Caspar John's memoir describes Hermes watching political and military activity in southern China and searching Bias Bay for pirates north of Hong Kong. The patrols formed part of a longer British effort against piracy and opium running in the region. Aircrews photographed possible pirate refuges and observed movements ashore rather than preparing a massed carrier strike. That mission rewarded persistent coverage, reconnaissance, and visible presence more than concentrated firepower. Hermes appears here as an early aircraft carrier used for colonial policing and maritime surveillance.
Notable Point · 1:22:15-1:22:49
HMS Hermes on anti-piracy patrol in South China
Hermes used aircraft for presence, reconnaissance, and anti-piracy work around Hong Kong, showing how carrier aviation served imperial policing as well as fleet battle.