RN Aircraft Carriers: Implacable Class 1944

[jbryce1437]

Two Aircraft Carriers of the Implacable Class were laid down in 1939, but were not completed until 1944. They were HMS Implacable and Indefatigable and both were faster than the Illustrious Class and could carry more aircraft. Both were launched within two days of each other in December 1939 as the construction of Implacable was suspended in 1940 to enable escorts for the Battle of the Atlantic to be given priority.
Implacable took part in Operation Athletic off the Norwegian coast and was given a short refit in preparation to being assigned to the British Pacific Fleet and was involve in attacks on Japanese forces. After the Japanes surrender she was assigned to ferry allied prisoners of war back to Australia and Canada. Post war she was used for aircraft trials and became flag ship of the Home Fleet in 1948. She was decommissioned in 1954 and scrapped in 1955.
Indefatigable was involved in both of the 1944 operations to sink Tirpitz, Operation Goodwood and Operation Mascot. She was assigned to the British Pacific Fleet and was involved in attacks on Japanese positions. She returned to the UK in March 1946 and was used to ferry troops to Australia, America, Ceylon and Singapore. She was reduced to reserve in 1947 and later modified to carry out a training role before being decommissioned in 1954 and scrapped in 1956.

HMS Implacable

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implacable (1944).jpg

HMS Indefatigable

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indefatigable-1953.jpg

[ivorthediver]

Sorry.... I seem to have got knotted on my laces ............quite at the back there

What A Mind you have JIM , all joking aside , I Can see why you hold the position you have , I am amazed.... thank you .

[Brian James]

HMS Implacable pictured as she arrives at Pearl Harbor with a boatload of Ex POW's,October 5th 1945.

[Brian James]

Implacable Class Carrier HMS Indefatigable enters Waitemata Harbour,December 12th 1945.

[timlewin]

David Hobbes excellent book "The Pacific Fleet" give comprehensive accounts of all the British aircraft carriers out there including these two including their transportation roles in the immediate post war period, masses and masses of soldiers, PoWs and displaced people to be taken home. Very well worth a read.

[Brian James]

Lead Ship,HMS Implacable seen c1945.

[designeraccd]

Three views of IMPLACABLE postwar. DFO

[Brian James]

Lead Ship,HMS Implacable pictured as she enters Rotterdam in 1954.

[Brian James]

Lead Ship,Carrier HMS Implacable pictured as she enters Port Melbourne,March 1st 1946.

[Brian James]

Implacable Class Carrier HMS Indefatigable pictured c1944.