Every British Aircraft Carrier Ever Built (1914–2019)

Indexed: 2026-05-22

[00:00:00]British aircraft carriers played a major role in the development of naval aviation from World War to the modern era. From early seaplane carriers to advanced fleet carriers, the Royal Navy helped shape carrier warfare across the world's oceans. So, let's begin. Early aircraft carriers and seaplane carriers.

[00:00:18]HMS Ark Royal was built in 1914 as one of the Royal Navy's first seaplane carriers. The ship was designed to transport, maintain, and launch seaplanes during naval operations. It was mainly used for reconnaissance missions, artillery spotting, and fleet support during World War I. HMS Campania was converted from a passenger liner into an aviation support ship in 1915.

[00:00:42]The vessel served as a seaplane carrier for launching reconnaissance aircraft over the sea. It became one of Britain's earliest ships capable of conducting naval air operations in open waters. HMS Vindex entered service in 1915 as a converted aircraft-carrying vessel. The ship was used to launch early carrier aircraft and airships during patrol missions. Its primary role was anti-submarine warfare and reconnaissance in the North Sea. HMS Manxman was converted into a seaplane carrier in 1916 for the Royal Navy. The ship supported naval aviation operations by transporting and servicing reconnaissance aircraft. [music] It was mainly used for patrol duties and coastal defense during World War I. HMS Pegasus was commissioned in 1917 as a seaplane carrier for maritime reconnaissance duties. The ship carried and launched seaplanes used for scouting enemy naval movements and submarine detection. It played an important role in supporting British naval operations during the later [music] stages of World War I. HMS Nairana was converted into a seaplane carrier in 1917 [music] to expand Britain's naval aviation capabilities. The vessel was designed to operate reconnaissance seaplanes for fleet observation and patrol missions.

[00:01:56]It served primarily in coastal waters and supported anti-submarine operations.

[00:02:01]HMS Furious was originally built as a battlecruiser, but was converted into an aircraft carrier in 1917. The ship became one of the world's first carriers capable of operating wheeled aircraft from a flight deck. It was used for experimental carrier aviation and later served extensively [music] during World War II. HMS Argus was completed in 1918 as the world's first full-length flat deck aircraft [music] carrier. The ship was specifically designed to launch and recover aircraft directly from the flight deck. It served as an experimental platform for carrier aviation and later as a training and escort carrier. Next, interwar aircraft carriers. HMS Eagle was commissioned in 1924 after being converted from a partially completed battleship hull. The carrier was built to strengthen the Royal Navy's growing naval [music] aviation capabilities during the interwar period. It served as a fleet carrier for reconnaissance, fighter operations, and naval [music] strike missions. HMS Hermes entered service in 1924 as the world's first aircraft carrier designed from the keel up as a carrier. The ship was built to operate aircraft as the primary element of naval warfare rather than as an auxiliary role.

[00:03:11]>> [music] >> It was mainly used for fleet reconnaissance, patrol missions, and air support operations across the British Empire. HMS Courageous was originally built as a battlecruiser during World War I before being converted into an aircraft carrier in 1928. The ship was redesigned to support carrier-based fighters, bombers, [music] and reconnaissance aircraft. It became an important part of the Royal Navy's carrier force during the early [music] years of World War II. HMS Glorious entered service as an aircraft carrier in 1930 after conversion from a battlecruiser. The vessel was built to expand Britain's naval air power and provide mobile air support for the fleet. It operated carrier aircraft for reconnaissance, fleet defense, and strike operations before being sunk in 1940. HMS Ark Royal was commissioned in 1938 [music] as one of Britain's most advanced pre-war fleet carriers. The ship was specifically designed for large-scale carrier aviation with armored hangars and modern aircraft facilities. It played a major role in escort missions, anti-submarine warfare, and attacks against enemy naval [music] forces during World War II. Next, World War II fleet carriers. HMS Illustrious entered service [music] in 1940 as the lead ship of the Illustrious class fleet carriers. The carrier was built with heavily armored flight decks to survive enemy air attacks in modern naval warfare. It served extensively [music] in the Mediterranean and supported fleet air defense, strike missions, and convoy protection. HMS Formidable was commissioned in 1940 as part of the Illustrious class carriers. The ship was designed to carry out fleet air operations while resisting bomb damage through armor protection. It took part in Mediterranean operations, attacks on enemy shipping, and later Pacific campaigns. HMS Victorious entered service [music] in 1941 as a modern fleet carrier of the Illustrious class.

