What Has Happened to HMS Hermes?

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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. The ship was commissioned into the Royal Navy on November 19, 1924. It had a length of 600 feet and could accommodate up to 24 aircraft.

During its service, HMS Hermes played a vital role in several conflicts including the Spanish Civil War, World War II, and even the Korean War. In World War II, it served extensively in the Mediterranean and Indian Ocean.

The Sinking of HMS Hermes

In early April 1942, a Japanese task force consisting of four aircraft carriers and several other warships were making their way towards Colombo (now Sri Lanka) with an aim to destroy British naval forces stationed there. On April 5th, they launched an air raid on Colombo harbor sinking many British ships including HMS Cornwall.

HMS Hermes along with another ship HMAS Vampire were then sent towards Trincomalee for safety. However, on April 9th, they were spotted by Japanese planes and attacked with bombs and torpedoes. Despite evasive action taken by both ships, they were hit multiple times.

Eventually, HMS Hermes capsized and sank taking with it over half of its crew while HMAS Vampire also sank shortly after. The Japanese lost only three planes during this battle.

Legacy of HMS Hermes

The sinking of HMS Hermes was a significant loss for the Royal Navy as it was one of their most important assets at the time. However, the crew of HMS Hermes fought valiantly till the end and their bravery is remembered to this day.

In 2015, a team of divers discovered the wreck of HMS Hermes lying on the seabed off the coast of Sri Lanka. The site has now been declared a protected area by the Sri Lankan government.

Conclusion

HMS Hermes played a significant role in shaping naval warfare during its time and will always be remembered for its contributions to British naval history. Its sinking was a tragic loss for the Royal Navy and serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by brave men and women during times of war.

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