HMS Perseus R51 British Aircraft Carrier

Built during World War Two, but commissioned after Japan’s surrender, HMS Perseus was a Colossus-class light fleet aircraft carrier built for the Royal Navy. Completed as a maintenance carrier, she made one trip to Australian in late 1945. Upon her return to the UK in 1946 Perseus was placed in reserve.

In 1950 she was reactivated to act as a trials ship for the steam catapult. After 1,600 trial launches, she was converted to a transport for troops and aircraft, but again reduced to reserve in 1954. She was sold for scrap in 1958.