HNLMS Karel Doorman R-81 was was commissioned as the Colossus-class aircraft carrier HMS Venerable (R63), 17 January 1945. She was sold to the Netherlands on 1 April 1948.
In 1955-58 she was rebuilt with an 8° angled flight deck, new elevators, new island, 40 mm anti-aircraft guns and steam catapult.
In 1960 HNLMS Karel Doorman was involved with the de-colonization of Western New Guinea, where she delivered twelve Hawker Hunter fighters to the local Dutch defence forces.
After a 1964 re-fit, her role was changed to anti-submarine warfare and only ASW aircraft and helicopters were carried. A boiler-room fire in 1968 saw her withdrawn from service with the Royal Netherlands Navy.
HNLMS Karel Doorman (R-81) with Grumman Avenger aircraft on deck, 1959HNLMS Karel Doorman with Grumman Avenger and Hawker Sea Hawks on deckHNLMS Karel Doorman R-81 with Grumman Avengers on deck
Grumman Tracker
HNLMS Karel Doorman R-81 with Grumman Trackers on deckHNLMS Karel Doorman berthing at Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands, On 6 November 1968 with Grumman Trackers on deck
Hawker Sea Fury
HNLMS Karel Doorman launching a Hawker Sea Fury
Hawker Sea Hawk
HNLMS Karel Doorman with Grumman Avenger and Hawker Sea Hawks on deckHawker Sea Hawk on Karel Doorman R81Hawker Sea Hawk on HNLMS Karel Doorman R81Hawker Sea Hawk on Karel Doorman R81