HMS ARK ROYAL

HMS Ark Royal (91) was a British aircraft carrier from the interwar period and World War II. The keel was laid for this unit in September 1935, the launch took place in April 1937, and the entry into service with the Royal Navy - in December 1938. The total length of the ship at the time of launching was 240 m, overall width was approximately 29 m, with a draft of 9.6 meters. The full displacement, on the other hand, was about 28,200 tons, and the maximum speed was up to 30 knots. The aircraft carrier was able to board up to 72 aircraft, but actually operated 50 to 60 aircraft. The secondary armament consisted of, among others: 16 cannons of 114 mm caliber or 32 cannons of 40 mm caliber (the so-called pom-pom). HMS Ark Royal (91) was built at the Cammell Laird and Company shipyard in Birkenhead, based on a design developed back in 1934 and taking into account the limitations of the Washington Treaty. The presented vessel was undoubtedly a novelty in the Royal Navy on many levels. First of all, it was the first British aircraft carrier whose flight deck was an integral part of the entire ship. From the very beginning, the unit was also designed to carry as many planes as possible, which was also largely successful. On the other hand, it was inferior in this field to, for example, the Japanese Akagi or Kaga units. From the beginning of World War II, HMS Ark Royal (91) was used extensively by the Royal Navy and took part in a large number of naval operations from the beginning of this military conflict. First of all, it took an active part in the operation in Norway in April-June 1940, but also in Operation Catapult (1940) in the Mediterranean. HMS Ark Royal (91) also took part in the Battle of Cape Spartivento (November 1940) on a limited basis. From the end of 1940 to the end of 1941, the carrier operated in the Mediterranean basin and most often covered British convoys bound for Malta. The unit was sunk in a torpedo attack by U-81 on November 14, 1941, near the base in Gibraltar. By the way, it can be added that the commander of the unit was accused of neglecting his duties after this fact and he was brought before a military court.