*Submarine Service Plaque – Oberon Class, with inscription “Aubrey. Submarine Storekeeper. You Want it, I’ve Got it. Everyone Served”*
A Submarine Service Plaque that could represent the Oberon-Class with their distinctive Electronics, sonar, and radar systems. The inscription is most likely a playful tribute to the vital role of a submarine storekeeper. It may reflect a humorous take on submarine life, where resourceful “storekeepers” are seen as indispensable to the smooth running of operations.
Approximate Dimensions:
Wooden stand: 35.5cm x 14cm x 5cm deep stand
Relief Model: 30.2cm x 8cm
The Oberon Class
The Oberon class was a series of 27 British-designed submarines, operated by five nations from the late 1950s until 2000. Designed as a follow-on to the Porpoise class, the Oberon’s retained similar dimensions but featured stronger hull materials and upgraded equipment. The submarines were known for their exceptional quietness, which allowed them to remain operational into the late 20th century, serving roles such as surveillance, tracking, special forces delivery, and anti-submarine training targets.
Built between 1957 and 1978, the Oberon’s were equipped with advanced electronics, including a Type 1002 surface search radar, Type 187 active-passive attack sonar, and Type 2007 long-range passive sonar. The hulls were constructed from stronger QT28 steel, enhancing strength and allowing deeper dives, while glass-reinforced plastic was used in the casing. Constructed across various UK shipyards, the class also saw submarines built for Australia, Brazil, Canada, and Chile.
Inscription: “Aubrey. ‘Submarine Storekeeper. You Want it, I’ve Got it. Everyone Served.’”
This could refer to a fictional or humorous persona, celebrating the important role of a submarine storekeeper or logistics officer. Although we have not been able to directly connect this phrase to a specific historical figure or ship, here are some possible interpretations of the name “Aubrey” in this context:
Connection to Patrick O’Brian’s Master and Commander Series
Captain Jack Aubrey, the protagonist of the Aubrey-Maturin series, is a celebrated Royal Navy officer from the early 19th century. While Jack Aubrey is not associated with submarines, the name could be humorously used to evoke naval tradition and the resourcefulness often attributed to naval officers. This could reflect a playful or nostalgic nod to naval life.
Submarine Culture and Humour
In a submarine crew, the “storekeeper” or logistics officer is responsible for ensuring that supplies and equipment are available. The phrase “You want it, I’ve got it” could be a humorous motto attributed to a particularly efficient or resourceful officer, with the name “Aubrey” serving as a stand-in for a fictional or archetypal figure.
Notable Submarine Personnel Named Aubrey
Logistics Specialist (Submarines) 1st Class Aubrey Pereyra: A notable individual who served on the USS Springfield (SSN 761) and was recognized in 2021 as the Sea Sailor of the Year for the U.S. Pacific Fleet. Cold War Submarine Veteran Aubrey Durbin: A submariner who may have inspired the use of the name, though the specifics of his role are not widely documented. Lieutenant Commander Aubrey from Warship (1970s TV Series)
The 1970s British TV series Warship featured a Lieutenant Commander Aubrey, whose submarine faced significant operational challenges. This portrayal of a naval officer might have contributed to the use of the name in a naval context, though it is not directly connected to submarines.
Symbolic or Archetypal Name
“Aubrey” may also serve as an archetypal name representing an idealized supply officer—someone embodying qualities such as resourcefulness, reliability, and dedication to ensuring that the crew is always supported.
*Condition*
Good used condition. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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