In the world of naval history, the HMS Hermes holds a special place as the first ship to be designed and built as an aircraft carrier. Commissioned in 1924, this iconic vessel served the British Royal Navy for over fifty years before being decommissioned and sold off.
But when was HMS Hermes sold? Let’s explore the timeline of events that led to the sale of this historic ship.
Early Years of HMS Hermes
The HMS Hermes was initially commissioned in 1924 as a seaplane tender. However, it underwent significant modifications in 1933 to become a full-fledged aircraft carrier. During World War II, it played a crucial role in several key battles, including the sinking of German battleship Bismarck.
Post-War Service and Decommissioning
After World War II ended, HMS Hermes continued its service as an active vessel in the Royal Navy. It underwent another round of significant modifications in the 1950s and played a vital role during the Suez Crisis of 1956.
However, by the early 1970s, it became clear that HMS Hermes was nearing its end-of-life cycle. After more than five decades of service, it was decommissioned from active duty on November 16th, 1984.
The Sale of HMS Hermes
After its decommissioning, several countries expressed interest in acquiring HMS Hermes. However, India emerged as the front-runner for purchasing this historic vessel.
In April 1986, India purchased HMS Hermes for £18 million from the British government. The ship was renamed INS Viraat and underwent several modifications before entering service with the Indian Navy in 1987.
Final Thoughts
The sale of HMS Hermes marked the end of an era for British naval history. However, its legacy lives on through INS Viraat, which served the Indian Navy for over three decades before being decommissioned in 2017.
In conclusion, HMS Hermes was sold to India in April 1986 for £18 million. Its rich history and contribution to British naval power will always be remembered.