The earlier HMS Protector began as a wartime net layer before conversion for polar patrol and survey work. She served in the Antarctic role from 1955 to 1968. Her conversion allowed her to carry two Westland Whirlwind helicopters, giving a small specialist ship reach well beyond its hull. That aviation capacity provides an important benchmark for comparing successive British polar vessels.
Chapter · 1:28:31-1:32:02
The first HMS Protector: from net layer to Antarctic patrol ship
A wartime net layer became the Royal Navy's first dedicated Antarctic patrol vessel and gained a two-helicopter aviation capability.