Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 55:11-56:15

Britain's carrier force before the Washington Treaty

Argus, Furious and other conversions were already available, while Eagle and Hermes were still being completed as Britain entered the treaty era.

HMS ArgusHMS EagleHMS FuriousHMS HermesWashington Naval Treaty
Watch at this timeFull video guide
Question

How many carriers did Britain have on the eve of the Washington Naval Treaty?

Short answer

Britain had Argus, Furious, several conversions and seaplane carriers, with Eagle and Hermes under construction; many counted as experimental ships under treaty rules.

Notes

Britain had Argus and Furious alongside other conversions and seaplane carriers. Eagle and Hermes were still being built or fitted out. The experimental-carrier provisions gave the Royal Navy latitude to replace early ships during the interwar years. Their eligibility depended on the treaty's construction and launch dates, rather than simply the date of completion.