This pistol grip was removed by a crew member of HMAS Vendetta. The item served as a bell on the Vendetta from the commanding officer's cabin to the Ward Room pantry. When HMAS Vendetta was paying off for scrap, the grip was sent to Commander R Rhoades, DSC, RAN as a souvenir.