HMS Hermes was a British aircraft carrier that served during World War II. Launched in 1923, it was the first purpose-built aircraft carrier in the Royal Navy. The ship played a significant role in various naval operations, including the Mediterranean and Indian Oceans, showcasing the importance of air power at sea. In 1942, HMS Hermes was involved in the Indian Ocean raid against Japanese forces. Unfortunately, it was sunk by Japanese aircraft off the coast of Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) on April 9, 1942. The loss of the ship highlighted the vulnerabilities of naval forces to air attacks during the war.