My grandfather was a U.S. Navy Communications officer and was assigned by the U.S. Navy to serve on the HMS King George V during the later stages of WWII. My grandfather had a deep respect for the Royal Navy its the sailors. He was very proud of his service for both navies, and so are we. As an American I'm so grateful for our British allies (and others) who all fought and suffered with us as brothers in WWII, Korea, etc. The common bond between the U.S. and the U.K. is so important on many levels and I hope that we've only seen the beginning.
robertmorris
This American sailor is glad for the GB Empire’s Navy. You guys actually helped overcome the problems with the F4U Corsair landing on Carriers and the lessons we learned with Armor plate on the fight decks.
Aegirak
The British Pacific Fleet in early 1945 consisted 6 fleet carriers, 4 light carriers, 2 aircraft maintenance carriers and 9 escort carriers, with a total of more than 750 aircraft, 4 battleships, 11 cruisers, 35 destroyers, 14 frigates, 44 smaller warships, 31 submarines, and 54 large vessels in the fleet train.
paulfrancis
My father served on the carrier HMS Formidable in the BPF. He barely escaped with his life from a kamikaze that hit the deck when the fleet was supporting the US operations off Okinawa. He scoured the books on naval warfare in the Pacific and was always disappointed that the BPF and its air forces were not mentioned in US publications.
marcaskew
Interesting comment on kamikaze attacks and the UK carriers. On a (slightly) lighter note, UK carrier design conferred advantages in heavy weather too. After one dreadful storm in which, tragically, the USN lost a destroyer and several carriers sustained significant damage, the fleet's CO understandably requested status reports in view of the recent typhoon. An attached British carrier responded merely with "What typhoon?"
squirepraggerstope
My father was there. His ship berthed in Sidney and he told me he had many GOOD fights with US. Marines in the bars etc. "Hard but fair", he said.
jamescarr
I was in the USN in the 70s and recall learning about the armoured flight decks on the Brit carriers in Boot Camp. Later pulling Liberty in Singapore with British sailors. Happy days.
veronicaevans
I had Uncles in the Pacific war. They said they really didn’t want to bother with the British. However, when the British got there, they were very impressed with the bravery and skill of the British.
efsdws
As an American, like other people have said, we are fortunate to have such a great relationship, not perfect for either at times, but damn glad we have it! 🇬🇧🇺🇲
CocoaBeachLiving
I would like to thank the the Royal Navy that served in the Pacific! I know my dad was happy to have the help. USN 1941-1946 F6F Hellcat pilot.
steveb
My father was in The Pacific and American sailors loved having their British Counterparts with them! Thank You Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand et. all!!!!
Oldcoots
British fleet was covering the three oceans and the Mediterran sea...incredible.
WadcaWymiaru
My Dad was on HMS Pioneer a fleet maintenance carrier in this fleet, it's great to see them getting some recognition.
bobbralee
One can only wonder how history would have changed if Churchil's warning would have been listened to in say 1937 before the war started and the British Empire would have rearmed.
God bless the British Empire for standing firm and never giving up.
Respect from America.
thomaslawson
There is a cheeky exchange cited in Correlli Barnett's 'Engage the Enemy More Closely' where an America ship signals, "How are things the the second-largest navy?" His Majesty's ship responded, "Fine, how are things in the second-best navy."
paulstreet
The British were a great help to the United States and Australian fleets.
Terrible nonsense not to want British naval forces and to state that they would not support them.
The British had gone through unbelievable toil in Burma and allowed America to use India as a base of operations. As an American I salute the British as a strong allied.
Thank you for helping and placing yourself in harm's way. God bless for a very old man that remembers you.
secondthought
I love the introduction voice!"Chester Nimitz, he was the big noise out there.."
a.m.armstrong
This series is a great find for me. My father's first assignment out of Signalman School was on the HMS Indomitable to help train the British in American communications. Based out of Sydney as part of the four-carrier fleet discussed here. He's been gone nearly 20 years but I still have his photos and stories while serving in Her Majesty's fleet in common purpose. Such an important alliance of our countries. We owe so much to all you stood together in those years. Thank you for producing this series on the British Pacific Fleet.
hillines
My relative served on Hms Ruler, he was in Tokyo Bay on the day the Japanese surrendered. He was a hellcat mechanic. His story's are amazing, so proud of him
amyh
Great video on a topic that never seems to get discussed. Thank God you made this video is one of the most underappreciated and under covered aspects of the war. Along with the Imperial Japanese fleets attack on salon in India.
