Send her Victorious
Last updated: 17.12.19
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Printed: 1971 Author: Lt. Cdr. Michael Apps R.N.
Publisher: Purnell Book Services ISBN:  
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Hardcover, 270 pages.
Foreword by Vice Admiral fan McIntosh, C.B., D.S.O., M.B.E., D.S.C.
The proud history of the aircraft carriers of the Royal Navy has reached a turning point with the 1970's, and is perhaps coming to an end. Their achievements in the Second World War-and in the busy years following the war-will stand, both as an important exercise in sea warfare and grand strategy, as well as the basic argument for the retention of the carrier into the future.
The unique importance of the aircraft carrier H.M.S. Victorious is that she was laid down before the war, fought in a wide variety of theatres throughout it, and was modernised after it to such good effect that she was only finally taken out of commission in 1968. Her story therefore reflects the history of the Fleet Air Arm right through the most important period of its development, from the early days when the Navy was still suspicious of airborne warfare, into the age of guided missiles and nuclear deterrents. Victorious served in home waters, played an important part in the struggle to relieve Malta, sailed on the notorious Russian convoys to Murmansk, joined the British Pacific Fleet for the final defeat of Japan, where she survived repeated attempts to sink her by Kamikaze or suicide planes, and played her part in the many post-war emergencies, including Malaya and Kuwait, giving her battle-experience in the new era of modern warfare.
Lieutenant Commander Apps, historian of the Fleet Air Arm, served in her, and has researched into her story with meticulous and loving care. Victorious was a happy ship, one that inspired the affection of all who served in her; her story is an important and enthralling piece of naval history.

Personal remarks:
Whilst extremely interesting for one who served 4 commissions on the "Mighty Vic" between 1959 and 1967, this is very much a wardroom book. I especially enjoyed the foreword by my last captain, Vice Admiral Ian McIntosh. Whilst all the great deeds of the waffoo's are deservedly reported, humble Jack and his heroics on the lower deck are only fleetingly mentioned if at all. Perhaps the stuff for another Victorious book, one with a worm's eye view. Nonetheless, this book is an absolute must for any Ex-Victorious.