HNLMS Karel Doorman QH1
Karel Doorman QH1 was an escort carrier of the Royal Netherlands Navy. Previously HMS Nairana of the British Royal Navy, she was transferred to the Netherlands after World War Two. As part of the re-occupation of the Netherlands East Indies, the Karel Doorman ferried 15 Fairey Firefly fighters of 860 Squadron to Soerabaja along with freight and supplies.
On the return journey, the Karel Doorman transported a Japanese Aichi E13A and a Kawanishi N1K1 back to the Netherlands for evaluation.
Karel Doorman was used to evaluate the operation of Auster light aircraft and Sikorsky S-51 helicopters from an aircraft carrier. In 1948 she was returned to the UK and converted to a merchantman Port Victor. She was scrapped in 1971.
She was replaced in service by HNLMS Karel Doorman R-81 a Colossus-class aircraft carrier.
Photos of HNLMS Karel Doorman QH1
Armament
Aircraft Operations
Aichi E13A
Auster
Fairey Barracuda
Fairey Firefly
Kawanishi N1K1
Sikorsky S-51
