Commissioned into the Royal Navy on 12 August 1943, HMS Empress was a Ruler-class escort carrier obtained by Britain under the lend=lease agreement. Upon arriving in the UK, Empress performed as a Deck Landing Duties carrier until late November 1944.
In January 1945, HMS Empress relocated to the far east, transporting a load of aircraft on the voyage. During February and March 1945, Empress embarked photographic reconnaissance Hellcats of 888 NAS and undertook mapping Malaysia and Sumatra.
During April and May 1945, Empress undertook strikes against the Nicobar Islands and Malacca. Post war EMpress made several trooping voyages, transferring Commonwealth personnel home.
She was returned to US control in February 1946 and scrapped.
HMS Empress (D42) at anchor in the Firth of Forth, Scotland, 28 August 1944HMS Empress Malta 1945HMS Empress tied to mooring buoy, August 1944HMS Empress entering Wellington Harbour in November 1945 returning New Zealanders back to their homeHMS Hunter and HMS Empress entering Singapore Harbour after the Japanese surrender (September 1945)HMS EmpressHMS EmpressHMS EmpressHMS EmpressLooking down onto the flight deck of HMS Empress
Aircraft Operations
Fairey Firefly
Fairey Firefly Z2022 (‘E’4D’) of 1772 NAS November 25 1944 after ending up in the barrierFairey Firefly Z2022 (‘E’4D’) of 1772 NAS November 25 1944 after ending up in the barrier
Fairey Swordfish
A Fairey Swordfish, piloted by Sub Lt Bounce coming to rest in the port walkway of HMS Empress 27 Nov 1944
Grumman Avenger
A Grumman Avenger taking off from the escort carrier HMS EmpressGrumman Avenger of 845 NAS taking off from HMS Empress near Trincomalee, Ceylon, early 1945Grumman Avenger of 845 NAS landing on HMS Empress March 1945Grumman Avenger of 845 NAS landing on HMS Empress April 1944
Grumman Hellcat
The 4 pilots of a Section of a Hellcat fighters of HMS Empress, just after they had landed after attacking and shooting down a Japanese OscarGrumman Hellcats on HMS Empress May 1945Catapulting a Grumman Hellcat on his mission of bombing and strafing a Japanese aerodrome in the Andaman Islands May 1945 HMS EmpressHellcats fitted with long-range tanks, just about to be catapulted off HMS Empress March 1945Hellcat JX688 of 896 Squadron attached to the catapult aboard Empress in 1945Grumman Hellcat crashed on HMS Empress
Grumman Wildcat
Grumman Wildcat being winched aboard HMS Empress at Norfolk, Virginia, USA
Supermarine Seafire
November of 1944, Supermarine Seafire deck landing training on HMS Empress
