Originally launched as USS Baffins (CVE-35), HMS Ameer was a Ruler-class escort carrier of the Royal Navy.
Once she arrived in Britain, she was allocated to the British Eastern Fleet, sailing as escort in May 1944 to convoy KMF-31 to the Mediterranean, while en route to Trincomalee, Ceylon. There, she joined her sister ships HMS Battler, HMS Begum, and HMS Shah.
For the rest of the war HMS Ameer supported operations throughout South East Asia, providing air cover, photo-reconnaissance and offensive patrols as needed.
HMS Ameer was returned to the United States Navy at Norfolk, Virginia on 17 January 1946 and subsequently sold into merchant service 17 September 1946 as Robin Kirk.
HMS Ameer under constructionHMS Ameer at Vancouver on completion of her modifications at the Burrad Dry-dock company yard.HMS Ameer at at sea on her post refit shakedown in mid-April 1945HMS Ameer in dry dock, Durban South Africa in March 1945HMS Ameer at anchor at Trincomalee, with the Hellcats of No.804 Squadron ranged on deckHMS Ameer at anchor at Trincomalee, with the Hellcats of No.804 Squadron ranged on deckHMS Ameer at anchor at off Greenock January 10th 1944HMS Ameer at anchor at off Greenock January 10th 1944HMS Ameer at anchor at off Greenock January 10th 1944Overhead shot of HMS Ameer anchored at Trincomalee with both elevators lowered to improve ventilation
Aircraft Operations
Grumman Avenger
Grumman Avenger Taking off From HMS AmeerGrumman Avenger is launched into the air from the flight deck of HMS Ameer while at anchor in Trincomalee harbour.
Lt W M Barr in Hellcat JW723 6G 804 NAS has missed all the arrestor wires and is stopped by the barrier on Dec 12 1944JW723 804 NAS 6G Bounced, book missed wines, through barrier into ac park, hit JX827, JW733 & JX889 AmeerHellcat B8W of 896 Squadron after drifting to starboard on landing and falling overboardHellcat B8W of 896 Squadron after drifting to starboard on landing and falling overboardHMS Ameer at anchor at Trincomalee, with the Hellcats of No.804 Squadron ranged on deckOn e of 896 squadron Hellcats manoeuvres into place ready to be fitted onto the ship’s catapult for take-off.Salvage one of 804 Squadrons Hellcats which has drifted to Port on landingHMS Ameer at anchor at Trincomalee, with the Hellcats of No.804 Squadron ranged on deckFlight deck personnel attempt to stabilise one of 804 Squadrons Hellcats as it hangs over the edge of the shipFeb 26th 1945 Lt. R.J.H. Cross in Hellcat JW738 6N 804 Squadron went over the port sideGrumman Hellcat Landing Accident804 squadron Hellcats all with their engines running804 squadron Hellcats all with their engines running, await their turn for take-offGrumman Hellcat makes an abortive landing aboard HMS AmeerGrumman Hellcat fighters are being ranged on the flight deck of HMS Ameer March 1945
