Sedalia Dave Posted October 13 Share Posted October 13 found on Fb World’s oldest aircraft carrier! “The worlds' oldest aircraft carrier, a precursor to today's giant navy vessels, has been discovered - rusting by a river bank. Looking like another just another rusting hull poking out of the water, for years, the large dirt covered rusting wreck in the Thames was ignored. But a maritime journalist spotted the vessel was a 1918 Thorneycroft Seaplane Lighter. Although at just 58 feet long, it looks nothing like the modern HMS Ark Royal, the damaged vessel was the first of the kind. The tiny craft, discarded in the river like a shopping trolley or piece of litter, would have seen action during the First World War as carriers were introduced for the first time. Now, it's being restored by experts at the Fleet Air Arm Museum in Somerset after being recovered from the water. Originally, it would have carried one plane that was launched by being towed into the wind - and then recovered after it was ditched into the sea on landing. Jon Jefferies, from the FAA Museum, said the small vessel was a significant find. 'It's only tiny, but it's this ship that led to the development of the massive modern aircraft carriers,' he said.” Dr. Peter Caddick-Adams 4 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forty Rod SASS 3935 Posted October 13 Share Posted October 13 Doesn't look like that little critter is a big as PT boat.. Even so "Thanks, little darlin' You can be proud of all of your offspring." 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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