A History of HMS Empress

Laid down 9 Sept 1942, at Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Co. Tacoma, Washington, a Maritime Commission C3 type freighter hull number 249, Seattle-Tacoma hull number 33; purchased by the US navy to be the USS CARNEGIE ACV-38 (later changed to CVE - 38). She was launched on 30 Dec 1942. Whilst still under construction it had been decided that CVE 38 was to be transferred to the Admiralty on loan on her completion as an aircraft carrier. She was commissioned as USS CARNEGIE 9 August 1943 but was transferred to the Royal Navy on 12 August 1943 and commissioned in RN service as HMS EMPRESS (D42), Commander. T.K. Masterman RN in command.

Outfitted as a strike/CAP carrier. Served in the Atlantic and Indian Ocean.

On January 20th 1944 during her work-up Empress embarked the 12 Avenger Is of 850 squadron, , which had formed and worked up at  US NAS Sqantum,  for Deck Landing Training,  and   then embarking on February 17th for passage to the UK on Empress as she made her maiden Atlantic crossing .  They were flown off to RNAS Lee-on-Solent on April 10th, having flown anti-submarine sweeps during the Atlantic crossing.

HMS Empress was to form part of the force of six CVEs sent to reoccupy Singapore. Empress and Ameer  remained at sea while Hunter, Khedive, Emperor and Stalker entered the Singapore harbour  on September 10th 1945

CVE 38 was returned to US Navy custody  4 Feb 1946, and stricken for disposal on 28 March 1946. She was sold for breaking 21 June 1946