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HMS Patroller was a Ruler class escort carrier that saw little active service, being used as a ferry carrier under US Navy control early in 1945 before returning to British control to carry out similar duties.
The Patroller was laid down on 27 May 1942 as USS Keweenam (CVE-44).
1944
The Patroller crossed the Atlantic with convoy CU37, departing New York on 27 August 1944 and reaching the UK on 7 September. She repeated the trip with convoy CU41, leaving New York on 29 September 1944 and reaching the UK on 10 October, and again with CU49, departing on 1 December and reaching the UK on 12 December.
No.1843 Squadron used her for deck landing training with their Corsair IIs on 21-23 December 1944
1945
At the start of 1945 Patroller was lent to the United States Navy and was used to ferry United States Naval aircraft, although still with her British crew. In the spring of 1945 she was recalled to Royal Navy control. No.1852 Squadron joined her on 4 May 1945 in the US, she departed New York on 10 May and arrived in the UK on 21 May.
The Patroller was returned to the US Navy on 13 December 1946 and sold off as a merchantman.
Squadrons
No.1843 NAS
No.1843 used the Patroller for deck landing training with its Corsair IIs on 21-23 December 1944
No.1845 NAS
No.1845 Squadron embarked on Patroller with its Corsair IVs on 4 May 1945 to cross the Atlantic, disembarking in Belfast on 25 May 1945.
Displacement (loaded) |
11,400t standard |
Top Speed |
18kts |
Range |
27,500 miles at 11 knots |
Length |
495ft 3in-496ft 8in oa |
Armaments |
18-24 aircraft |
Crew complement |
646 |
Launched |
6 May 1943 |
Completed |
25 October 1943 |
To USA |
1946 |
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