Carrier Collection (#4)

HMS Illustrious at Speed
HMS Illustrious at speed in the English Channel. HMS Illustrious was undergoing training off the south coast of the UK, in preparation for an upcoming deployment

HMS Illustrious Visiting Glen Mallan in Scotland
HMS Illustrious approaches Glen Mallan. Illustrious was in Glen Mallan to conduct a routine visit with the primary purpose to ammunition the ship

HMS Illustrious is pictured during Exercise Cougar 12 in the Mediterranean Sea. The Royal Navy vessel is taking part in Cougar

HMS Illustrious Refuelling from FS Somme
HMS Illustrious (right) takes fuel from the French supply tanker FS Somme. HMS Illustrious met up with the FS Somme today, a tanker from the French Navy, to conduct a Replenishment At Sea (RAS)

USS Harrys Truman
American Nimitz class aircraft carrier USS Harrys Truman is pictured during flying operations in the company of HMS Somerset in the Mediterranean

HMS Illustrious and HMS Bulwark off Norway
HMS Illustrious and HMS Bulwark (foreground) are pictured near Harstad, Norway during Exercise Cold Response

HMS Illustrious on Loch Long, Scotland
HMS Illustrious on Loch Long, heading for the ammunitioning jetty at Glenmallan in Argyll, where she ll take on stores and ammunition before heading to the Arctic Circle

US Navy Aircraft Carrier USS John C Stennis
American aircraft carrier USS John C Stennis is pictured from the Royal Navy frigate HMS St Albans during a helicopter transfer between the two ships

ARK Heads to the Tail of the Bank Anchorage
HMS Ark Royal at the head of a convoy during Exercise Joint Warrior. She is followed by (left to right) HMS Somerset, HMS Gloucester and HMS Bulwark as they transit the Straits of Mull

HMS Ark Royal Emerges from the Mist to Dock in Portsmouth for the Final Time
HMS Ark Royal arrives alongside in Portsmouth for the very last time. Fleet flagship HMS Ark Royal returned to her home port of Portsmouth for the final time on 3rd December 2010

Apache Helicopter Operations on HMS Ark Royal
An Army Air Corps Apache helicopter is pictured taking off from the flight deck of HMS Ark Royal during an exercise off the Cornish coast

HMS Ark Royal RAS with RFA Wave Knight
Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal conducts a Replenishment at Sea (RAS) with the supply vessel RFA Wave Knight in the North Sea

USMC Osprey Helicopter Lands Onboard HMS Ark Royal
A US Marine Corps V22 Osprey helicopter lands onboard HMS Ark Royal during Exercise Auriga 10 in the Western Atlantic

HMS Illustrious with Fireworks on River Thames
The Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious is illuminated by fireworks during celebrations for the 100th anniversary of Naval Aviation

HMS Illustrious off the coast of Great Britain. The aircraft carrier was at sea with Naval Strike Wing (NSW) Harrier aircraft embarked

Carriers
Giovanni Cavalli

All-British FV432 Armoured Personnel Carrier, at the 2006 Larkhill Royal Artillery open day, on the Larkhill racecourse / exhibition ground. Date: 2006

Capricorn, Le Versean (Water Carrier)

Holmfirth Sunday School Outing early 1900s

Water carrier, India - Victorian period

Water carrier, India

Releasing a carrier pigeon from a British tank near Albert, 9th August 1918

WW1 - Releasing a carrier pigeon from a tank near Albert, France - 9th August 1918

HMS Indomitable and Supermarine Seafires probably 1940s

Royal Navy Aircraft Carrier and biplanes possibly 1920s

Royal Navy aircraft carrier and biplanes

Royal Navy HMS Courageous aircraft carrier

Horse drawn carrier haulier

Plymouth Bristol Haulage Carrier Victorian period

RAF biplane leaving aircraft carrier

Biplane just taken off from an aircraft carrier early 1900s

HMS Hermes 95
Royal Navy - HMS Hermes 95, a British aircraft carrier, the world's first ship to be designed as an aircraft carrier, in May 1929. Date: 1929

