HMS Vindex (1915)

HMS "Vindex" was a Royal Navy seaplane carrier of the First World War. She had been built in 1905 by Armstrong Whitworth as the "Viking", a fast passenger ferry for the Isle of Man Steam Packet.

The "Viking" was requisitioned by the Royal Navy on March 15, 1915 for conversion to a seaplane carrier, and was purchased outright on October 11 1915. She was renamed HMS "Vindex" to avoid confusion with the destroyer HMS "Viking".

HMS "Vindex" was fitted with a flying-off platform, allowing planes to take off from wheeled trolleys. She was capable of operating up to seven seaplanes, and during her career, operated a range of aircraft including Short Type 184, Bristol Scout, Sopwith Pup and Sopwith Baby. Her 12 pdr guns were later replaced by two 4inch Anti-Aircraft guns.

HMS "Vindex" was based at the Nore and Harwich, before moving to the Mediterranean in 1918. After paying-off in late 1919, she was sold back to her original owners on February 12 1920.

References

*Colledge
* Dittmar, F. J. & Colledge, J. J., "British Warships 1914-1919", (Ian Allen, London, 1972), ISBN 0-7110-0380-7
* Gray, Randal (ed), "Conway's All The Worlds Fighting Ships, 1906-1921", (Conway Maritime Press, London, 1985), ISBN 0-85177-245-5