This is one of my dad's photos of the HMS Illustious prior to launching in 1939.  This ship was the first aircraft carrier to feature an armoured flight deck.  a fact that saved her life in the Mediteranian when the Germans tried to sink her.  She was severely damaged and towed to anchorage at Malta and then to the states for repair.

The HMS Illustrious - 1939

From my late father, Jim Sellar's personal collection.  Dad served on board HMS Illustrious.  This is the Illustrious heading home from Australia at the end of the war.

HMS Illustrious on her way home.

This is the launching of HMS Illustrious from Liverpool in 1939.  She was hearlded as Britain's new secret weapon because of her armoured flight deck.