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Ships · United Kingdom · 1938-1941

HMS Ark Royal (91)

aircraft carrier

One of the most famous ships of the Royal Navy, Ark Royal launched the Swordfish torpedo strike that jammed Bismarck's rudder in May 1941, sealing the German battleship's fate, and had already survived repeated (and repeatedly premature) German claims to have sunk her. She was finally torpedoed by U-81 off Gibraltar in November 1941.

Wikipedia

crew~1,580
displacement22,000 tons (standard), 27,720 full load
aircraft~60
armament16x 4.5in guns

Battle of the Atlantic, Mediterranean and North Africa

The British Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal (91) photographed circa 1939. A Fairey Swordfish aircraft is taking off as another approaches from astern. Two are visible in the background.
The British Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal (91) photographed circa 1939. A Fairey Swordfish aircraft is taking off as another approaches from astern. Two are visible in the background.US Navy · Public domain · source
The Royal Navy during the Second World War A Blackburn Skua landing on HMS ARK ROYAL.
The Royal Navy during the Second World War A Blackburn Skua landing on HMS ARK ROYAL.Priest, L C (Lt), Royal Navy official photographer · Public domain · source
The Royal Navy during the Second World War Bombs falling astern of HMS Ark Royal (91) during an attack by Italian aircraft during the Battle of Cape Spartivento. The photograph was taken from the cruiser HMS Sheffield (C
The Royal Navy during the Second World War Bombs falling astern of HMS Ark Royal (91) during an attack by Italian aircraft during the Battle of Cape Spartivento. The photograph was taken from the cruiser HMS Sheffield (CLeslie Cornish Priest · Public domain · source

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