Ship classes

AVENGER CLASS
Modified US Long Island Class

The first batch of escort carrier conversions utilizing merchant C3 passenger-cargo liners; generally similar to Archer but conversions carried out prior to the vessels completion as freighters. All four vessels ordered for RN service, but Charger was retained by USN for joint USN/RN training purposes. Avenger had no Island. ARCHER was the prototype and had a displacement of: 15,700 tons gross.

Specifications
Displacement 15,120 tons gross
Length 465 ft (Hull) 492 ft (Flight deck)
Beam 69ft 6 in (Hull) 78 ft (Flight deck)
Speed: 16.5 Knots

5 Ships: ARCHER, AVENGER, BITER, CHARGER, DASHER

 

ATTACKER CLASS
US BOGUE CLASS (C3 hull conversions)

Developed from, and generally similar to, Avenger class, this design was the final development of the US C3 type conversion program. Converted from incomplete C3 merchant hulls, this class of CVE benefited from a greater degree of conversion being possible compared to the earlier C3 conversions which were carried out on completed hulls.

Specifications
Displacement 14,630  tons gross
Length 465 ft, (Hull) 495 ft 6 in (Flight deck)
Beam 69ft 5 in (Hull) 111 ft 6in (Flight deck)
Speed: 18 Knots

11 Ships: ATTACKER, BATTLER, CHASER, FENCER, HUNTER, PURSUER, RAVAGER, SEARCHER, STALKER, STRIKER, TRACKER

 

RULER CLASS
US BOGUE CLASS ( Purpose built C3 hulls)

A second batch of Bogue class vessels, ordered in response to a continued need for escort carriers. Built from the keel up as carriers, these ships were almost identical to the first batch of Bogue conversions. All but one of this batch of ships were to be transferred to the RN.,

Specifications
Displacement 15,646 tons gross
Length 465 ft (Hull) 495 ft 6 in (Flight deck)
Beam 69.5 in (Hull) 111 ft 6 in (Flight deck)
Speed: 18 Knots

17 Ships:
AMEER, ARBITER, ATHELING, BEGUM, EMPEROR,  EMPRESS, KHEDIVE, NABOB, , PREMIER, QUEEN, RAJAH, RANEE, RULER, SHAH, SPEAKER, THANE, TRUMPETER

 

SMITER CLASS
US BOGUE CLASS ( Purpose built C3 hulls)

A sub class of the second batch of Bogue class vessels named with aggressive action names, possibly carried over from the ATTACKER Class. Evidence for this sub-class is discussed here.

6 Ships: PATROLLER, PUNCHER, REAPER, SLINGER, SMITER, TROUNCER

 

NAIRANA CLASS
British built

Two fast freighters converted into escort carriers by British shipyards. Although there are two vessels in this class, HMS VINDEX was not a duplicate of HMS NAIRANA.

Specifications:
Displacement 17,210 tons gross
Length 424 ft,
Beam 68 ft
Speed: 16 Knots

2 Ships: NAIRANA, VINDEX

 

 

ONE OFF VESSELS
 

AUDACITY

Audacity was the RNs first escort carrier, intended to provide basic air cover for convoys. This was a very basic conversion, but well over 100 merchant-hulled escort carriers followed her.

Specifications
Displacement 15,646 tons gross
Length 465 ft
Beam 69 ft 6 in
Speed: 18 Knots

 

ACTIVITY

Second RN-converted escort carrier, taken over prior to completion as a merchant ship she was converted to an improved design which included a small hanger and a small Island.

Specifications
Displacement 14,250 tons gross
Length 512ft
Beam 66 ft 6 in
Speed: 18 Knots

 

CAMPANIA

A fast freighter converted before completion. Very similar in layout to the two NAIRANA class vessels.

Specifications
Displacement 15,970 tons gross
Length 540 ft
Beam70 ft
Speed: 16 Knots
 

PRETORIA CASTLE

The largest of the RN escort carriers, Pretoria Castle could operate up to 21 aircraft. Converted from a passenger liner she was initially employed as an Armed Merchant Cruiser (AMC) early in the war, Purchased by the Admiralty in 1943 for conversion to an escort carrier.

Specifications:
Displacement 23,450 tons gross
Length 592 ft,
Beam 76 ft
Speed: 18 Knots