This site attempts to record the histories of the 45 Escort Carriers to be operated by the Royal Navy during World War Two and  the immediate post war years.

In many cases these histories are far from complete - those vessels which had less distinguished, but not less vital roles to play, have unfortunately had the accounts of their deeds forgotten by history.

The aim of this site is to present an historical record for each of these ships; some accounts are detailed and well illustrated with rare and precious photographs loaned by those who served on board these hybrid ships - others are brief accounts at best, with a single photo.

Thirty-nine of these vessels were loaned to the United Kingdom under the ‘Lend-Lease’ agreement that existed between the U.S. and Britain for the supply of war materials. This agreement afforded Britain a valuable life-line;

"The United States should loan what articles were needed, as a man would loan his garden hose to help his neighbor put out a fire without reference to payment, but with the expectation that the hose itself would be returned."

(Franklin D. Roosevelt 17 Dec 1941.)

These borrowed ships were to be returned at the end of hostilities or payment was due. Two had been destroyed, one damaged beyond repair, the remaining ships were returned to the US Navy and the majority were converted back into merchant vessels and enjoyed long careers under the Red Ensign.

Of the six British built carriers one was sunk, HMS 'Audacity', the world's first merchant conversion to an aircraft carrier, having survived for only six months. 'Audacity' had pioneered the role of the escort carrier, providing air cover for convoy protection outside of the range of land based aircraft. The last of the British carriers was to become a floating exhibition hall for the 1951 Festival of Britain, before finally being sold for breaking in 1952 -the other four vessels were converted back into merchantmen in the late 1940's

I am extremely grateful to all those who have loaned or donated precious materials for inclusion within this project - without their kind generosity and support it would not have been possible.

Tony Drury 2004