RN Aircraft Carriers: Illustrious Class

[Brian James]

Fairey Albacore pictured on approach to HMS Victorious c1941.

[Brian James]

Grumman Martlet MK II Flight Ops pictured in support of a convoy to Malta,on Illustrious Class Light Fleet Carrier HMS Indomitable,August 1942.

[Brian James]

HMS Victorious pictured about to recover a Fairey Fulmar off Hvalfjord,Heavy Cruiser USS Wichita is astern.

[Brian James]

BPF,Lead Ship,HMS Illustrious pictured entering the Captain Cook graving dock in Sydney on March 2nd,1945, more than three weeks before its official opening on March 24th.

[Brian James]

Yesterday (March 1st) marks the 75th anniversary of the entry into the Captain Cook Graving Dock,Sydney,which was unnamed at that time, of the RN Aircraft Carrier HMS Illustrious. The carrier remained wet overnight and was officially 'Dry Docked' on the March 2nd 1945, for repairs to her center propeller.

[Brian James]

HMS Victorious pictured departing Sembawang Dockyard,Singapore on May 4th 1967.

[Brian James]

Mk 1 Sea Vixen of 892 Squadron accident,HMS Victorious February 8th 1961...Pilot..Lt. Paul Marshall RN...Observer Sub. Lt. Mike Maddox RN.
Off the west coast of Africa enrote to Capetown, with no diversions, pilot called in saying he could not transfer fuel from his starboard drop tank. It was decided it would be prudent to land him on last. These photos show that this was a good idea.
Pic 1. Made a good smooth landing but the starboard oleo collapsed due to the excess weight of full drop tank. The drop tank detaches, hits the deck and bursts.
Pic 2.Fuel burst into flames. Observer has jettisoned his hatch.
Pic 3.Pilot Paul Marshall on deck well away from fire. Observer, Mike Maddox, pictured climbing across pilot's cockpit to keep away from the flames. His Personal Equipment Connector (PEC) has snagged on the "O's" hatchway. The PEC connected aircrew to the aircraft oxygen.radio and anti g systems,both walked away unharmed.Images courtesy of Cdr (F) D. 'Shorty' Hamilton RN.

[Brian James]

Illustrious Class Carrier HMS Victorious pictured during full power trials in the mid '60's.

[Brian James]

Modified Illustrious Class Carrier HMS Indomitable pictured at Stockholm in 1951.

[Brian James]

When the RN operated the Douglas AEW.1 Skyraider...HMS Victorious pictured c1958.