Save the Vengeance - Flightbag - World War II British aircraft carrier - Brief Article

Naval Aviation News, July-August, 2002

In December 2001 an organization was formed to secure the future of the last surviving WW II British aircraft carrier. "Save the Vengeance" is attempting to acquire the historic ship from the Brazilian navy, her last operator and current owner.

Initially built as a Colossus-class light fleet carrier, the ship was commissioned HMS Vengeance for the Royal Navy in 1944. Following service during WW II, she went on loan to the Australian navy from 1952 to 1955 as HMAS Vengeance. Later, the ship was sold to the Brazilian navy, refitted and commissioned NAeL Minas Gerais in 1960, serving until decommissioned in October 2001.

The organization's goal is to acquire the carrier, return her to the United Kingdom and transform her into a museum to educate the public on the development of aircraft carriers and their role in history. If this project is successful, Vengeance will be the only preserved aircraft carrier in Europe. For more information, go to www.fleetairarmarchive. Net/vengeance.