HMS Glorious 77
Royal Navy - HMS Glorius, aircraft carrier, at anchor in Grand Harbour Valetta.. HMS Glorious was the second of the three Courageous-class battlecruisers built for the Royal Navy during the First

Upper Hangar in Royal Navy Aircraft Carrier HMS Indomitable
The Upper Hangar in the Royal Navy Aircraft Carrier HMS Indomitable. Date: 1943

The Evolution of the British Aircraft Carrier - from cross-channel steamers to modern designs Date: 1946

HMS Indomitable - Royal Navy Aircraft Carrier - The Church. Date: 1943

Douglas C-124C-DL Globemaster II 51-7277
United States Air Force - Douglas C-124C-DL Globemaster II 51-7277 (msn 43728), of the 63rd Troop Carrier Wing at Prestwick airport on 22 May 1965

Douglas C-124C-DL Globemaster II 51-0167
United States Air Force - Douglas C-124C-DL Globemaster II 51-0167 (msn 43501), of the 63rd Troop Carrier Wing at Prestwick airort on 19 March 1965

HMCS Magnificent CVL-21
Royal Canadian Navy - HMCS Magnificent CVL-21, a Majestic-class aircraft carrier seen in April 1948. (Originally ordered for the Royal Navy as HMS Magnificent) Date: 1948

HMCS Bonaventure 22
Royal Canadian Navy - HMCS Bonaventure 22, a Majestic-class aircraft carrier seen in March 1957. (Originally ordered for the Royal Navy as HMS Powerful) Date: 1957

HMS Argus 149
Royal Navy - HMS Argus 149, an aircraft carrier, seen in March 1939. Argus served from 1918 to 1944. After commissioning, the ship was involved for several years in the development of the optimum

HMS Courageous 50
Royal Navy - HMS Courageous 50, an aircraft carrier, seen in July 1936, (formerly a battle-cruiser). HMS Courageous was the lead ship of her class of three battlecruisers built for the Royal Navy

H. M. S. Ocean - Colossus Class light fleet aircraft carrier
H.M.S. Ocean - Colossus Class light fleet aircraft carrier - commissioned in 1945 - built in Glasgow by Alexander Stephen & Sons. Date: circa 1950s

Sopwith 860 Biplane early 1900s Date: circa 1900s

Caudron G11 biplane taking off from HMS Hermes early 1900s Date: circa 1900s

A Carrier, Constantinople, Victorian period

Sopwith 807 on HMS Ark Royal early 1900s

SHORT Bros 166 biplane on HMS Ark Royal early 1900s

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"Unyielding and Majestic: A Legacy of Carriers in Naval History" From the Royal Navy's illustrious HMS Illustrious returning to Portsmouth after a remarkable refit, to the mighty HMAS Melbourne proudly sailing as Australia's naval flagship, carriers have played an indomitable role in maritime warfare. The name "carrier" evokes images of power and strength, epitomized by the legendary HMS Indefatigable and its British counterparts like HMS Albion after conversion. These floating fortresses symbolize the unwavering determination of nations to protect their interests at sea. Dating back to 1937 with the grand launch of HMS Ark Royal in Birkenhead, carriers have continuously evolved alongside technological advancements. The roar of Hawker Siddeley Buccaneer S2 landing on deck echoes through time, reminding us of their pivotal role during critical moments. During World War II, amidst turbulent waters, it was vessels like HMS Indomitable that stood tall against enemy forces. Their presence instilled hope and resilience among Allied troops fighting for victory. Carriers were not limited to air superiority alone; they adapted for various purposes. Take for instance HMS Albion's transformation into a Commando Carrier or USS Coral Sea entering Pearl Harbour as an attack carrier - these versatile platforms showcased their adaptability in ever-changing military landscapes. In this rich tapestry of naval history, we must not forget the unsung heroes who flew from these decks. Fairey Swordfish Torpedo-Bombers soaring through skies during World War II exemplify courage and sacrifice beyond measure. As we marvel at these magnificent vessels throughout history - be it witnessing them return home or embarking on daring missions - one cannot help but feel awe-inspired by their immense contribution towards safeguarding our seas. Carriers stand as testaments to human ingenuity and perseverance; forever etched in our collective memory as symbols of naval might and unity.