The world's first operational aircraft carrier. At the outbreak of WWI the Royal Navy converted the steamship RMS Campania into a seaplane tender / aircraft carrier. With its sloping flight deck float planes could be flown off using jettison-able wheel carriages. The first flight was a Short type 184 torpedo bomber in June 1916. This was deemed so successful that a specific a/c, the Fairey Campania, was designed to equip the ship and several were loaded aboard.
HMS Campania was later downgraded to training duties because of its age and came to an ignominious end in Nov 1918 when she dragged her anchor in a storm. The damage she suffered by colliding with other vessels caused her to sink. Fortunately the entire company were saved.
Submitted by Baldy
HMS Campania was later downgraded to training duties because of its age and came to an ignominious end in Nov 1918 when she dragged her anchor in a storm. The damage she suffered by colliding with other vessels caused her to sink. Fortunately the entire company were saved.
Submitted by Baldy
