Hermes was ordered in April 1917 and laid down by Armstrong Whitworth on 15 January 1918. She launched on 11 September 1919 but did not commission until February 1924. A British government pause slowed the project enough for Hosho to enter service first. Hermes nevertheless remained the first aircraft carrier designed from the outset for that role.
Notable Point · 16:08-17:03
Why HMS Hermes did not commission until 1924
A construction pause delayed the purpose-designed Hermes until 1924, allowing Hosho to enter service first.