Hermes

The first ship in the world that was laid down as an aircraft carrier. She was based on the hull of the D-class cruiser. After being commissioned, Hermes set off to the Mediterranean Sea, then to the China Station, where she served for 10 years. During World War II, Hermes conducted anti-submarine patrols, took part in the Dakar raid, and then participated in the search for pocket battleship Graf Spee. In the winter of 1941–1942, the aircraft carrier arrived at the island of Sri Lanka to prepare for the invasion of Madagascar. On April 9, 1942, Hermes was sunk by aircraft from Japanese carriers.