HMS Hermes was the first aircraft carrier to be designed specifically as such, rather than converted from an existing ship. Commissioned in 1924, she served the Royal Navy until she was sunk by Argentine forces during the Falklands War in 1982. One of her key features was her ability to carry a significant number of aircraft, which played a crucial role in many of her operations over the years.
So, just how many aircraft could HMS Hermes carry?
At the time of her commissioning in 1924, HMS Hermes could carry up to 24 aircraft. This was a significant increase on previous aircraft carriers, which typically carried around 12-18 planes. However, as technology advanced and aircraft became larger and more complex, HMS Hermes underwent several upgrades to increase her capacity.
By the start of World War II in 1939, HMS Hermes had been modified to carry up to 40 aircraft. This included a mix of fighters, bombers and reconnaissance planes – essential for protecting convoys and conducting offensive operations against enemy Targets.
During the war, HMS Hermes saw action in both the Atlantic and Pacific theatres. In May 1941, she played a key role in the Battle of Crete by launching airstrikes against German forces on the island. Later that year, she was sent to Singapore as part of Force Z – but tragically failed to prevent the Japanese invasion that led to the fall of Singapore.
After World War II ended in 1945, HMS Hermes underwent another major upgrade. Her flight deck was extended and strengthened to allow for larger and heavier planes to be launched and recovered. By this point, she could carry up to 57 aircraft – an impressive feat considering her initial capacity just two decades earlier.
Throughout the post-war period, HMS Hermes continued to serve as a vital asset for Britain’s naval power projection. She played a key role in several conflicts including Suez (1956) and the Falklands War (1982), where she was ultimately sunk by Argentine forces.
Conclusion
In summary, HMS Hermes had an impressive capacity for carrying aircraft throughout her long and distinguished career. From her initial capacity of 24 planes in 1924, she underwent several upgrades to eventually be able to carry up to 57 aircraft by the end of her service.
Her ability to launch and recover planes was crucial for naval power projection, particularly during times of conflict. Despite her eventual fate, HMS Hermes remains a testament to the importance of aircraft carriers in modern naval warfare.