If you’re a history buff or just someone curious about naval warfare, you might have heard of the name HMS Hermes. But how many ships have actually borne that name? Let’s take a dive into the history of the British Royal Navy and explore the answer to this question.
Origins of HMS Hermes
The first HMS Hermes was built in 1796 as a 20-gun ship and served during the French Revolutionary Wars. She was decommissioned in 1813, but her legacy lived on as subsequent ships were named after her.
The Second HMS Hermes
The second ship to carry the name HMS Hermes was a wooden paddle frigate launched in 1835. She served in various locations around the world, including the East Indies and China.
Her most significant action came during the Crimean War when she participated in the bombardment of Sevastopol. She was eventually sold for scrap in 1864.
The Third HMS Hermes
The third HMS Hermes was also a wooden paddle frigate launched in 1861. She served in various locations around the world, including South Africa and Australia. She was eventually converted into a training ship and renamed HMS Fisgard II before being sold for scrap in 1905.
The Fourth HMS Hermes
The fourth and most well-known ship to bear the name HMS Hermes was an aircraft carrier launched in 1953. She served during both the Falklands War and World War II before being decommissioned in 1984.
The Falklands War
During the Falklands War, HMS Hermes played a crucial role as one of only two aircraft carriers available to Britain at that time. Her planes conducted numerous air strikes against Argentine forces, especially during Operation Sutton where she worked alongside sister-ship HMS Invincible to launch multiple sorties on Argentine positions.
World War II
During World War II, HMS Hermes served in the Mediterranean and Indian Oceans. She was involved in a number of engagements, including the Battle of Calabria and the attack on Taranto. In fact, it was during the attack on Taranto that she became the first ship to launch an all-aircraft naval attack.
The Fate of the Fourth HMS Hermes
After being decommissioned in 1984, the fourth HMS Hermes was sold to India and renamed INS Viraat. She served in the Indian Navy until 2017 when she was finally decommissioned and scrapped.
Conclusion
So there you have it – four ships have carried the name HMS Hermes throughout history. From a 20-gun ship during the French Revolutionary Wars to a famous aircraft carrier that played a crucial role during both World War II and the Falklands War, this name has certainly left its mark on naval history.