First of a series of four ships ( the following ones being HMS Victorious, HMS Formidable and HMS Indomitable) HMS Illustrious was launched in April 1939 at a time when the war clouds were gathering over Europe. Well protected from the attack of opposing forces by an armoured deck and ring, the aircraft carryer came into service in April 1940 and was straight away enlisted in the ranks of the Royal Navy since there was a desperate need for that kind of ship. First of all appointed in the Mediterranean, the Illustrious immediately launched attacks on the Italian fleet. On 11th November 1940 twenty-four Swordfish took off from the aircraft carrier and attacked the battleships of the Regia Marina in their own port of Tarente. They inflicted considerable damage to the fleet, sinking the "Conte di Cavour" and badly damaging the "Littorio" and the "Caio Duilio". Only two planes were lost during this attack.

SPECIFICATIONS SHEET:

Launched:             5th April 1939

Entered service:          21st April 1940

Crew:                           1200 men

Overall length:              226.7 m

Length of flight deck:   198.1 m

Width of flight deck:      24.4 m

Propulsion:                   Three boilers driving three propeller shafts, 111000 HP

Maximum speed:           30.5 knots