HMS Slinger

HMS Slinger was a Ruler class escort carrier that served as a replenishment carrier with the British Pacific Fleet in 1945. The Slinger was laid down as USS Chatham (CVE-32) on 25 May 1942. She carried more fuel (50,480t) than most members of the Ruler class, but was otherwise standard.

1943

The Slinger sailed from the US to the UK in October 1943, carrying the Corsair IIs of No.1830 Squadron.

1944

Her entry into service was delayed by damage sustained when a ground mine exploded under her engine room in 17 fathoms of water on 5 February 1944. Eight and a half months of repairs were needed before she was once again ready for service.

On 19 December 1944 No.1845 Squadron embarked on the Slinger with its Corsair IVs, part of the 10th Naval Fighter Wing.

1945

Early in 1945 the Slinger sailed from the UK to join the Pacific Fleet. On arrival No.1845 Squadron was disbanded and its aircraft and crew absorbed into the squadrons already on HMS Formidable and HMS Victorious. The Slinger became a replenishment carrier serving with the fleet train of the British Pacific Fleet, serving in that role until VJ Day. In April 1945, after HMS Indefatigable was hit by a kamikaze attack, the Slinger was used to transport the wounded to Leyte Gulf to join the hospital ship Oxfordshire.  She was returned to the US Navy on 27 February 1947 and sold off as a merchantman,

Squadrons

No.1830 NAS

No.1830 Squadron (Corsair II) was onboard the Slinger from 9 October 1943 until 1 November 1943 to be ferried across the Atlantic.

No.1845 NAS

No.1845 Squadron and its Corsair IVs embarked on the Slinger on 19 December 1944 as part of the 10th Naval Fighter Wing, allocated to the British Pacific Fleet. The squadron disbanded in the Far East on 5 April 1945, and was absorbed into squadrons already on the Formidable and Victorious.

Displacement (loaded)

11,400t standard
15,390t deep load

Top Speed

18kts

Length

495ft 3in-496ft 8in oa

Armaments

18-24 aircraft
Two 5in/38 US Mk 12 in two single mountings
Sixteen 40mm Bofors guns in eight double mountings
Twenty seven to thirty five 20mm cannon

Crew complement

646

Launched

15 December 1942

Completed

11 August 1943

To USA

1946

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How to cite this article: Rickard, J (22 July 2010), HMS Slinger , http://www.historyofwar.org/articles/weapons_HMS_Slinger.html

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