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HMS Bulwark (1954) CVL (5th) |
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This HMS Bulwark was the third Hermes Class of Light Fleet
Carriers, and the fifth ship to carry the name.
She was launched 16-Feb-1948, and completed 04-Nov-1954. Initial duties were similar to all other carriers of the era, being used for trials, exercises and showing the flag duties. Her first action was at Suez in Nov-1956, when in company with Eagle, Albion, and the French Arromanches (ex-Colossus), and Lafayette, she supported the landings to keep the Suez Canal open. Bulwark returned to the UK just before Christmas 1956. In 1959 she her days of fixed wing flying was over when she was converted to become a Commando Carrier. Which meant she was to transport a Royal Marine Commando (or other embarked military force), land and support them by helicopter in their operations. She was re-commissioned on 19-Jan-1960. The concept was soon to be practiced in earnest when in 1961, during the Kuwait Crisis, when Iraq threatened to invade. Bulwark, landed an entire Marine Commando Unit into Kuwait by Whirlwind HAS7 helicopters. (A portent of what was to happen 30 years later, but without such a peaceful ending). A spell in Reserve began in 1976. Then refit and re-commission, Feb-1979. Finally being paid off 27-Mar-1981. Scrapped April 1984.
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This page last edited -
16 December, 2012.
Copyright © Ian M King, except where otherwise indicated. |
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