A History of HMS Smiter

Laid down 10 May 1943, at Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Co. Tacoma, Washington, a Maritime Commission C3-S-A1 type freighter, Seattle-Tacoma hull number 47; purchased by the US navy, to become USS VERMILLION ACV-52. Whilst still under construction it had been decided that ACV-52 was to be transferred to the Admiralty on loan on her completion as an aircraft carrier. USN designation changed from ACV to CVE on 15 July 1943. CVE-52 was launched on 27 September 1943 and on completion of her construction as an escort carrier she was transferred to the United Kingdom under lend-lease 20 January 1944. She commissioned into RN service the same day as HMS SMITER (D55), Captain L.G. Richardson RN in command.

After completing her builder’s sea trials and her acceptance by the Admiralty Smiter sailed to Vancouver, Canada to be modified to meet Admiralty requirements, receive her full crew compliment, complete sea trials and work up ready for beginning her active service. This work was undertaken by the Burrard Dry Dock Co. Ltd., North Vancouver, British Columbia.

On completion of her work-up and short crew familiarisation period HMS Smiter sailed for the Panama Canal, and calling at Norfolk, Virginia to embark aircraft for ferrying to the K. She embarked the Avengers of 856 squadron on June 1st 1944, and after sailing with a UK bound convoy arrived off Liverpool on June 21st. 856 was disembarked to RNAS Speke, Liverpool.

CVE-52 was returned to US Navy custody on 6 April 1946, and was stricken for disposal 21 May 1946. Sold into merchant service as Artillero on 6 April 1946., she renamed President Garcia in 1965. Wrecked off Guernsey in July 1967 and was a total loss; hulk scrapped at Hamburg starting November 1967.