Talk:HMS Implacable (R86)

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HMS Implacable was laid down at Fairfields shipyard on Clydeside three months after her sister-ship HMS Indefatigable and was clearly destined for the British Pacific Fleet once worked up. Her first commanding officer was Captain Lachlan Mackintosh of Mackintosh, but he was replaced on promotion by Captain Charles Hughes-Hallett before sailing for the Far East.

After the usual Tirpitz runs early in 1944 the ship prepared for the main task.

The ship arrived at Sydney on 8th May 1945 (V-E Day). She joined the carrier squadron as replacement for HMS Illustrious which was due to return to the UK for a major refit.

Among other types the ship operated the Fairey Firefly, the Supermarine Seafire and the Grumman Avenger.

Her first operation as part of the BPF was against Japanese airfields at Truk in the Caroline Islands.

The ship remained in Pacific waters after the end of the conflict, becoming the flagship of Sir Philip Vian when he took over as Vice-Admiral BPF for a period. She returned to the UK in time for the Victory Parade.