HMS Ark Royal by Brian Wood (D)

HMS Ark Royal part of Force H along with the Battleship HMS Renown and Cruiser HMS Sheffield departs Gibraltar to take part in the search for the Bismarck in the Atlantic. During the hunt HMS Ark Royal, Swordfish mistakenly attack the Royal Navy cruiser HMS Sheffiled. Fortunately, the torpedoes were not primed properly and crusier recieived no major damage. Spotter planes from HMS Ark Royal eventually found the Bismarck. and a attack commenced, crippling the Bismarcks rudder. The damage sustained lead to the rest of the Royal Navy surface fleet catching up with the Bismarck and sinking her. HMS ark Royal returns to the mediteranean. later on 13 November 1941: While on her return to Gibraltar in company with the HMS Malaya, HMS Argus, and HMS Hermione supported by Seven destroyers, HMSArk Royal is attacked by the U-81 under the command of Kapitanleutnant Guggenberger in the Mediterranean., and at 1541, a torpedo strikes the starboard side and the ship immediately takes a 10 degree list. within 20 minutes this list has increased to 18 degrees and Captain Maund orders all only essential crew to remain aboard with the rest of the crew to abandon ship. Destroyer HMS Legion under the command of Commander R. S. Jessel comes alongside and takes most of her crew on board, leaving 250 crew and t Captain Maund to try and save the ship but they have to also abndon ship, and just 14 hours after the torpedo strike HMS Ark Royal rolls over and sinks. from the entire crew their was only only one fatality,Able Seaman E. Mitchell was killed.

Unsigned edition.

Image size 12 inches x 8 inches (31cm x 20cm)