HMS Pioneer (R76)

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HMS Pioneer was laid down on 2 December 1942. It was launched on 20 May 1944 and commissioned 8 February 1945. Pioneer was not completed to its original design. With the success of the maintenance aircraft carrier HMS Unicorn, Pioneer's design was modified to that of an aircraft maintenance ship.

Pioneer was at Manaus when the Japanese in that area surrendered to the British forces. After the surrender, Pioneer returned to the United Kingdom, and was then laid up in reserve for seven year. In 1953, Pioneer was reactivated for service as a ferry carrier. However, that duty lasted only until September 1954, when the ship was decommissioned and sold for scrap.

Colossus_class_aircraft_carrier