HMS FORMIDABLE
HMS FORMIDABLE an Illustrious-Class Fleet Aircraft Carrier ordered on 19th March 1937 from Harland and Wolff Ltd. at Belfast under the 1937 Programme. The ship was laid down on 17th June that year.
The launch of the 23,000 ton aircraft carrier HMS Formidable at Harland and Wolff's East Yard on Thursday 17th August, 1939 was marred by a fatal accident. An accident occurred just before the launch ceremony was to begin - the wooden cradle supporting the ship collapsed and the ship slid down the launch way while workmen were still underneath and around the ship
A report of the incident in the following day's Northern Whig and Belfast Post.
Mrs Elizabeth Kirk (47), of 21, Major Street, Templemore Avenue, Belfast was struck by a flying bolt and received a fractured skull. She died in the Royal Victoria Hospital. Her husband and Mary Walker, 36, Colville Street, Strandtown were treated for head and leg injuries caused by hurtling planks but were allowed home after treatment. Another twenty people were treated at first aid posts.
Harland and Wolff were to hold an enquiry to find out why the vessel made her way into the water half an hour before the scheduled time for the launch. She left behind her a trail of bolts, iron bars, nuts, planks of wood and poppets. The workmen who were removing the shores in preparation for the launch had to dash for safety.
HMS FORMIDABLE
HMS FORMIDABLE an Illustrious-Class Fleet Aircraft Carrier ordered on 19th March 1937 from Harland and Wolff Ltd. at Belfast under the 1937 Programme. The ship was laid down on 17th June that year.
The launch of the 23,000 ton aircraft carrier HMS Formidable at Harland and Wolff's East Yard on Thursday 17th August, 1939 was marred by a fatal accident. An accident occurred just before the launch ceremony was to begin - the wooden cradle supporting the ship collapsed and the ship slid down the launch way while workmen were still underneath and around the ship
A report of the incident in the following day's Northern Whig and Belfast Post.
Mrs Elizabeth Kirk (47), of 21, Major Street, Templemore Avenue, Belfast was struck by a flying bolt and received a fractured skull. She died in the Royal Victoria Hospital. Her husband and Mary Walker, 36, Colville Street, Strandtown were treated for head and leg injuries caused by hurtling planks but were allowed home after treatment. Another twenty people were treated at first aid posts.
Harland and Wolff were to hold an enquiry to find out why the vessel made her way into the water half an hour before the scheduled time for the launch. She left behind her a trail of bolts, iron bars, nuts, planks of wood and poppets. The workmen who were removing the shores in preparation for the launch had to dash for safety.