Great Britain was breaking new ground with the first fleet to deploy carrier air power in a high-intensity war in 1939.

Captains, crews, pilots and admirals were making things up as they went along.

And the world was watching.

Anti-submarine hunter-killer groups? Costly failure.

Surprise strikes against major harbours? Resounding success.

Close escorts for convoys running the gauntlet to Malta?

It was the ultimate test of doctrines determined during the disruptive 1920s and 30s.

So why have the experiments, endeavours and endurance of the Royal Navy’s carrier operations seemingly been lost to history?

This website seeks to give you a detailed account of the actions in which Britain's radical armoured carriers sustained damage, what that damage was, and how well these ships met both design requirements and unexpected adaptations.