[00:05:04]The carrier was built to provide fighter cover, torpedo strikes, and reconnaissance support for the Royal Navy. It participated in major operations against German battleships and later served alongside allied fleets in the Pacific. HMS Indomitable was [music] commissioned in 1941 as an improved armored fleet carrier. The ship was designed with a larger aircraft capacity while maintaining strong defensive protection. It operated in both the Mediterranean and Pacific theaters, supporting fleet defense and offensive air strikes. HMS Unicorn entered service in 1943 as a maintenance and support aircraft carrier. The vessel was specifically built to transport, [music] repair, and supply naval aircraft during wartime operations. It also operated combat aircraft when necessary and supported British Pacific Fleet operations. HMS Implacable was commissioned in 1944 as a fleet carrier design for large-scale naval air operations. The ship combined armor protection with increased aircraft capacity for offensive missions. It served in attacks against German targets and later operated in the Pacific against Japan. HMS Indefatigable entered service in 1944 as an Implacable class fleet carrier. The carrier was built to provide long-range strike capability [music] and strong fleet air defense. It participated in attacks on Japanese positions [music] and supported Allied naval operations in the Pacific. Next, Colossus class light fleet carriers. [music] HMS Colossus was commissioned in 1944 as the lead ship of the Colossus class light fleet carriers. The carrier was designed for rapid wartime construction [music] using simplified shipbuilding methods. It served as a flexible platform for fighter operations, convoy protection, and naval strike missions.

[00:06:50]HMS Glory entered service in 1945 as a Colossus class light fleet carrier. The ship was built to provide affordable and quickly deployable carrier support for the Royal Navy. It later served in post-war operations and combat missions during the Korean War. HMS Ocean was commissioned in 1945 as a light [music] fleet carrier for post-war naval aviation duties. The vessel was designed to operate carrier aircraft [music] in fleet support and amphibious operations. It became notable for early helicopter assault experiments and Cold War service. HMS Venerable entered service in 1945 as a Colossus class carrier built for fast wartime production. The ship was intended to support fleet operations with fighter and reconnaissance aircraft. After the war, it was sold and continued service under foreign navies. HMS Vengeance was commissioned in 1945 as a light fleet carrier of the Colossus class. The carrier was designed for naval aviation support, convoy escort, and fleet protection duties. It later served with other navies after being transferred out of Royal Navy service. HMS Warrior entered service in 1946 as one of the last completed [music] Colossus class carriers. The ship was built to provide flexible carrier operations during the post-war period. It was later transferred to allied navies and continued service for many years. HMS Theseus was commissioned in 1946 [music] as a light fleet carrier for post-war naval operations. The carrier was designed to support aircraft operations in both fleet defense >> [music] >> and strike roles. It later participated in combat operations during the Korean War. HMS Triumph entered service in 1946 as a Colossus class light carrier. The ship was built to support naval aviation missions and fleet air operations after World War II. It later served as both a combat carrier and a repair and training vessel. Next, Majestic class aircraft carriers. HMS Majestic was laid down during World War II as the lead ship of the Majestic class light carriers. The class was designed as an improved version of the Colossus class with better aircraft handling capabilities.

[00:08:57]Although not completed for wartime [music] service, the ship later served under a foreign navy after modernization. HMS Terrible was built as part of the Majestic class carrier program during the final years of World War II. The vessel was intended to provide fast and efficient carrier support for post-war fleet operations.

[00:09:15]It was later completed and served under another navy with modernized aircraft systems. HMS Magnificent was constructed as a Majestic class light aircraft carrier for the Royal Navy. The ship was designed to operate fighters, strike aircraft, and reconnaissance planes in post-war naval service. It was later transferred to Canada and became an important carrier for the Royal Canadian Navy. HMS Powerful was laid down during World War as a Majestic class light fleet carrier.

[00:09:44]The ship was intended to support large-scale carrier aviation operations in the post-war era. It was eventually completed for another nation and served for decades after modernization. HMS Hercules was built as part of the Majestic class carrier program during World War II. The vessel was designed for fleet air defense, strike operations, and reconnaissance missions. It was later completed [music] for the Indian Navy and became INS Vikrant, India's first aircraft carrier. HMS Leviathan was laid down as a Majestic class light carrier during World War II. The ship was intended to strengthen Britain's post-war carrier fleet with modern naval aviation capabilities.

