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.

HMS Illustrious launched

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

Launching of HMS ILLUSTRIOUS
Liverpool, 1939 from my fathers old album from his Royal Marine days during the war.