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Aircraft Carrier histories. Royal Navy
Illustrious Class aircraft carriers. Aircraft carrier website dedicated to
the history of HMS Illustrious, HMS Victorious, HMS Formidable, HMS
Indomitable, HMS Implacable and HMS Indefatigable from their launch to
their participation in major wars also notice board for families of
ex-crew of Illustrious class carriers.
HMS Illustrious
built by Vickers Armstrong at Barrow and launched 5th April 1939. She
served in the Mediterranean from 1940-41, then Eastern Fleet 1942-43,
Was part of Force H in 1943, moving to the Eastern Fleet in 1944 then
Pacific Fleet in 1945. She was finally scrapped at Faslane on 3rd
November 1956.
HMS Victorious built
by Vickers Armstrong on the Tyne laid down 4th of May 1937 Launched 14
Sept 1939 and completed 15th May 1941 Served in the Home Fleet 1941 -
43 moved to the South Pacific in 1943 and in 1944 to Home and
Eastern Fleets and rejoined the Pacific fleet in 1945. While in the
Pacific was twice hit by KAMIKAZES. Finally scraped in June 1969 at
Faslane on the Clyde.
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| HMS Illustrious |
5th April 1939 |
Broken up 1956. |
| HMS Victorious |
14th September
1939 |
Broken up 1969. |
| HMS Formidable |
17th August 1939 |
Broken up 1953. |
| HMS Indomitable |
26th March 1940 |
Broken up 1955. |
| Displacement: 23,000 tons/ 23,368 tons (standard); 28,210 tons/28,661 tons
(deep
load)
Length: 673ft/205.13m (pp); 743ft 9in.226.69m (oa); 650ft/198.12m (fd)
Beam: 95ft 9in/29.18m (hull); 80ft/24.38m (fd)
Draight: 24ft/7.32m (mean); 28ft/8.53m (deep
load)
Machinery: Parsons geared turbines; 6 Admiralty 3 drum boilers; 3
shafts
Speed: 111,000shp;
30.5kts
Bunkerage: 4,850 tons/4,928
tons
Range: 11,000nm at
14kts
Aircraft:
36
Armament: 16x4.5in;
48x2pdr
Crew: 1,200 |
| HMS
Illustrious |
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HMS Illustrious, October 1954.
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
XMP764
Original
republished © MPL Photograph (Postcard Size). Price £5 Click here
to order. Order Code MP764 |
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HMS Illustrious, Portsmouth, June 1951.
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
XMP763
Original
republished © MPL Photograph (Postcard Size). Price £5 Click here
to order. Order Code MP763 |
HMS Illustirous, October 1954.
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
XMP765
Original
republished © MPL Photograph (Postcard Size). Price £5 Click here
to order. Order Code MP765 |
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HMS Illustrious, June 1951.
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
XMP761
Original
republished © MPL Photograph (Postcard Size). Price £5 Click here
to order. Order Code MP671 |
HMS Illustrious, June 1951.
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
XMP762
Original
republished © MPL Photograph (Postcard Size). Price £5 Click here
to order. Order Code MP762 |
|
HMS Illustrious, October 1947.
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
XMP759
Original
republished © MPL Photograph (Postcard Size). Price £5 Click here
to order. Order Code MP759 |
HMS Illustrious, October 1947.
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
XMP760
Original
republished © MPL Photograph (Postcard Size). Price £5 Click here
to order. Order Code MP760 |
|
HMS Illustrious, 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
XMP757
Original
republished © MPL Photograph (Postcard Size). Price £5 Click here
to order. Order Code MP757 |
HMS Illustrious, 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
XMP758
Original
republished © MPL Photograph (Postcard Size). Price £5 Click here
to order. Order Code MP758 |
|
HMS Illustrious, c.1940.
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
XMP755
Original
republished © MPL Photograph (Postcard Size). Price £5 Click here
to order. Order Code MP755 |
HMS Illustrious, Malta, September 1943.
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
XMP756
Original
republished © MPL Photograph (Postcard Size). Price £5 Click here
to order. Order Code MP756 |
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The Chapel HMS Illustrious Original
postcard for sale Price £20 Order Code PHA021 |
HMS Illustrious pictured July 1946 Original
Wright & Logan Postcard 1946 approx. Price £20. Click here
to order. Order Code PHA022 |
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HMS ILLUSTRIOUS BEING ATTACKED FROM
THE AIR OFF STRAITS PANTELLERIA JAN.10TH 1941 Thanks
to Syd Millen |
HMS Illustrious.
