Bronze war service plaque for 'Athlone Castle'. The central panel has a border cast in relief with sea birds, a trident and at the base, breaking waves and two dolphins supporting a compass rose. There are two roundels at the top, one containing an enamelled Union Castle house flag, inscribed: 'UNION CASTLE'; the other, an anchor on a red background, within a wreath surmounted by a naval crown. The plaque has bolts and screws for attachment. Engraved inscription: '1939-1945', ' IN COMMEMORATION OF THE WAR SERVICES OF THIS GOOD SHIP AND THE DEVOTION TO DUTY OF THOSE WHO SERVED IN HER. 1939 REQUISITIONED ON THE 23RD DECEMBER BY H.M. GOVERNMENT FOR WAR SERVICE AS A TROOP TRANSPORT.1941 DECEMBER. ATTACKED AND BOMBER IN ATLANTIC WHEN IN CONVOY BUT NO DAMAGE SUSTAINED. 1942 / 1944 TROOPING VOYAGES TO AFRICAN, INDIAN, AUSTRALIAN, NEW ZEALAND, AMERICAN AND MEDITERRANEAN PORTS. 1944 FEBRUARY. WHEN COMMODORE SHIP OF A CONVOY, WAS ATTACKED OFF BAY OF BISCAY BY SUBMARINES. COVOY ESCAPED WITHOUT DAMAGE, BUT TWO SUBMARINES REPORTED SUNK. 1947 9TH OCTOBER. RETURNED TO PEACETIME SERVICES AFTER VOYAGES AGGREGATING 541,343 MILES AND CARRYING 135, 133 TROOPS AND GOVERNMENT PASSENGERS ON WARTIME SERVICE AS WELL AS LARGE QUANTITIES OF FOODSTUFFS AND OTHER ESSENTIAL CARGOES.'