Lewin of Greenwich Naval History & Forum

Here is a revised version 2 of the proposed souvenir of this much loved ship; the crests now follow the pattern of the one we made for HMS Belfast ten years ago, by casting the plates inside the steel plate the casting process is much easier. The steel for the crests is recovered from the flight deck, and the wood for the back-plate is teak recovered from the quarterdeck planking. The plan is to make a limited number, 500 for the UK market, and 1,000 for the indian market. I hope to tell you all more in the near future. one small difference, there will be only one plate centred below the crests which will be in English only which the Indian side approve of which avoids which Indian language/dialect to use. There will be a certificate of authenticity on the back.

Very admirable Tim, I would certainly partake if I had served onboard, I would love a similar of Tiger or Victorious.

One of the last images of Indian Carriers INS Viraat (Ex HMS Hermes) and INS Vikramaditya together, Exercise TROPEX 2015.

A view of the pair from Jan., 2014. A long life for a wartime build CVL; even if she wasn't finished until 1954, IIRC!!

Also, a beauty shot of VIRAAT on her last day as part of India's Navy in 2017. DFO

A great pity she could not have been saved, Modified Centaur Class Light Fleet Carrier INS Viraat (Ex HMS Hermes) pictured off Visakhapatnam on February 5th 2016.