HMAS Carpentaria (CVL-1917 (1926-mod))

Back to Ship Index

HMAS Carpentaria (ex Cavendish, ex Vindictive) was a Frobisher class cruiser that was part of the original aircraft carrier trials group along with the Furious and the Argus.  Once trials were over the British were to fully convert the ship but ran out of Aircraft carrier tonnage as allocated to them by the Washington Treaty. The Australis Navy was looking for just such an opportunity and the ship was 'purchased' under the 'lease' (sail now pay later) scheme. The ship received its new name in 1926 on completion of its conversion. Note had been taken of the enclosed bow on the Hermes and this was copied by all of the Australis Navy carriers that followed.

The Carpentaria spent the period 1926 to 1934 exclusively tied to the trials and training of pilots in aircraft carrier landings. The ship finally received an air group of its own in 1935, when it was sent off to Darwin where its speed meant it was able to operate with the battlecruiser force.

HMAS Carpentaria as the HMS Vindictive in 1918 prior to full conversion.

Back to Ship Index