HMS Speaker was a Ruler-class escort carrier operated by the Royal Navy during the Second World War. Laid down as USS Delgada, she was transferred to the Royal Navy on 20 November 1943. After modifications in Vancouver, HMS Speaker performed two transport runs to the UK, before being allocated to the Eastern Fleet.
While operating with the British Pacific Fleet, she performed escort duties for the fleet train, with combat air patrols (CAP). She later undertook transport duties, transferring aircraft from Australia to the fleet.
After the war, HMS Speaker transferred POWs from Japanese prison camps. Post-war she was returned to the US Navy, where she was converted for mercantile use, becoming SS Lancero. After several name changes, she was scrapped in Taiwan in 1972.
HMS Speaker (D90) moored off Greenock, Scotland 19 May 1944.
HMS Speaker (D90) moored off Greenock, Scotland 19 May 1944.
HMS Slinger (left ) and HMS Speaker (right) off the west coast of Sumatra April 1945
HMS Speaker (D90) astern of HMS Indefatigable in March or April of 1945
Concert stage set up on the flight deck as part of HMS Speaker’s evacuation of prisoners of war from Japan
HMS Speaker (D90) bringing POWs from Tokyo September 1945. Taken from HMS Duke of York
HMS Speaker (D90) bringing POWs from Tokyo September 1945. Taken from HMS Duke of York
HMS Speaker at Nagasaki after embarking POWs from Fukuoka 3-B POW Camp in September 1945
HMS Speaker (R314) at anchor in an Australian port
HMS Speaker in Sydney
HMS Speaker post war as the mercantile vessel S.S. Lancero
Aircraft Operations
Aircraft being ferried by HMS Speaker (D90)
Grumman Hellcat
Grumman Hellcat of 1840 landing on HMS SpeakerHMS Speaker at Aden, Hellcats of 1840 parked on her deck.Grumman Hellcats and Supermarine Seafires onboard HMS Speaker (D90)1840 Sqn Grumman Hellcats onboard HMS Speaker (D90)
Supermarine Seafire
Grumman Hellcats and Supermarine Seafires onboard HMS Speaker (D90)
