[2] In the same manner as the Laureate Plate it was named after Madrid, the capital of Spain, owing to the city symbolizing valour and the defence of the Spanish Republic during the long Siege of Madrid throughout the Spanish Civil War.

[3] The Distintivo de Madrid was first awarded in January 1938 to certain warships of the loyalist fleet as well as to their crew members for their role in the Battle of Cape Palos.

Meanwhile the admiral of the Spanish Republican Navy, Luis González de Ubieta, was awarded the Laureate Plate of Madrid for the same action.

The following Spanish Republican Navy ships would fly the Distintivo de Madrid special pennant.

All the crew members of the ships that took part in the Cape Palos naval battle were awarded the Distintivo de Madrid.