Built as USS Willapa a Bogue-class escort carrier, the ship was transferred to the United Kingdom as part of Lend-Lease and renamed HMS Puncher (D79) of the British Ruler class. Primarily used as an aircraft transport, Puncher took part in operations along the Norwegian coast towards the end of the war. Following the war the ship was converted for mercantile service and renamed Muncaster Castle, Bardic and Ben Nevis, before being broken up in 1973.
Photographs of HMS Puncher
Air Operations
Fairey Barracuda
A Barracuda nosed into HMS Puncher’s flight deckHaving snapped its tail hook, this Barracuda was flipped onto its nose by the barrierFollowing a crash on HMS Puncher’s deck during night operations, this Barracuda was jettisoned over the carrier’s side. Note the artworkEleven of the twelve Barracuda’s from HMS Puncher’s 821 Squadron sit ready for take-off in Jan 1945Barracudas of 821 Squadron ranged on HMS Puncher off Norwegian coast with Force 2, during Operation Shred, February 21, 1945Crashed Barracuda is secured to HMS Puncher’s deck following a crashBarracuda’s returned to HMS Puncher following a minelaying operation in Haugesund Fjord, Norway on 22 February, 1945An Avenger and a Barracuda from 778 Service Trails Unit from RN Air Station Arbroath is ready to take off from HMS PuncherA Barracuda of No.821 naval air squadron about to be struck down into the hanger
Fairey Firefly
Grumman Avenger
An Avenger and a Barracuda from 778 Service Trails Unit from RN Air Station Arbroath is ready to take off from HMS Puncher
