Ordered 13 January 1937, laid down at Victors-Armstrong, Newscastle-Upon-Tyne 5 May 1937, launched by Lady Inskip, spouse of a Defence minister 14 September 1939 and building completed 15 May 1941. Building costs 4.05million British pound. The Victorious was adopted by the Indian War Savings Committee. Of the Illustrious-class. Modernised in 1950-1957. Since 1967 reserve, decommissioned 13 march 1968 and in 1969 sold and broken up.
Displacement 29,500 tons (after the rebuilding 35,500 tons full load) and the dimensions 205m x 29 x 8,5m and after rebuilding 230 (waterline0-238 (over all) x 31,4 x 9m. Her 3 Parsons geared turbines delivered 111,000 ship allowing a speed of 30,5 knots. With a speed of 14 knots her range was 11,000 nautical miles. Her crew numbered including the aircraft personnel 2,200 men. She was armed with 8x2 4.5” guns, 6x8 2pdr guns, 2x4, 2x2 and 9x1 40mm guns and 45-20mm guns. In 1941 she had 35 Fulmar/Albacore aircraft on board and in 1945 54 Corsair/Avengers.
Her motto was Per coelum et aequorem victric (in Latin meaning Through air and sea victorious).
