Who Sank HMS Hermes?

On April 9, 1942, the British aircraft carrier HMS Hermes sank off the coast of Sri Lanka during World War II. The sinking of the Hermes remains a mystery to this day, with several theories surrounding who was responsible for the attack.

Background

The HMS Hermes was commissioned in 1924 and served as one of the Royal Navy’s primary aircraft carriers during World War II. In 1942, the carrier was stationed off the coast of Sri Lanka (then known as Ceylon) as part of the British Eastern Fleet.

The Attack

On April 9, 1942, a Japanese naval force consisting of several aircraft carriers and cruisers launched a surprise attack on the British fleet anchored in Trincomalee Bay. The Japanese planes Targeted both military ships and civilian vessels in an attempt to disrupt Allied operations in Southeast Asia.

During the attack, several bombs hit the HMS Hermes, causing extensive damage to the carrier. Despite efforts to save the ship, it eventually sank along with over 300 crew members on board.

Theories

The sinking of the HMS Hermes has been subject to several theories over the years. Some suggest that Japanese dive bombers were responsible for delivering fatal blows to the carrier. Others claim that a torpedo from a Japanese submarine caused its demise.

However, some historians believe that friendly fire was responsible for sinking the HMS Hermes. According to this theory, British anti-aircraft guns may have accidentally hit their own ship during the chaos of battle.

Conclusion

Despite decades of research and investigation into what caused HMS Hermes’ sinking, no definitive answer has emerged. Theories continue to be debated among researchers and historians.

Regardless of who or what caused its demise, however, it remains an important symbol of British naval history and serves as a reminder of those who fought bravely during World War II.