HMS Ocean Battle Honour

This is a large carved wooden battle-honour scroll from HMS Ocean, inscribed “SUEZ CANAL 1915.” The dark-stained, ribbon-shaped plaque has forked ends and raised lettering picked out in cream/gold with red detailing. It shows considerable wear, a missing Z, chipped paint, abrasions and a well-developed patina consistent with prolonged display. The reverse retains two metal keyhole hanging plates, showing that the segment was individually mounted to a larger honours display or bulkhead.

The inscription commemorates HMS Ocean’s involvement in the defence of the Suez Canal in 1915, before her subsequent service and loss during the Dardanelles campaign. From the famed Ferrers Walker collection that was curated by, and once on display at, the National Museum of the Royal Navy at Portsmouth.