How Did HMS Hermes Sink?

|

thedutchladydesigns

by

On April 9, 1942, the Royal Navy’s HMS Hermes sunk off the coast of Sri Lanka during World War II. The sinking of the aircraft carrier was a significant loss for the Allies in the war against Japan.

So, what led to the sinking of this mighty warship? Let’s take a closer look.

Background

HMS Hermes was commissioned in 1924 and was one of the first purpose-built aircraft carriers in the world. It played a vital role in World War II, primarily in the Mediterranean and Far East theaters. The carrier had a complement of 600 crew members and could carry up to 20 aircraft.

The Attack

On April 9, 1942, HMS Hermes was part of a small naval force tasked with defending Colombo harbor in Sri Lanka (then known as Ceylon) from an impending Japanese attack. At around 0900 hours, a wave of Japanese dive bombers attacked the harbor.

The First Attack

The first wave consisted of nine Aichi D3A “Val” dive bombers from the Imperial Japanese Navy’s aircraft carrier Akagi. The planes were armed with bombs and torpedoes.

HMS Hermes’ anti-aircraft guns opened fire on the incoming planes but failed to hit any of them. The carrier’s fighter planes were also unable to engage due to communication problems with their base on land.

The Japanese planes dropped their bombs and torpedoes, hitting HMS Hermes and causing devastating damage. The carrier’s aviation fuel stores exploded, causing further damage and fires.

The Second Attack

A second wave of Japanese bombers arrived shortly after and launched another attack on HMS Hermes. This time, six Nakajima B5N “Kate” torpedo bombers attacked from a different direction than the first wave.

HMS Hermes’ anti-aircraft guns managed to shoot down one of the planes, but the others successfully hit the carrier with torpedoes.

The damage caused by the second wave was catastrophic, and HMS Hermes began to sink rapidly. The captain ordered the crew to abandon ship, and within minutes, the carrier disappeared beneath the waves.

The Aftermath

HMS Hermes sank with a loss of 307 crew members, including the captain. Only 71 crew members survived, most of whom were picked up by nearby ships. The sinking of HMS Hermes was a significant blow to the Royal Navy and Allied forces in their fight against Japan.

Conclusion

The sinking of HMS Hermes was a result of a combination of factors such as communication failures, ineffective anti-aircraft fire, and superior Japanese tactics. Despite being an advanced warship at that time, it could not withstand the relentless attack from Japanese bombers.

The sinking of HMS Hermes serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made during World War II and highlights how crucial effective communication and coordinated efforts are in warfare.

8 Related Question Answers Found

Where Did HMS Hermes Sink?

In the early hours of April 9, 1942, the HMS Hermes, a British aircraft carrier, was sunk by Japanese bombers in the Indian Ocean. This tragic event marked the first time in history that an aircraft carrier was sunk by enemy aircraft. The sinking of the HMS Hermes was a significant blow to the British Navy and a turning point in World War II.

How Did Hermes Lose His Body?

In Greek mythology, Hermes is known as the messenger of the gods. He is often depicted with a winged hat and sandals, carrying a staff known as the caduceus. However, there is a lesser-known story about how Hermes lost his body.

Where Did the HMS Hermes Sink?

The HMS Hermes was a British aircraft carrier that served in the Royal Navy during World War II. It was the first purpose-built aircraft carrier in the world and played a significant role in several operations during the war. However, on April 9, 1942, the ship was sunk by Japanese forces in the Indian Ocean.

What Has Happened to HMS Hermes?

On April 9, 1942, HMS Hermes, a British aircraft carrier was sunk by Japanese forces in the Indian Ocean during World War II. The vessel was the first purpose-built aircraft carrier to be commissioned in the world and had a glorious history before its tragic end. History of HMS Hermes HMS Hermes was built at the Vickers-Armstrong shipyard in Newcastle upon Tyne and launched on February 11, 1919.

What Bad Things Did Hermes Do?

Hermes, the Greek god of commerce, thieves, and travelers, is known for his mischievous and cunning nature. While he is often depicted as a benevolent figure in mythology, he has also been known to cause trouble for both gods and mortals alike. Here are some of the bad things that Hermes has been associated with: 1.

What Happened to the HMS Hermes?

The HMS Hermes was a Royal Navy aircraft carrier that served during the Falklands War in 1982. It was the flagship of the British Task Force and played a crucial role in the conflict. However, its fate took a tragic turn when it was sunk by Argentine forces on May 9th, 1982.

How Did Hermes Lose His Body in Futurama?

If you’re a fan of the animated television series Futurama, you might recall an episode where Hermes Conrad, the Jamaican accountant for Planet Express, loses his body. In “The Six Million Dollar Mon,” Bender accidentally runs over Hermes while driving the company’s delivery truck. Dr.

How Did Hermes Die JoJo?

In the world of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, Hermes Costello is a character known for her sharp wit and powerful abilities. But how did Hermes die JoJo? Let’s take a closer look at the events that led to her demise.