HMS EMPRESS approaching her mooring at Wellington, New Zealand, November 3rd 1945. Photo: Courtesy of Ross McGregor

A group of young boys are shown around one of the ship's twin Bofors mounts - the date on the back of this photo is given as March 31st 1944 while Empress was making her maiden voyage to the UK. It is possible these boys were passengers embarked at New York, returning home after being evacuated to the US earlier in the war.

A Firefly of 1772 Squadron from RNAS Burscough on final approach to land on HMS Empress during deck landing training in late November 1944.

Above and Below: Two photos of Firefly Z2022 ('E':'4D') of 1772 naval air squadron pictured on November 25th 1944 shortly after ending up in the barrier on HMS Empress. The aircraft flown by S/L I.T. O' Driscoll crashed when the arrestor hook bounced on landing and missed all the arrestor wires.

Vice-Admiral Sir Arthur Lumley St George Lyster, KCB, CVO, CBE, DSO, Flag Officer Flying Training visits HMS Empress during her working up period prior to sailing for the East Indies Fleet. Also pictured is Captain H.A. Traill RN commanding officer HMS Empress.

Above and below: The funeral of Ty/Sub Lieutenant (E) Charles Bernard Coleman RNVR who was killed in an accident on Thursday, 7 September 1944 aboard the ship. Empress was operating off the west coast of Scotland conducting deck landing training when the accident occurred; these two photos show his burial in Greenock cemetery.

Captain H.A. Traill RN commanding officer HMS Empress leads the way as Vice Admiral Clement Moody RN, Flag Officer (Air) East Indies, visits the ship in Ceylon.

Vice Admiral Clement Moody RN meets some of the ships officers on the hanger deck of HMS Empress.

Vice Admiral Clement Moody RN enjoys a drink as the guest of the wardroom during his visit to HMS Empress.

Above and below: Visit of Rear Admiral G N Oliver, Rear-Admiral Commanding 21st Aircraft Carrier Squadron, inspects members of the ship’s company on the flight deck of the escort carrier HMS Empress at Trincomalee, Ceylon.

Captain H.A. Traill RN commanding officer HMS Empress leads the way as Vice Admiral Sir Arthur John Power RN C.B., C.V.O., C-in-C East Indies Fleet, visits the ship.

Vice Admiral HTC Walker RN, Flag Officer Commanding 3rd Battle Squadron & Second-in-Command, East Indies Fleet (Left),

Captain H.A. Traill RN (rear) and Commander Briggs? during Operation "STACEY".

Some of the air maintenance personnel of 804 (Hellcat) squadron pose with one of their aircraft on the flight deck.

Armourers preparing to load ordinance onto Hellcats for an upcoming operation

One of 804 squadron's Hellcats as it is caught by the barrier after missing all of the arrestor wires.

Aircrew from845 squadron aboard HMS Empress posed with one of their Avenger aircraft. This photo was taken on March 5th 1945 when the ship was disengaging from Operation "STACEY".

Divisions aboard HMS Empress

The 'Royal Procession' the arrival of King Neptune

The assembled players - King Neptune, the surgeon barber, the constables and the bears.