Where Was HMS Hermes Built?

HMS Hermes, a Royal Navy aircraft carrier, was one of the most iconic ships in British naval history. It served during World War II and played a crucial role in several battles. But where was HMS Hermes built?

The answer lies in the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne, a city located in the north-east of England. The shipyard responsible for building HMS Hermes was Vickers-Armstrongs, which was located on the banks of the River Tyne.

The construction of HMS Hermes began in 1918, at a time when Vickers-Armstrongs was one of the largest shipbuilding companies in the world. The ship’s design was based on that of another aircraft carrier, HMS Eagle, which had been completed three years earlier.

HMS Hermes was built using advanced techniques and materials for its time. The ship’s hull was made using steel plates that were welded together, rather than riveted as had been done previously. This made the hull much stronger and more durable than earlier designs.

The ship’s engines were also state-of-the-art for their time. They consisted of four steam turbines that could generate enough power to propel HMS Hermes to speeds of up to 25 knots (29 mph).

HMS Hermes was launched on February 11th, 1924 by Lady Gwendoline Mountbatten, wife of Admiral Louis Mountbatten. After its launch, the ship underwent extensive sea trials to ensure that it met all necessary safety standards.

In 1925, HMS Hermes entered service with the Royal Navy and became part of its Mediterranean Fleet. Over the next few years, it played an important role in several conflicts including the Spanish Civil War and World War II.

During World War II, HMS Hermes took part in several major battles including the Battle of Calabria and the Battle of Cape Matapan. However, it is perhaps best known for its role in Operation Pedestal – a convoy mission to resupply the island of Malta in 1942.

Unfortunately, HMS Hermes’ illustrious career was cut short when it was sunk by Japanese bombers on April 9th, 1942, during the Battle of Ceylon. The ship’s sinking was a major blow to the Royal Navy and a stark reminder of the dangers faced by sailors during wartime.

In conclusion, HMS Hermes was built at Vickers-Armstrongs shipyard in Newcastle upon Tyne using advanced techniques for its time. It played a crucial role in several battles and conflicts before being sunk by Japanese bombers during World War II. Despite its tragic end, HMS Hermes remains an important part of British naval history and a testament to the skill and dedication of those who built and sailed it.