[iowamark]

HMS Hermes, laid down January 15, 1918, was the world's first purpose built aircraft carrier.

Sinking off Ceylon April 9, 1942:

[tcrlaf]

Hermes was lost with 300+ killed, plus the Destroyer Vampire, Flower Corvette Hollyhock, and two fleet tankers in the Japanese airstrikes.

Hermes had dropped off her aircraft on Ceylon, and was running back to land-based air cover when she was attacked by 82 dive-bombers. She never had a chance, and was sunk in 20 minutes.