[00:10:22]However, it was never fully completed [music] or commissioned in active service. Next, World War II escort carriers. HMS Audacity entered service in 1941 as the Royal Navy's first escort carrier, converted from a captured German merchant ship. The vessel was built to provide air cover for Atlantic convoys against German submarines and long-range bombers. Although small and lightly armed, it proved the effectiveness of escort [music] carriers in convoy protection. HMS Activity was converted into an escort carrier in 1942 from a merchant vessel under construction. The ship was designed to escort convoys and operate anti-submarine aircraft in the Atlantic Ocean. It also served as a training and transport carrier later in the war. HMS Pretoria Castle was converted from a passenger liner into an escort carrier in 1943. The vessel was mainly used for convoy protection, anti-submarine patrols, and pilot training duties. It helped improve [music] Allied naval air coverage during the Battle of the Atlantic. HMS Nairana entered service as an escort carrier in 1943 after conversion from a merchant ship. The The was built to provide fighter protection and anti-submarine patrols for Allied convoys. It served mainly in Arctic and Atlantic escort operations during World [music] War II. HMS Vindex was commissioned in 1943 as an Illustrious-class escort carrier. The ship was designed to operate carrier aircraft against German U-boats and reconnaissance aircraft. It became notable for successful anti-submarine missions in the North Atlantic. HMS Campania entered service in 1944 as an escort carrier built for convoy defense operations. [music] The vessel was designed to launch fighters and anti-submarine aircraft in support of Allied shipping routes. It served in Arctic convoy escort missions during the later stages of World War II.

[00:12:13]Next, Attacker-class escort carriers.

[00:12:16]HMS Attacker entered service in 1942 as the lead ship of the Attacker-class escort carriers. The ship was built in the United States and transferred to the Royal Navy under Lend-Lease agreements.

[00:12:28]It was mainly used for convoy escort, amphibious support, and anti-submarine warfare. HMS Battler was commissioned in 1942 as an Attacker-class escort carrier. The vessel was designed to provide air cover for Allied convoys >> [music] >> and amphibious operations. It later supported invasion landings and anti-submarine patrols during the war.

[00:12:49]HMS Chaser entered service in 1943 as an escort carrier for Atlantic convoy protection. The ship carried fighter and patrol aircraft used to defend Allied shipping from submarines and enemy [music] aircraft. It also participated in Arctic convoy operations. HMS Fencer was commissioned in 1943 as [music] part of the Attacker-class escort carriers.

[00:13:11]The carrier was built to strengthen Allied anti-submarine warfare capabilities in the [music] Atlantic. It escorted numerous convoys and provided continuous air patrol coverage. HMS Hunter entered Royal Navy service in 1943 as an escort [music] carrier. The vessel was designed to support convoy defense with carrier-based fighter and patrol aircraft. [music] It mainly operated in Atlantic escort missions during World War II. HMS Pursuer was commissioned in 1943 as an escort carrier for amphibious and convoy operations. The ship was built to provide close air support [music] during Allied invasions and naval operations.

[00:13:48]It later participated in Mediterranean combat missions. HMS Searcher entered service in 1942 as an escort carrier focused on anti-submarine warfare. The vessel was designed to protect merchant convoys from German U-boat attacks. It served extensively in Atlantic escort operations throughout the war. HMS Stalker was commissioned in 1943 as an Attacker class escort carrier. The ship was built to support amphibious invasions and provide air protection for naval forces. It participated in operations in the Mediterranean [music] and Indian Ocean. HMS Striker entered service in 1943 as an escort carrier transferred from the United [music] States. The vessel was mainly used for convoy escort and naval air support operations. It served in both Atlantic and Mediterranean theaters during World War II.

