Did HMS Unicorn have to serve as a light fleet carrier when other British carriers were unavailable?
Short answerYes; she filled parts of Hermes's and Eagle's roles and also served as flagship for escort-carrier groups.
NotesA viewer notes that Unicorn had to act as a light fleet carrier after the loss of Hermes and before later light carriers were ready. She also inherited parts of Eagle's role and at several points served as flagship for groups of escort carriers. A ship designed for aviation support remained operationally valuable because its flexible aviation and command facilities could cover gaps opened by wartime losses and delayed construction. Unicorn's support features therefore proved useful beyond her intended logistics mission.