At 25 knots, Hermes fits a cruiser or presence-carrier role rather than that of a later high-speed fleet carrier. She could take aviation to distant stations where the Royal Navy lacked shore infrastructure. The requirement grew from wartime experience off Africa and at Gallipoli, where aircraft proved useful but depended on bases and support. The Royal Navy could not expect permanent airfields in every region where it might operate. Deployments to the China Station and Mediterranean made the carrier a mobile package of aircraft, maintenance, supplies, and operating support.
Notable Point · 53:52-55:49
Hermes carries aviation infrastructure overseas
Hermes is presented as a cruiser or presence carrier that brings aircraft support to stations where the Royal Navy cannot afford permanent aviation bases.