With war against Germany looming, Britain pushed forward its carrier program in the late 1930s. In 1938, the Royal Navy launched the HMS Ark Royal, its first-ever purpose-built aircraft carrier. This book tells the story of the small, but resilient, carriers and the crucial role they played in the British war effort.

Introduction 350 words Outlines the origins of naval aviation, and the growing importance of aircraft carriers in naval warfare. Design & Development 2,400 words Covers the chronological development of these Carriers, and covering modifications made during their operational lives. Operational History 2,250 words Follows the service history of each of the 14 Fleet Aircraft Carriers covered in this volume. Carrier Operation 2,150 words Describes the way aircraft were handled on a typical British wartime fleet aircraft carrier, including a description the wat launcing operations were conducted. Carrier Aircraft 2,000 words This section provides a brief description of the types of aircraft carried by these carriers, and their relative merits, and touches on the way they were used in action. Carriers in Action 2,400 words Provides a brief description of three actions involving British aircraft carriers; Taranto (1940), Matapan (1941) and the sinking of the Bismarck (1941) Bibiography 250 words