TYNE BUILT SHIPS
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Name: ALBION
Type: Aircraft Carrier
Keel: 22/03/1944
Launched: 16/05/1947
Completed: 26/05/1954
Builder: Swan, Hunter & Wigham Richardson
Yard: Wallsend
Yard Number: 1721
Dimensions: 18310disp - 25760disp, 650.0 x 90.0 x 22.0(draft)ft
Engines: 2 x Steam turbines, Parsons type, SR Geared, 80000shp
Engines by: Wallsend Slipway & Engineering Co Ltd, Wallsend
Propulsion: 2 x Screws, 27.0knots
Construction: Steel
Armament: 2 x 6 x 40mm, 8 x 2 x 40mm, 4 x 1 x 40mm Bofors guns;
50 x aircraft, 2 x catapults
History:
26/05/1954 British Royal Navy
12/11/1973 Broken up
Comments: Member of the Hermes Class of light fleet carriers
18/10/1949: Whilst under tow from Wallsend for completion at Rosyth,
she collided with & sank MAYSTONE
Arrived at Rosyth with hole in stern and 5ft of water in engine room
Completion delayed so that an angle deck (5.75deg) could be fitted
Became the first "new build" carrier with an angled deck
Also fitted with the new mirror landing sight
1962: Completed a 2 year conversion into a Commando Carrier
1973: Sold for conversion into North Sea Oil heavy lift ship
Projected conversion not carried out
12/11/1973: Sold for breaking up
20/11/1973: Arrived at Faslane for breaking up


Above photo is courtesy of Kevin Blair

Above photo, dated 05/1954, is courtesy of Robert Amess. CLICK to enlarge/BACK to return

Above photo is courtesy of Kevin Blair

Above photo is copyright of South Tyneside Libraries

Above photo is copyright of South Tyneside Libraries. CLICK to enlarge/BACK to return

Above photo is copyright of the Imperial War Museum. CLICK to enlarge/BACK to return

Above photo is copyright of the Imperial War Museum. CLICK to enlarge/BACK to return

Above photo, dated 07/1967, is courtesy of Dennis Maccoy. CLICK to enlarge/BACK to return

Above photo of ALBION as a Commando Carrier is copyright of Malcolm Cranfield