A wooden naval plaque taken from a WWII submarine which played a vital role the Allied victory sailed past its guide price of £50-£80 to hammer at £700 at Hansons Auctioneers’ recent sale.
The plaque, from the Royal Navy submarine HMS Otus which was part of the Maltese convoy, is now making its way to the Mediterranean island having been bought by the Maltese Heritage Trust.
Trust chairman, Mario Farrugia, said: “It will be displayed at the Malta at War Museum in Birgu in the section dedicate to the Malta convoys of 1940-1944.”
From July to December 1941 HMS Otus, named after the son of Poseidon, was based in Malta where she carried out interception patrols with the 1st Flotilla.
The oak plaque bears the motto De profundis paratus, meaning “Out of the deep I am ready.”
Hansons’ Militaria expert, Matt Crowson, said: “The style and wear would strongly suggest that it is a period piece, perhaps even being mounted on the submarine’s bulkhead, and subsequently salvaged. The back show evidence of where it was attached to a larger structure.”
During the Maltese Blitz from 1940-1943, the British colony – the only British harbour between Gibraltar and Alexandria – became the most heavily bombed place on earth per square mile.
The island’s strategic importance allowed Allied forces to choke supply lines to North Africa, especially those supplying Rommel’s Afrika Korps.
Convoys of submarines, including HMS Otus, intercepted and sank Axis convoys, as well as allowing the safe passage of supplies to the island in the face of near starvation.
On August 13, 1941, under Lt. R.M. Favell, RN, HMS Otus departed Alexandria for Malta, her supplies included 10,800 gallons of kerosine, 6.5 tons of surgical dressings and 90 bags of mail.
Matt continued: “Submarines like HMS Otus were constantly under threat in harbour from German and Italian air raids. Some submarines were damaged or sunk while docked, leading to the relocation of many to safer bases.”
Otus was eventually transferred to Simon’s Town, South Africa, in 1941 to be used for training purposes, likely due to the intense risk of staying in the central Mediterranean. Her wreck was discovered in 2013.
The Malta at War Museum, where the plaque will go on show, documents the ordeal Maltese islanders endured during the war.
On April 15, 1942 George VI made a unique historical gesture by awarding the George Cross to the Maltese nation, an honour still borne by the Maltese on their flag.
Auction Details
Auction: Derby September Four-Day Antiques & Collectors Auction
Auction date: 18th – 23rd September 2025 | 9:30am
Location: Hansons Derbyshire Saleroom
Auction contact: [email protected]
Catalogue/bidding: www.hansonslive.co.uk | www.the-saleroom.com
