HMS Implacable was an Implacable-class aircraft carrier built for the Royal Navy during World War II. Upon completion in 1944, she was initially assigned to the Home Fleet and attacked targets in Norway for the rest of the year. She was subsequently assigned to the British Pacific Fleet (BPF) where she attacked the Japanese naval base at Truk and targets in the Japanese Home Islands in 1945. The ship was used to repatriate liberated Allied prisoners of war and soldiers after the Japanese surrender, for the rest of the year.
Post War
Implacable returned home in 1946 and became the Home Fleet’s deck-landing training carrier, a role that lasted until 1950. She briefly served as flagship of the Home Fleet in 1950. During this time she participated in many exercises and made a number of port visits in Western Europe. She was placed in reserve in 1950 and converted into a training ship in 1952, and served as flagship of the Home Fleet Training Squadron. The ship was considered for a major modernisation in 1951–52, but this was rejected as too expensive and time-consuming. Implacable was decommissioned in 1954 and sold for scrap the following year.
HMS Implacable June 1944HMS Implacable June 1944HMS Implacable June 1944HMS Implacable June 1944HMS Implacable August 1944HMS Implacable at anchor off GreenockHMS Implacable August 1944HMS ImplacableHMS Implacable November 1944The aircraft carrier HMS Implacable from the deck of HMS TrumpeterHMS Implacable’ Pipe Band March 1945HMS ImplacableHMS Implacable firing a salute to the Norwegian Flag during her courtesy visit to Bergen 1946HMS Implacable arriving at Sydney at the end of her voyage from the United Kingdom on 8 May 1945HMS Implacable as she returned to Sydney, Australia from combat duty off Japan after the surrender in the Far EastHMS Implacable Approaching Bergen.HMS Implacable June 1947HMS Implacable July 1949HMS Implacable 1952HMS Implacable 1952HMS Implacable 1952HMS Implacable October 1953
Aircraft
Blackburn Firebrand
Blackburn Firebrand T.F.5 (EK 782) on HMS ImplacableBlackburn Firebrand T.F.5 (EK 782) after hitting the crash barrier on landing and catching fire on HMS ImplacableBlackburn Firebrand T.F.5. (EK 782) with the fire spreading beneath the aircraft and the pilot being assisted out of the cockpit.Blackburn Firebrand T.F.5. (EK 782). Spilt fuel well alight and fire fighters ready.Blackburn Firebrand T.F.5. (EK 782) with the fire extinguished, aircraft damaged beyond repair.Blackburn Firebrand after a crash landing on HMS Implacable
Fairey Barracuda
Fairey Fireflies and Barracuda Aircraft on HMS Implacable November 1944Barracuda of HMS Implacable go into the Norwegian Coast to attack an enemy submarine escorted by a small destroyer, 27 October 1944.Fairey Barracuda TR.V RK658 of HMS Implacable’s ship’s flight 1948
Fairey Firefly
Fairey Firefly on HMS Implacable November 1944Fairey Firefly and Supermarine Seafire Aircraft on HMS Implacable November 1944Fairey Fireflies and Barracuda Aircraft on HMS Implacable November 1944Fairey Fireflies (1771 Squadron), Fairey Barracudas (828 Squadron), and Supermarine Seafires (880 Squadron) warming up ready to make strike on enemy shipping at Alten Fjord, NorwayAn unidentified Admiral (Air) disembarking from a Fairey Firefly probably DT985 767 Sqn HMS ImplacableFairey Firefly on HMS Implacable with a visiting Admiral (Air) about to inspect the Royal Marine Guard of Honour
Grumman Avenger
HMS Implacable Elevator with a Grumman Avenger visible in the Hanger and Seafires on deck
Supermarine Seafire IIIC
Supermarine Seafire warming up on board HMS Implacable 1945Fairey Firefly and Supermarine Seafire Aircraft on HMS Implacable November 1944Avengers and Seafires line up on the deck of the aircraft carrier HMS Implacable (R86)HMS Implacable Elevator with a Grumman Avenger visible in the Hanger and Seafires on deckHMS Implacable Approaching Bergen.
