HMS GLORIOUS Meaning and
Definition
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HMS Glorious refers to a British Royal Navy aircraft carrier that was in service during the early 20th century. It was built as part of the Courageous-class ships, specifically designed to operate aircraft. The ship was laid down in 1916 and commissioned in 1918.
HMS Glorious had a displacement of approximately 22,500 tons, a speed of 30 knots, and a length of around 786 feet. It was equipped with a flight deck that covered most of the ship, providing ample space for launching and recovering aircraft. The carrier originally carried a mix of fighter and reconnaissance aircraft.
During World War II, HMS Glorious saw action primarily in the Norwegian campaign. It was involved in the evacuation of British troops from central Norway in April 1940. However, in June 1940, while returning from the Norwegian coast, the ship and its accompanying destroyers were caught off-guard by the German battleships Scharnhorst and Gneisenau. The powerful German warships launched a surprise attack on the carrier and quickly sank it.
The loss of HMS Glorious was a significant blow to the British Royal Navy, as it highlighted the vulnerability of aircraft carriers to surface threats. The sinking resulted in the death of over 1,200 crew members, including those aboard the accompanying destroyers. The event also led to reassessments and adjustments in aircraft carrier operations by naval forces worldwide.
Etymology of HMS GLORIOUS
The etymology of the phrase "HMS Glorious" can be traced back to its components:
1. HMS: This stands for "Her Majesty's Ship" or "His Majesty's Ship", indicating that the vessel is a British ship belonging to the monarch.
2. Glorious: The word "glorious" originates from the Latin word "gloriosus", meaning "full of glory" or "renowned". It conveys a sense of splendor, greatness, and victory, emphasizing the significance and honor of the ship.
When combined, "HMS Glorious" represents a British naval vessel that is distinguished, illustrious, and renowned.
