When Was HMS Hermes Sunk?

On April 9, 1942, the Royal Navy’s HMS Hermes was sunk by Japanese aircraft during the Battle of Ceylon in the Indian Ocean. The HMS Hermes was a British aircraft carrier that had been in service since 1924 and was the first purpose-built aircraft carrier in the world. The ship measured 600 feet in length and could reach a top speed of 25 knots.

The sinking of the HMS Hermes was a significant blow to the British naval forces, as it was one of their largest carriers at the time. The ship was carrying a number of aircraft, including Fairey Swordfish torpedo bombers and Hawker Sea Hurricane fighters.

The attack on the HMS Hermes came as part of a larger assault by Japanese forces on British naval bases in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). The Japanese were attempting to establish dominance over the Indian Ocean and disrupt British supply lines to their forces in India and Burma.

The attack on the HMS Hermes began early in the morning on April 9th when Japanese aircraft spotted the ship’s position. The ship’s anti-aircraft guns were quickly brought into action, but they were unable to prevent several bombs from striking the carrier’s flight deck. The bombs caused extensive damage and set several fires throughout the ship.

Despite attempts to extinguish the fires and stabilize the ship, it became clear that she was too badly damaged to be saved. The order was given to abandon ship, and all surviving crew members were evacuated from the sinking vessel.

In total, 307 crew members lost their lives when the HMS Hermes sank. This included not only sailors but also members of aircrew who had been on board at the time of attack.

The sinking of HMS Hermes remains an important event in both British naval history and World War II history more broadly. It represented a significant loss for Allied forces at a time when they were already facing major challenges from Axis powers around the world.

In conclusion, the HMS Hermes was sunk on April 9th, 1942, during the Battle of Ceylon in the Indian Ocean. The ship’s sinking was a significant loss for British naval forces and represented a major victory for Japanese forces as they sought to establish dominance over the Indian Ocean. Despite the tragedy, the bravery and sacrifice of those who served on board HMS Hermes will never be forgotten.