HMS Indomitable, Illustrious Class Aircraft carrier of the Royal Navy. part of the 1937 naval programme, which was an extension of the 1936 programme.  HMS Indomitable design was modified compared to her earlier sister ships (Illustrious and Victorious) she was given a two level hanger arrangement. This increased her aircraft carrying capacity to 48 instead of 36.  wartime modifications included the structural change of rebuilding the flight deck giving a longer usable length of 745feet.  Built at Vickers Armstrong and launched on the 26th March 1940 and commissioned 10th October 1941.  she  was attacked and bombed by enemy aircraft  (two hits by 500KG bombs) during operation pedestal  (large convoy to re supply Malta). she returned to Britain for repairs. In the Spring of 1943 she took part in the operations of Sicily but sustained damage from a torpedo attack on the 1 6th July 1943. she went to the \US for repairs and refit. In July  1944 she again rejoined the fleet in the Far East  and on the 4th May 1945 sustained damage due to kamikaze hits, She continued in service after the war in the Mediterranean and Home Fleets but was sold to the breakers in may 1953.

HMS Indomitable, 1946.

A large image size 10" x 7" approx, is available.  Reproduced from the original negative / photo under license from MPL, the copyright holder.  A signed numbered certificate is supplied. Price £25.   Order photograph here   Order Code  XMP781

HMS Indomitable, 1944.

A large image size 10" x 7" approx, is available.  Reproduced from the original negative / photo under license from MPL, the copyright holder.  A signed numbered certificate is supplied. Price £25.   Order photograph here   Order Code  XMP779

HMS Indomitable, c.1942.

A large image size 10" x 7" approx, is available.  Reproduced from the original negative / photo under license from MPL, the copyright holder.  A signed numbered certificate is supplied. Price £25.   Order photograph here   Order Code  XMP780

HMS Indomitable

Thanks to Carl Proctor for Identification.

HMS  INDOMITABLE UNDER ATTACK, PEDESTAL CONVOY AUGUST 12TH 1942 Thanks to Syd Millen

Naval Historians, Crew & Family Notice board

MESSAGES                                   HMS INDOMITABLE.

GEORGE McSHANE..   I am interested in anything about the Indomitable, especially hearing from any marines that served on board. My Granfather's brother in law was killed by one of the 500kg bombs during operation pedestal. I understand he was one of about 38 marines killed when two gun turrets took direct hits. (correct me if my info is wrong). His name was George Mcshane. He was very unfortuantate to be killed as he had already survived the sinking of the Prince of Wales & the sinking of the aircraft carrier HMS Hermes. On both these last occasions he was apparently below deck and survived. The latter time he was on deck in a gun turret. Also I have a postcard that suggests Indomitable latter became HMAS Melbourne???? nigeltomsett@hotmail.com

DENNIS (DANNY) O'DRISCOLL... SERVED ON INDOMITABLE IN WW2 AND WHEN HIS BEST MAN  GEORGE "JOCK " SCOTT WAS TRANSFERRED TO ANOTHER SHIP THEY LOST TOUCH. CAN ANYONE HELP WITH INFO ON JOCK'S

DAVID GEORGE PAYNE... Interested to hear from anyone who may have served with my father David George Payne. Not sure what years he served on her. He sadly passed away in 1986, and I am trying to research his navy service.  contact here  

SYDNEY W MILLEN..    Hello! would love to hear from anyone who served on HMS ILLUSTRIOUS 1940 / 1941with 806 sqd. later believe was renumbered to 882 who enjoyed or otherwise our exploits in Malta, Western Desert {Tobruk} etc.Syria, Alexandria, Ceylon, Madagascer and Pedestal convoy aboard HMS INDOMITABLE.don't suppose that there are many of us left by now, but here's hoping, also anyone remembering 842 squadron on HMS FENCER and the Atlantic gales and Russian convoys, have some pretty good photos of some of her antics.  Will be on the lookout   Regards  Sydney .W. Millen ex P.O. Air Fitter   s.millen@tiscali.co.uk 

I am trying to obtain a copy of a photograph showing the fire onboard the Indomitable on 3rd Feb. 1953. The Illustrated London News carried the picture on pages 318/319 of their 28 Feb. 1953 edition, unfortunately they no longer have a copy of that edition. I happened to be down below at the time of the explosion so have a personal interest and would appreciate any help.       John McAllan     Charlosjohn@aol.com 

GEORGE WILLIAM HAYDON: (Cinema Operator) My Dad served on HMS Indomitable during WW2. I would like to hear from anyone who might have known him. My dad immigrated to Australia and married a aussie girl. also if anyone knows of a few of his shipmates one of who was dads best man DENNIS HOPE. some of the others are W.FEENEY, L. LEEDMAN, P. BURCH, W. HARRISON, W.GORTON, F.READ, W. GRIFFITHS, N. HIGGINs, V. MEARS, and E, NEWTON hope you can help please contact Ron Haydon at ronsue1@bigpond.com 

CAN YOU HELP?  I am trying to find out info on HMS Indomitable which my grand father served on during WW2. If you have any photos or info of the ship and crew please contact Dale Pickup at dp014b7789@blueyonder.co.uk 

The Illustrious & Implacable Classes of Aircraft Carrier 1940 - 1969 by Neil McCart.

For the first time in one volume, here are the comprehensive histories of the six fleet aircraft carriers of the Illustrious and Implacable classes which dominated the Royal Navys aviation between 1940 and the early 1950s: Illustrious, Formidable, Victorious, Indomitable, Indefatigable and Implacable. The in-depth research has allowed the author to cover the careers of all six carriers through each year of their operational service with the Royal Navy. The career of each vessel is described in detail, and each of the 17 chapters is well illustrated with top quality photographs which depict each of the vessels at the various stages of their careers.

Hardback with 191 pages. . Price £23.00