'Ruler' class aircraft carriers of the RN

[FlyTexas]

A very thorough (and lengthy) article about the 'Ruler' class aircraft carriers. Boat loads of pics, including one of the carrier HMS Atheling after she was converted into a very handsome luxury liner the SS Roma. Something for everyone...except DaveB who's probably seen this article. Oh, and pay no attention to the misspelt word "yoeman" in the article heading.

http://www.vintagewings.ca/VintageNews/ ... Class.aspx

Brian

[DaveB]

What a great reference. Thanks for posting Brian

ATB
DaveB

[FlyTexas]

Glad you enjoyed it, Dave. I feel the article could have easily been published in a book format...so much information and beautiful photos. It gave me a real education about the 'Ruler' class carriers. Before reading the article I had no idea that carriers performed flight ops in winter conditions. I also had no idea that carriers were used for convoy protection. I've always read that the convoys were on their own once the land based aircraft protecting them had reached range limit.

Brian

[DaveB]

That was the initial reason for so many losses. Escorts didn't go all the way and there weren't aircraft available with sufficient range to fill in the gaps. Even when suitable aircraft were found.. the RAF didn't care to let them go on piddly convoy protection despite pleas from the Admiralty and the Admiralty couldn't spare their 'Fleet Carriers'. A dire situation for the convoys. Procurement of the Escort Carriers did much to lessen losses caused by the U-Boats and when Coastal Command got Liberators, the hole in the middle was filled which finally put paid to the Kriegsmarine.

ATB
DaveB

[FlyTexas]

Thanks for the info Dave.

Brian

[TSR2]

Really enjoyed that Brian, thanks. Loved reading about their "after life" too.

[FlyTexas]

Glad you liked it, Ben.

Brian

[Chris Trott]

Was a great read. I ended up realizing I was almost 2 hours past my bedtime when I got done.

There are some other neat articles on the VWoC website that are worth a look as well. There's some really nice content they produce in addition to being a fine flying museum.

[Paul K]

Great link, Brian - some very interesting reading ahead on my next day off.

Boat loads of pics, including one of the carrier HMS Atheling after she was converted into a very handsome luxury liner the SS Roma.

By curious coincidence, Italy's only aircraft carrier of WW2, the Aquila, was a conversion from a passenger liner named SS Roma.

[FlyTexas]

Wow, that is a coincidence Paul.

Brian