Royal Navy ACV Battler Class (ACV = Auxiliary Aircraft Carrier, i.e., CVE, or Escort Carrier) Recognition Features: HMS Battler (D18) and HMS Fencer (D64).
ACV BATTLER Class
HEIGHT IN FEET:
from W.L. to Flight Deck – 47′ to Top of Foretop – 99′
from Flight Deck to Foretop – 52′LENGTH: 495½’ (O.A.). BEAM: 69½’ (hull)
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES:
High freeboard freighter hull, built up to flight deck for greater portion of ship’s length; prominent sponsons on ship’s sides at main deck level.
Narrow “box” island superstructure on starboard side forward; trestle mast mounted on after end of island. RESEMBLANCE TO:
Wide rectangular flight deck, slightly tapered forward and aft; two aircraft elevators,
one forward and one aft.Some units have small smoke vents projecting outboard amidships.
STRONG SIMILARITY TO:
ARCHER Class (Brit. – ACV)
BOGUE Class (U.S. – ACV)RESEMBLANCE TO:
ARGUS (Brit. – ACV)
Typical Japanese Carrier design (from a distance).
Source: FM 30-50: Recognition Pictorial Manual of Naval Vessels, U.S. Navy Department, September 1943.
