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HMS Thane was a Ruler class escort carrier that had a short service career, escorting at least two convoys across the Atlantic before being torpedoed and badly damaged by U-482.
The Thane was laid down on 23 February 1943 as USS Sunset (CVE-48). She was launched on 15 July 1943 and completed on 19 May 1943.
1944
The Thane crossed the Atlantic with Convoy CU.42, leaving New York on 6 October 1944 and arriving in the UK on 17 October. She then have returned across the Atlantic, for on 28 December 1944 No.1851 Squadron embarked with its Corsair III after training in US Waters.
1945
The Thane returned to the UK with Convoy CU.53, leaving New York on 2 January and reaching the UK on 13 January. No.1851 Squadron disembarked at Belfast on 14 January, and the carrier continued on to the Clyde, where on 15 January she was torpedoed by U-482. Five men won awards in the immediate aftermath of the attack, when the Thane was saved, and another nine in efforts to remove ammunition from her.
The ship was towed to Faslane, but it was decided not to repair her. She was returned to the US Navy on 5 December 1945 and scrapped.
Squadrons
No.831 NAS
No.831 Squadron served on fleet carriers in the Far East with the Barracuda, but in the autumn of 1944 it was decided to withdraw that aircraft from the Far East. The aircraft were left behind, while the personnel returned to the UK via the US on Battler and Thane.
No.1851 NAS
No.1851 Squadron formed at Brunswick in September 1944, operating the Corsair III. After training on USS Charger the squadron embarked on the Thane on 28 December 1944 and accompanied Convoy CU.53 across the Atlantic. The squadron disembarked at Belfast on 14 January 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 |
15 July 1943 |
Completed |
19 November 1943 |
Damaged beyond repair |
15 January 1945 |
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