HMS Ocean

QUANTITY VS QUALITY

By the end of 1941 it was clear to the British Admiralty that the conflict was becoming worldwide, and more aircraft carriers would be needed. Large Fleet carriers would take at least four years to build, so a simpler design had to be found. After looking at conversions of existing merchant ships and warships, the decision was made to build instead. Speed was to be sufficient for fleet operations, the hull was to be built to mercantile standards, and hangar dimensions were to be big enough to accommodate all foreseen aircraft. In all, ten Colossus-class ships were built, followed by six similar Majestic-class vessels.

VERSATILITY

HMS Ocean was laid down in November 1942 and launched in July 1944. As she was commissioned on 8 August 1945, she was too late for the final assault on Japan. She played a major role in evaluating new concepts of carrier operations, notably the worlds first landing on a flight deck by a let-powered aircraft, a De Havilland Vampire on 3 December 1945. In 1947/48 she served as a supply ship for ships patrolling the coast of Palestine, and then went to the Far East. Service in the Korean War lasted from the spring of 1952 to late the following year. In 1955 she returned to the Mediterranean, but had to return to the UK for rapid conversion to a helicopter assault ship for the Suez operation in September 1956. She went into reserve in 1957 and was sold for scrap in 1960.

TECHNICAL DATA

Type: Fleet aircraft carrier
Machinery: 2-shaft geared turbines, 40,000hp
Dimensions: Length 211.2m (693t); beam, 24.4m (80ft)
Displacement: 18,040t (full load)
Draught: 7.1m (23.25ft)