Description
Description: RAN Tally Band – HMAS Quickmatch.
Maker’s Name: N/A
Condition: Near Mint
Comments: Royal Australian Navy – Tally Band – HMAS Quickmatch.
HMAS Quickmatch (G92/D21/D292/F04), named for the quick-match, a fast burning match used for lighting cannon, was a Q class destroyer operated by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).
Although commissioned into the RAN in 1942, the ship was initially the property of the Royal Navy. Quickmatch served with both the British Eastern Fleet and British Pacific Fleet during World War II. In the 1950s, the destroyer was converted into an anti-submarine frigate. In 1957, Quickmatch operated in support of Malaya during the Malayan Emergency. The ship remained in service until 1963, and after use as an accommodation ship, was sold for scrap in 1972.
From October 1942, Quickmatch operated as a convoy escort vessel; initially in British waters, then in the South Atlantic, then in the Indian Ocean. While in the Indian Ocean, the ship was assigned to a force dedicated to covering convoys between the Gulf of Aden and India. In May 1944, the destroyer joined the British Eastern Fleet. Shortly after, the destroyer formed part of the carrier screen during Operation Transom, an air raid on Japanese-held Surabaya. This role was repeated in June during an air attack on the Andaman Islands.
In October, Quiberon arrived in Australia for a refit. After this, she remained in Australian waters until March 1945, when she was reassigned to the British Pacific Fleet. As part of this force, Quiberon took part in operations in support of the American seizure of Okinawa and attacks on the Japanese home islands. The ship received six battle honours for her wartime service: “English Channel 1942”, “Atlantic 1943”, “Indian Ocean 1943-44”, “Sabang 1944”, “Pacific 1944-45”, and “Okinawa 1945”.