[00:14:37]Avenger class escort carriers. HMS Avenger entered service in 1942 as the lead ship of the Avenger class escort carriers. The carrier was built to provide air cover for Atlantic convoys and anti-submarine patrols. It played an important role in protecting Allied shipping before being sunk later that year. HMS Biter was commissioned in 1942 as an escort carrier for convoy defense missions. The vessel was designed to operate anti-submarine aircraft and escort [music] fighters over the Atlantic Ocean. It became one of the Royal Navy's earliest successful convoy escort [music] carriers. HMS Dasher entered service in 1942 as an Avenger class escort carrier. The ship was built to strengthen air protection for Allied convoys during the Battle of the Atlantic. It was lost in 1943 [music] after a major internal explosion. Next, Ruler class escort carriers. HMS Amir entered service in 1944 as a Ruler class escort carrier transferred under lend-lease. The ship was designed for convoy escort and anti-submarine warfare operations. It mainly served in Atlantic and Indian Ocean escort missions. HMS Arbiter was commissioned in 1944 as a Ruler class escort carrier. The vessel was built to transport and operate naval aircraft in support of allied fleets. It later served as a transport and training carrier. HMS Emperor entered service in 1943 as an escort carrier for fleet support and convoy protection. The carrier was designed to provide fighter cover and anti-submarine patrols during naval operations. It participated in Mediterranean and European [music] campaigns. HMS Empress was commissioned in 1943 as a Ruler class escort carrier.

[00:16:21]The ship supported allied convoy operations with fighter aircraft and patrol squadrons. It later served in operations supporting the British Pacific Fleet. HMS Khedive entered Royal Navy service in 1944 as an escort carrier. The vessel was designed for naval air support, convoy defense, and strike missions. It later participated in operations against [music] Japanese targets in the Pacific. HMS Patroller was commissioned in 1943 as a Ruler class escort carrier. The ship was built to provide air defense [music] and anti-submarine protection for allied shipping. It served primarily in Atlantic convoy operations. HMS Queen entered service in 1943 as an escort carrier under the Ruler class. The carrier was intended to strengthen convoy air coverage and support naval operations. It later participated in transport and support [music] duties for allied fleets. HMS Ronnie was commissioned in 1943 as a Ruler class escort carrier. The vessel was designed to escort convoys and operate anti-submarine aircraft during wartime missions. It served in both Atlantic and [music] Indian Ocean operations. HMS Speaker entered service in 1943 as one of the Royal Navy's escort carriers. The ship was built to support convoy defense and amphibious operations with carrier aircraft. It later participated in operations in European waters. Next, post-war fleet carriers. HMS Eagle was commissioned in 1951 as one of Britain's largest post-war fleet carriers. The ship was designed to operate modern jet aircraft during the early Cold War period.

[00:17:54]>> [music] >> It served as a major strike and fleet air defense carrier for the Royal Navy.

[00:17:59]HMS Ark Royal entered service in 1955 as an advanced fleet carrier for jet aviation operations. The carrier was built with angled flight [music] decks and modern launch systems for high-performance aircraft. It became one of Britain's most famous Cold War naval carriers. HMS Hermes was commissioned in 1959 as a modern aircraft carrier for Cold War naval operations. The ship was designed to operate jet fighters, strike aircraft, and anti-submarine helicopters. It later became famous as the flagship of the British task force during the Falklands War. Next, Invincible class aircraft carriers. HMS Invincible entered service in 1980 as the lead ship of the Invincible class light carriers. The vessel was designed primarily for anti-submarine warfare and Sea Harrier operations during the Cold War. It later played a major role in the Falklands War in 1982. HMS Illustrious was commissioned in 1982 as an Invincible class aircraft carrier. The ship was built to provide fleet air [music] defense, anti-submarine operations, and naval aviation support.

[00:19:04]It served extensively in NATO and combat operations [music] during its career. HMS Ark Royal entered service in 1985 as the third Invincible class [music] carrier. The vessel was designed to operate Sea Harrier fighters and naval helicopters for fleet protection missions. It later participated in operations in the Balkans and Middle East. Next, modern aircraft carriers. HMS Queen Elizabeth entered service in 2017 as the largest warship ever built for the Royal Navy.

[00:19:34]The carrier was designed to operate F-35B stealth fighters and support global expeditionary operations. It serves as the flagship of Britain's modern carrier strike group. HMS Prince of Wales was commissioned in 2019 as the second Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carrier. The ship was built to strengthen Britain's carrier strike capabilities and [music] support NATO operations worldwide. It operates advanced fighter aircraft, helicopters, and amphibious [music] support missions. These aircraft carriers served in convoy protection, fleet defense, amphibious assaults, and global strike operations throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. Their evolution reflects the changing nature of naval warfare and the continued importance of air power at sea.