Visiting The Watery Grave Of A World War Two Carrier

Two hundred feet below the surface in the Bay of Bengal lies the grave of HMS Hermes.

Now, 75 years after she sank, she flies the Royal Navy standard once again.

On April 9, 1942, the Hermes was sunk by Japanese bombers in World War II.

The ship spent the majority of her seafaring years in the Mediterranean and the Far East.

In 1942, she was sent to support the allied invasion of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean, and it was here that the carrier met her fate - 20 miles off the port of Batticaloa.

Hit 40 times, she sank in just 20 minutes - along with 307 men.

Today, after joint training with the Sri Lankan Navy, who are expert gas divers, a team of Royal Navy divers paid their respects to the empty shell of the Hermes.

Chief Petty Officer Ward Peers said of the occasion:

“This is the first time that Royal Navy personnel have been able to pay their respects in such a way in the 75 years since Hermes was tragically sunk.”

"Laying the ensign was a great honour for everyone involved. Being able to dive on such a huge piece of British military history is a huge achievement and we are extremely grateful for the opportunity given to us by the Sri Lankan Navy." 

The wreckage lies 60 meters below the surface, with only the bilge keel accessible to divers.

Fellow diver Lieutenant James Preston said it had been "a unique opportunity" none of the team would forget:

"We're proud to have paid respect to the lost sailors on HMS Hermes - this visit will form a proud part of the team's history."

"There was a lot of black coral on the hull, but not much more - the hull was in great condition and appeared strong with little corrosion.”