RN Aircraft Carriers: Centaur Class 1953

[DaveH]

Here is one of Hermes [66/67 Commission] showing full turnout .

img003.jpg

[ivorthediver]

Ah those were the days Dave .......thats what I call a Ships Company .......Bristol fashion indeed

[DaveH]

Cannot remember exactly where I was when that was taken ...... either closed up on watch in the Shak or down below in Damage Control HQ.

Happy days and a great Commission on the best of the Centaurs [no incoming invited #] which incidentally outlived them all going to the Indian Navy after her service with the RN and running until last year when she was finally paid off.

[ivorthediver]

Well it obviously made a lasting impression on you mate , and helped you retain the memory of many hours on watch on her eh

[timlewin]

I know few others who thought these were the best of days; I recommend the book "HMS HERMES 1959-1984" by Lt. Cdr. Tony Dyson which is still available on Amazon used.

[Little h]

Indian government has approved plan for INS Viraat (Ex-HMS Hermes) the world’s oldest aircraft carrier to be preserved as maritime museum-& marine adventure centre. She will be grounded, sealed to to Nivati rocks 7nm miles off the coast of Mumbai.

Source NavyLookout on Twitter Save the Royal Navy.org including comments.

See full article here in Times of India

[timlewin]

this might well be some of those cancelled?

[jbryce1437]

I don't think any of Harland and Wolff carriers were cancelled, although several were not completed until many years later. The following were built by Harland and Wolff: Formidable, Campania, Glory, Warrior, Magnificent, Powerful, Hercules, Eagle, Centaur and Bulwark.
I think your photo shows the last three, with Eagle in dock on the right and Centaur and Bulwark beyond in early 1950's.

Jim

[ivorthediver]

God , I wish I had stayed on at school another few months , and became as bright as you two .....only teasing ........but it amazes me how you two find all this info from so far back , its embarrassing and makes me feel like an idiot .......more power to you both , and thanks for sharing your expertise with us .....the undeserving ,........but hungry for information

[Brian James]

Fairey Gannet COD.4 delivers mail to HMS Hermes with Blackburn Buccaneers and De Havilland DH110 Sea Vixens spotted pictured in 1967.