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HMS Battler (1942) CVE (1st) |
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This the first ship to carry the name HMS Battler was an
Attacker Class, escort aircraft carrier. Built by Ingalls of Pascagoula, laid down 15-Apr-1941, launched 04-Apr-1942 as the USS Altamaha AVG 6. Transferred to the Royal Navy under Lend-Lease, renamed and commissioned 31-Oct-1942. After completion 15-Nov-1942 embarked aircraft 21-Dec and sailed in convoy for the Clyde. On arrival in the UK was allocated to the Western Approaches Command. Used as a ferry carrier until Sep-1943 when she sailed to join Operation 'Avalanche', the Salerno landings. There she operated Seafire air groups to provide air cover over the beachead. After Salerno operations went to the East Indies Fleet and used as a trade protection carrier based at Bombay. Continued in this until Nov-1944 when she became a ferry carrier. Sailed for the UK Dec-1944 via Australia, South Pacific Panama and the USA. Allocated to the Western Approaches Command as a deck landing training carrier. Moved to Rosyth Command Jun-1945 and continued in the training role. Arrived at the Clyde Jan-1946 for de-storing after which she left for the USA. Returned to the US Navy at Virginia 12-Feb-1946. Won the Battle Honours: Atlantic 1942-45, Salerno 1943 and East Indies 1944.
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Attacker Class (1942) CVE Outside Links |
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This page last edited -
30 May, 2012.
Copyright © Ian M King, except where otherwise indicated. |
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