A History of HMS PRETORIA CASTLE
Built by Harland & Wolff. Belfast, Northern Ireland; Launched 12 Oct 1938, completed 1939 as a
passenger liner. Requisitioned as armed merchant cruiser 10/1939,
commissioned 28 November 1939. Purchased by RN 16 July 1942 and converted
to a carrier at Swan Hunter. Commissioned 29 July 1943, conversion
completed 9 August 1943.
Used only as a trials and training carrier. She was
paid off December 1945, sold 26 January 1946 for merchant service
but not immediately decommissioned; delivered to new owners 21 March 1946
for conversion to cargo liner. Entered service as 'Warwick Castle'
1947. Scrapped in Spain starting 9/1962.
Content revised: July 2008
Sources used in compiling this account:
Brown, D. (1974) ‘Carrier Operations in World War 2 – vol 1 the Royal Navy’ Shepperton, Ian Allen Ltd.
Hobbs, D. (2003) 'Royal Navy Escort Carriers'
Liskeard, Maritime Books
Poolman, K. (1988) 'Allied Escort Carriers of World War Two in Action' London, Blandford Press
Poolman, K. (1972) 'Escort Carriers 1941 - 1945' Shepperton, Ian Allen Ltd.
Sturtivant, R. & Burrows, M. (1995) ‘Fleet Air Arm Aircraft 1939 to 1945’ Tonbridge Wells, Air Britain (Historians)
Sturtivant, R & Balance, T., (1994) ‘Squadrons of the Fleet Air Arm’ Tonbridge Wells, Air Britain (Historians)
British officers
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