How Many HMS Hermes Are There?

Do you know how many HMS Hermes there are? The answer may surprise you.

Introduction

HMS Hermes was a Royal Navy aircraft carrier that served in various conflicts, including World War II and the Falklands War. However, the ship had a long and illustrious career before its eventual retirement.

The First HMS Hermes

The first HMS Hermes was launched in 1919 and was initially designed as a seaplane tender. However, it was later converted into an aircraft carrier in the 1920s.

During World War II, the ship was involved in several naval battles, including the Battle of Crete. Unfortunately, the first HMS Hermes was sunk by Japanese bombers on April 9th, 1942.

The Second HMS Hermes

The second HMS Hermes was originally built for the Royal Navy but was subsequently sold to India in 1957. The ship was renamed INS Viraat and served in the Indian Navy until its decommissioning in 2017.

The Third HMS Hermes

The third HMS Hermes is actually a museum ship located in Sri Lanka. The vessel started its life as INS Godavari, an Indian Navy frigate that served from 1983 to 2015 before being decommissioned. It was then sold to Sri Lanka and converted into a museum.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there have been three ships named HMS Hermes throughout history. The first one had a long and distinguished career before being sunk during World War II, while the second one served with distinction in the Indian Navy for several decades. Finally, the third one is now a museum ship located in Sri Lanka – an impressive tribute to this iconic naval vessel.

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