HMS Nairana (1917)
HMS Nairana was a seaplane carrier and escort carrier that served in the Royal Navy during World War I and World War II. Originally built as a passenger ferry for the Huddart Parker shipping company's service between Tasmania and mainland Australia, she was requisitioned by the Admiralty during World War I before completion and converted into a seaplane carrier.
World War I Service: Nairana was commissioned into the Royal Navy in 1917 and served actively in the North Sea. Her seaplanes participated in anti-submarine patrols and reconnaissance missions, operating primarily from bases in the Shetland Islands. Her primary aircraft complement consisted of Short Type 184 seaplanes. She participated in several engagements against German U-boats.
Interwar Period: Following the end of World War I, Nairana was returned to her owners, Huddart Parker, in 1920 and resumed service as a passenger ferry on the Bass Strait route. She was refitted to restore her passenger capacity.
World War II Service: With the outbreak of World War II, Nairana was again requisitioned by the Admiralty in 1939 and converted into an escort carrier. The conversion included the installation of a flight deck, hangar, and other necessary facilities for operating carrier-based aircraft. She was recommissioned into the Royal Navy.
As an escort carrier, Nairana primarily served as a convoy escort in the North Atlantic, protecting merchant ships from U-boat attacks. Her aircraft, primarily Fairey Swordfish and later Hawker Hurricane and Grumman Wildcat fighters, provided anti-submarine and anti-aircraft defense for the convoys. Nairana was credited with contributing to the destruction or damaging of several U-boats. She also participated in Arctic convoys to the Soviet Union, enduring harsh weather conditions and intense enemy attacks.
Post-War Service: After the end of World War II, Nairana was returned to her owners a second time in 1946. However, she was deemed no longer suitable for passenger service and was subsequently sold for scrapping. She was broken up in 1946.
Specifications (as Escort Carrier):
- Displacement: Approximately 13,445 tons (full load)
- Length: 537 feet (163.7 meters)
- Beam: 68 feet (20.7 meters)
- Draft: 24 feet (7.3 meters)
- Propulsion: Two steam turbines, two shafts
- Speed: Approximately 16 knots
- Aircraft: Typically around 16-20 aircraft (combination of fighters and anti-submarine aircraft)
- Armament: Typically included anti-aircraft guns