WW2 aircraft carrier, HMS Ark Royal

The HMS Ark Royal (R09) was one of Britain’s most iconic aircraft carriers of World War II. Launched in 1937, she represented a new generation of aircraft carriers designed specifically for naval aviation. Unlike previous carriers, which were often converted from other ship classes, the Ark Royal was built from the keel up as an aircraft carrier, making her a formidable force in the Royal Navy.

Revolutionary Design and Structure

HMS Ark Royal was designed with a fully enclosed hangar deck and a flush-deck design, which was an innovative departure from older carriers. She featured a double hangar system, maximizing aircraft capacity while maintaining a well-protected structure. This allowed the ship to carry up to 60 aircraft, a significant number at the time. The flight deck was equipped with steam catapults and arrestor wires to facilitate takeoffs and landings of naval aircraft.

A key highlight of her construction was the hull’s compartmentalization, which provided better damage control. Despite this, her design also had a major flaw—she lacked proper torpedo protection, which would later contribute to her demise in 1941.

Power and Armament

Ark Royal was powered by six Admiralty 3-drum boilers driving three Parsons geared steam turbines, allowing her to achieve a top speed of 30 knots (56 km/h). This speed was crucial for keeping up with fast-moving fleet operations.

In terms of armament, she was equipped with:

• 16 x 4.5-inch dual-purpose guns (for both air and surface targets)
• 32 x 2-pounder pom-pom anti-aircraft guns
• Various smaller anti-aircraft weapons to defend against enemy aircraft

Her air group primarily consisted of Fairey Swordfish torpedo bombers, Blackburn Skua dive bombers, and Fairey Fulmar fighters, which were essential in naval engagements.

Key Battles and Operations

HMS Ark Royal played a pivotal role in several major World War II operations:

1. The Hunt for the Bismarck (1941): One of her most famous contributions was launching Swordfish torpedo bombers against the German battleship Bismarck. A torpedo strike from one of her aircraft jammed Bismarck’s rudder, making the battleship unable to maneuver. This led to the eventual sinking of Bismarck by the Royal Navy.
2. Mediterranean Operations: Ark Royal was heavily involved in protecting convoys to Malta, ensuring that crucial supplies reached the besieged island. Her aircraft were instrumental in fighting off enemy bombers and submarines.

The Sinking of Ark Royal

On November 13, 1941, Ark Royal was struck by a torpedo from the German U-boat U-81. Despite attempts to save her, flooding was uncontrollable, and she eventually capsized and sank the next day. Fortunately, due to well-executed evacuation procedures, only one crew member was lost.

Legacy

HMS Ark Royal’s legacy lives on as one of the most famous aircraft carriers in naval history. Her contributions to World War II showcased the power of carrier-based aviation and helped shape modern naval warfare. Her name was carried on by later British carriers, honoring her pioneering role in naval history.