Mosquitoes aboard HMS Striker bound for Australia and Burma duties in November 1944. After discharging men and aircraft at Melbourne both Striker and Fencer, seen in the background, joined the British Pacific Fleet with reformed squadrons of naval aircraft.

One of Striker’s Swordfish, equipped with depth charges, on U-boat patrol in 1944.

This Fairey Swordfish pilot literally lost his engine on landing. Damage control crew members look on in disbelief whilst one of their number plays an extinguisher on the still hot Bristol Pegasus engine.

All hands to the pump as Striker’s damage control crew removes a damaged Sea Hurricane over the side. During convoy or assault action, badly damaged aircraft were disposed of in this manner to keep the flight deck clear.

HMS Striker’s damage control party takes over after this mishap with a Sea Hurricane. The type was rather prone to overshooting and it was eventually phased out from escort carrier duties.

HMS Striker’s crash barrier prevented this Sea Hurricane from progressing any further and the pilot escaped unhurt. Judging from this photograph it is easy to appreciate why pilots preferred to land on with cockpit canopies open. At the time - 1943 - Striker was on Atlantic convoy duty.

A FAA Grumman Avenger floats for a few seconds after crashing into the sea during an operation on Saki-Shima in April 1945. The pilot, seen standing on the wing, was soon picked up by an escorting destroyer.