HMS Atheling was a Ruler-class escort carrier (US Bogue-class) of the British Royal Navy operated under Lend-Lease from the US during the Second World War. Launched on 7 September 1942 and commissioned on 28 October 1943, Atheling arrived in the UK on 9 January 1944.
Transferred to the Eastern Fleet, HMS Atheling operated as an aircraft transport and deck landing trainer. From December 1944 to September 1945, Atheling was loaned to the US Navy as an aircraft transport in the Pacific.
Converted to a troopship, Atheling made several trips repatriating ex-prisoners of war and returning military personnel and civilians. Returned to US control on 6 December 1946, she was converted to a merchantman and sold into civilian use.
HMS AthelingHMS AthelingHMS Atheling (D51), photographed by a ZP-12 blimp, on 22 December 1943HMS Atheling (D51) departing Malta early 1944HMS Atheling (D51) departing Malta early 1944HMS Atheling (D51) at anchor off Greenock, Scotland, 22 February 1944HMS Atheling (D51) at anchor off Greenock, Scotland, 22 February 1944HMS Atheling (D51) at anchor off Greenock, Scotland, 22 February 1944HMS Atheling at anchor. Colombo, May 1944HMS Atheling (D51) underway on 30 December 1944HMS AthelingHMS AthelingHMS AthelingHMS AthelingHMS Atheling December 18, 1945 in MelbourneHMS Atheling 18 December 1945 at MelbourneHMS Atheling, 1945HMS Atheling at Portsmouth in 1946 completing a trooping voyage; she is carrying Seafire and Firefly aircraftOfficer’s wardroom aboard HMS AthelingSS Roma ex-HMS Atheling
Aircraft Operations
Fairey Barracuda
HMS Atheling launches a Fairey BarracudaFairey Barracuda being attended to after a deck landing accident onboard HMS Atheling
Grumman Hellcat
Corsair and Hellcat fighters stowed away in the cramped hangar deck of HMS Atheling
Grumman Wildcat
Grumman Wildcat JV508 of 890 Squadron goes into the barrier, 15 May 1944 on HMS Atheling
Supermarine Seafire
HMS Atheling (D51) Supermarine Seafire F.Mk.III of No. 889 Sqn being lifted to the flight deck Colombo, Ceylon 13 May 1944HMS Atheling (D51) Supermarine Seafire F.Mk.III of No. 889 Sqn being lifted to the flight deck Colombo, Ceylon 13 May 1944
Vought Corsair
US Navy Vought Corsair being loaded onto HMS AthelingUS Navy Vought Corsair being loaded onto HMS AthelingUS Navy Vought Corsair being loaded onto HMS AthelingHMS Atheling’s flight deck covered in US Navy Corsairs for transport in the PacificCorsair and Hellcat fighters stowed away in the cramped hangar deck of HMS Atheling
