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.

Displacement: 23,000 tons,       Speed: 30.5 knots,       Range: 11,000nautical miles at 14 knots.               Compliemnt:  1200           Aircraft 48               Guns  Sixteen 4.5 inch  and Forty Eight 2 pounders.

HMS Indomitable, 1946.

Click here for photo purchasing options

HMS Indomitable, 1944.

Click here for photo purchasing options

HMS Indomitable, c.1942.

Click here for photo purchasing options

HMS Indomitable taken from deck of Gambia, the other vessel being an oiler. Sent in by Francine Bailey whose Dad served on HMS Gambia.

The Crest and Four Pictures of HMS Indefatigable were taken in Sydney and are all provided by Ron and Sue Williams  

HMS Indomitable during her visit to Australia and New Zealand

HMS Indomitable at Sydney

Photo taken in New Zealand of the crew of HMS Indomitable

Photo taken in New Zealand of the crew of HMS Indomitable

HMS Indomitable

Thanks to Carl Proctor for Identification.

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

1. These four photographs show the crash landing of WE716 "153" on Indomitable in 1951.

2.

3.

4.