Cotton head-scarf, machine-sewn and printed with the design. In the corners, the cap badges of the Royal Navy, Fleet Air Arm, Royal Marines, and Merchant Navy. Above a red border, sailing vessels and naval ships of various periods are shown, on a green striped background with a blue sea beneath. In the centre of the scarf is a red square panel with a rope border with reef knots in the corners. On the panel are shown the rating's arm badges of 'CHIEF ARMOURER', 'WRITER', 'REGULATING PETTY OFFICER', 'SUBMARINE DETECTOR', 'LEADING TORPEDOMAN', 'GUNNER'S MATE', 'BUGLER', 'TELEGRAPHIST', 'AIR GUNNER', 'MECHANICIAN', 'MASTER AT ARMS'. Round the edges of the panel is the quotation: 'The sea is our life. By the use of it the Empire was formed, by holding it the Empire was preserved. If we fail to appreciate its value the Empire will perish'.
Roy Thirkell Ltd was founded in November 1945 and operated from premises in Old Bond Street, London until it was wound up in 1988. The company produced a series of quality scarves with a distinctive British flavour, which frequently featured country pursuits - riding, hunting, shooting and fishing - as well as scenes of London.