HMS Attacker in WW2

[72modeler]

I think this link might be useful and interesting; I was looking for BPF Wildcat schemes and discovered this website. Not a ship guy, but I found this a very interesting read and a wonderful photo chronicle of life aboard an RN escort aircraft carrier. Attacker was evidently built on a C3 merchant hull, and was originally to be named USS Barnes in USN service, but was transferred to the RN under lend Lease. A very active ship that saw a lot of action- a shame she couldn't have been preserved as an example of her class. I hope you enjoy looking at the photos. (How about those Swordfish flying over NAS Alameda?)

Mike

 

http://www.royalnavyresearcharchive.org.uk/ESCORT/ATTACKER.htm#.XCVFZmeWxdg

[EwenS]

On 22 Nov 1944 the Eastern Fleet was split to produce the BPF and the East Indies Fleet. None of the BPF squadrons used Wildcats.

The only Wildcat units in the EIF were 722, a Fleet Requirements Unit, and 757, a deck landing training unit, both alongside other aircraft types. 882 Squadron with Wildcat VI (FM-2) arrived in theatre in July 1945 on HMS Searcher from the Home Fleet and took part in the forces covering the Japanese surrender, but saw no combat in that theatre. This was only ever to be a temporary equipment as 882 was scheduled to re-equip with Corsairs in late 1945 in Ceylon before joining the BPF.

 

The primary fighters in the East Indies FLeet were the Seafire & Hellcat.

 

[72modeler]

16 minutes ago, EwenS said:

On 22 Nov 1944 the Eastern Fleet was split to produce the BPF and the East Indies Fleet. None of the BPF squadrons used Wildcats.

The only Wildcat units in the EIF were 722, a Fleet Requirements Unit, and 757, a deck landing training unit, both alongside other aircraft types. 882 Squadron with Wildcat VI (FM-2) arrived in theatre in July 1945 on HMS Searcher from the Home Fleet and took part in the forces covering the Japanese surrender, but saw no combat in that theatre. This was only ever to be a temporary equipment as 882 was scheduled to re-equip with Corsairs in late 1945 in Ceylon before joining the BPF.

 

The primary fighters in the East Indies FLeet were the Seafire & Hellcat.

 

You are, of course, correct. I assumed BPF covered all PTO units- shows you how little I know! I should have known better, as I have an 882 Sq Wildcat VI from the Searcher on my build list! Thanks for setting the record straight, Ewen- I hope you enjoyed the photos.

Mike

[EwenS]

Glad to have been of help.

I've had that site bookmarked for a long time now and it is well worthwhile visiting on a regular basis as it is still being added to. The MONABs sub-site in particular covers a little known element of the RN contribution to the Pacific war, not to mention the detail on FAA bases.

[Grey Beema]

19 minutes ago, EwenS said:

Glad to have been of help.

I've had that site bookmarked for a long time now and it is well worthwhile visiting on a regular basis as it is still being added to. The MONABs sub-site in particular covers a little known element of the RN contribution to the Pacific war, not to mention the detail on FAA bases.

My Dad was being trained for a MONAB, either MONABX or MONABXI, he was an aircraft electrician and worked on Seafires, Barracudas and Corsairs.  Part of their training was sniper hunting with the Royal Marines.  Luckily the war ended before Dad had to go.

[Mick4350]

Spent seven weeks aboard this vessel in 1969 when it was the SS Fairsky from the UK to Australia.

[Admiral Puff]

I never knew that Fairsky started life as an escort carrier. I used to work for the Maritime Services Board of NSW at Circular Quay West in Sydney, and my second floor office looked out over the International Passenger Terminal, where she was a regular visitor (in those days, mostly as a cruise boat). Had I known I would have paid more attention and taken some photographs before she was paid off.