Original
Post Card for d sale price £20. Order Code PHA023 |
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HMS ILLUSTRIOUS BEING BOMBED IN GRAND
HARBOUR VALLETTA, JAN 1941 Thanks
to Syd Millen |
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A Crash Landed plane on HMS Illustrious. |
A Crash Landing on HMS Illustrious. February
1946. This crash killed pilot Lt Hutton, 887 Sqdn. |
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On HMS Illustrious. |
Plane VR941. 1949. The pilot escaped from
this crash on Illustrious. |
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VR952 of 736 Sqdn on HMS Illustrious |
VX651 52 TAG, 12-7-50. Lt Boweman. |
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CW129 on Illustrious. |
SW808 15-9-50, Lt Davison. HMS Illustrious. |
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MB718 Ships Flt, HMS Illustrious |
VX650, 767 Sqdn, Dec 1949, HMS Illustrious |
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Aircraft landing on Illustrious, 1951 |
After a crash on Illustrious, 1951. |
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After a crash on Illustrious, 1951. |
A landing on Illustrious, 1951. |
| HMS
Victorious |
HMS Victorious in Hong Kong c.1961. Original
Post card for sale price £25 Order Code PHA024 |
HMS Victorious in Hong Kong c 1961. Original
Postcard for sale Price £25. Order Code PHA025 |
HMS Victorious, October 1945.
Original
Wright & Logan Postcard. Price £25. Click here to order. Order Code
PHA064 |
HMS Victorious.
Original
Gale & Polden Ltd Postcard. Price £15. Click here to
order. Order Code PHA069 |
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HMS Formidable and HMS Implacable.
Contributed by Sandra Meacock. |
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Our message board system has now
been upgraded to a discussion forum at worldnavalships.com. Any
messages on this page are now archive messages kept here to service
those who left the messages originally. Click
Here to go to the new Forum |
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Naval Historians, Crew & Family
Noticeboard
MESSAGES
HMS ILLUSTRIOUS CPO
ALFRED (BUCK) ROGERS.. I am the daughter of the late CPO Alfred
(Buck) Rogers. He served on the Vic during 1941 - 1945. Sadly,
he passed away 7 years ago but he did start up a reunion which has been
very successful over the last 26 years. When it first started at
Yeovilton Air Station. back in the eighties I remember around 60 old
shipmates gathered for what was a very emotional weekend. Over the
following years, the numbers increased as more old shipmates were
found. Sadly, this is no longer the case as many have now
"crossed the bar". The last reunion was held in May 2003
(as always in Yeovilton Air Station) but many travelled down last May for
the Sunday church service which is held at St Barts (fleet air arm church
in the village). Th association is still running and I have the
address of the secretary, Mr Mansell Evan. 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 GLYNDWR
HARISON.. Hello my name is
Debbie Norwell (nee Harrison) my
father Glyndwr Harrison (Taff) served on H.M.S. ILLUSTRIOUS
from 1946 he was a P.O Stoker, who lived in Plymouth.
I would love to
hear from anyone who remembers him. thenorwells@ntlworld.com RICHARD
GRIFFIN. (Chief Petty Officer). My
Grandfather served on HMS Illustrious during the time she saw heavy
action in the med. He was at Taranto and survived the stuka bombings.. I
have
his memoirs talking about his time serving on her. I am very proud of him.
Chief Petty Officer Richard Griffin, Deceased. He passed away three years
ago.
I don’t know if there are any crew members out there from this
time.
roskva@msn.com
STUART
GREAVES (Sub Lt Artificer).. My father, Stuart, served on HMS
Illustrious 1941-1946 (possibly longer). He was an engineering
officer/artificer in the engine room joining her in Malta after her
bombing. Does anyone remember him? He also served on Formidable,
Victorious and Forth. Any info contact me at mum@five67.fsnet.co.uk INCIDENT AT PORTLAND HARBOUR.. A friend
of mine remembers an incident involving a liberty boat from Illustrious
and some bad weather. A number of sailors were killed but a friend of his
saved a few people and was awarded a medal in recognition of his bravery.
