Unicorn's formal description as a forward fleet aviation support ship helped distinguish her from a conventional aircraft carrier in policy, funding, and treaty discussions. Her original role was to maintain and support aircraft close to the fleet rather than simply operate as another carrier. She entered service at a critical point in the Second World War and became a design foundation for the light fleet carriers that followed. Those British-designed light carriers sustained naval aviation in numerous fleets during the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. This makes Reginald Henderson's ship an ancestor of carrier capabilities later operated by many nations.
Notable Point · 23:01-25:38
HMS Unicorn and forward fleet aviation support
Number one traces HMS Unicorn's influence from forward aviation support ship to a foundation for British light-fleet-carrier design.