HMS Trouncer

HMS Trouncer was a Ruler class escort carrier, and one of five members of that class to see significant service in the Atlantic, escorting a number of trans-Atlantic convoys from the summer of 1944.

The Trouncer was laid down on 1 February 1943 as USS Perdido (CVE-47). She was launched on 16 June 1943 and completed on 31 January 1944.

1944

Her first journey across the Atlantic saw her escort Convoy TCU.35, departing New York on 11 July and arriving in the UK on 22 August. Onboard were the Corsair IIIs of No.1843 Squadron, which disembarked on 24 August to continue its training.

The Trouncer continued to operate in the Atlantic, escorting Convoy CU.44 from New York to the UK (sailing on 22 October 1944, arriving on 2 November). At some point in November or December she was used for deck landing training, before returning to the US at the end of the year.

1945

Trouncer began 1945 on convoy escort duty, accompanying convoy CU.53 from New York (2 January) to the UK (13 January).

In August 1945 the anti-aircraft armament of the Trouncer was modified. All but seven of the 20mm cannon were removed and an extra fourteen 40mm Bofors guns in single mountings were added.

The Trouncer was returned to the US Navy on 3 March 1946 and sold off as a merchant ship.

Squadrons

No.1843

No.1843 Squadron crossed to the United Kingdom on the Trouncer with its Corsair IIIs, arriving on 24 August 1944.

Displacement (loaded)

11,400t standard
15,390t deep load

Top Speed

18kts

Range

27,500 miles at 11 knots

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

16 June 1943

Completed

31 January 1944

To USA

1946

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How to cite this article: Rickard, J (28 July 2010), HMS Trouncer , http://www.historyofwar.org/articles/weapons_HMS_Trouncer.html

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