He cannot recall this young sailor's name. Can anyone help? Contact me at trev.sharp@ntlworld.com JOHN T HILL.. JAMES
SELLARS.. I am
trying to contact Marine John Hill who served with me on Illustrious in
1942. We served together throughout the war and were discharged at the
same time. John Hill was a member of my wedding party in 1946. I have
often wondered what became of John and would like to contact him wherever
he may be. E-mail me, James Sellars, at gsellars@shaw.ca JIMMY
PETTIGREW..
My father Jimmy Pettigrew
(from Glasgow) was on HMS Illustrious as an Observer/Navigator in Grumman
Avengers, 845 Squadron when Illustrious was based at Trincomlee, Ceylon
late 1944 -early 1945. I would be grateful to hear from any 845 Squadron
members who might remember my father. Contact Peter Pettigrew at p.pettigrew@clear.net.nz
HMS VICTORIOUS BILL
MADDIN.
My brother Bill served on HMS
Victorious, (he recently passed away) I would love to find out if there is
a HMS Victorious association and to hear from anybody who may have known
my brother. Contact Pete Maddin at pj.maddin@ntlworld.com DESMOND
CAYWOOD.. My uncle Desmond, who passed away recently, sent me many
naval photographs of the ships he served on whilst in the RN. He has a few
of 13 mess and 12 mess on Victorious. Does anyone remember my uncle? Any information
will be gratefully received. Contact me at gunslinger201@aol.com
HMS INDEFATIGABLE HMS
INDEFATIGABLE.. ROSTER INFORMATION.. I am looking for roster information
for HMS Indefatigable. Contact Bart at bjsch@nwol.net Does anyone have information on HMS
Indefatigable during WWII. My granddad served on this carrier, he died
before I was born but I would love to get information and maybe a picture.
Thank you. Contact P.Mccaffrey14@btopenworld.com Graham
Lomas . My father served on HMS Indefatigable around 1948 to 1952. I would love to
hear from anyone who may have photos of the ship or may have known my
father. Contact SUZANNA PRICE at jobron@hotmail.com |
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HMS Illustrious and HMS Kenya at Devonport by Ivan Berryman.
HMS Illustrious slips quietly away from the docks at Devonport, Plymouth with the Fiji class cruiser in the middle distance, 1941.
Signed limited edition of 1150 prints. Image size 25 inches x 15 inches (64cm x 38cm). Price £50.00
Limited edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 25 inches x 15 inches (64cm x 38cm). Price £125.00
Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. Image size 36 inches x 24 inches (91cm x 61cm). Price £480.00
Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. Image size 30 inches x 20 inches (76cm x 51cm). Price £370.00
Original painting by Ivan Berryman. Image size 36 inches x 24 inches (91cm x 61cm). Price £3000.00
Postcard size 6 inches x 4 inches (15cm x 10cm). Price £2.00
ITEM CODE DHM1175
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Related Items and Offers: Click Images for Details |
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Buy With This For Only : £160
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Buy With This For Only : £180
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Raid on Taranto by Anthony Saunders
The balance of maritime power in the Mediterranean was transformed at a stroke by the British air attack which disabled three Italian battleships in a few minutes. The target was the core of Mussolinis fleet, tucked away in Taranto Harbour, in southern Italy. The attack, codenamed Operation Judgement, took place in bright moonlight by twenty-one Swordfish from the British carrier HMS Illustrious. In the confined space of the harbour, their torpedoes had a devastating impact, at least nine torpedoes struck their targets. In all, seven ships were severely damaged, including the battleship Caio Duilio (left), Littorio (right) and Conte Di Cavour.
Signed limited edition of 1150 prints. Image size 24 inches x 15 inches (61cm x 38cm). Price £95.00
Limited edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 24 inches x 15 inches (61cm x 38cm). Price £75.00
Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. Image size 30 inches x 20 inches (76cm x 51cm). Price £370.00
Original painting by Anthony Saunders. Size 30 inches x 20 inches (76cm x 51cm). Price £
Postcard size 6 inches x 4 inches (15cm x 10cm). Price £2.00
ITEM CODE DHM0519
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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 £30.00
ITEM CODE BN0046
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HMS Victorious 1937 - 1969 by Neil McCart with foreword by Vice-Admiral Sir Ian McIntosh
SOLD OUT
Hardback with 192 pages. . Price £
ITEM CODE BN0011
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