There were two aircraft carriers in the Dutch Royal Navy, both named Karel Doorman after the rear-admiral who was killed in the battle against the Japanese in the Javazee in 1942. Doorman commanded the Allied squadron ABDA (American-British-Dutch-Australian), which squadron was totally destroyed, including the two Dutch cruisers Java and De Ruyter. In the Second World War there were also two MAC-ships (Merchant Aircraft Carriers) named Gadila and Macoma in Dutch service.
The second Karel Doorman was part of the British Colossus-class, light carriers designed to be built within short time. 3 December 1942 the building started at the yard Cammell Laird&Co., Birkenhead, Liverpool. She was launched 30 December 1943 as the HMS Venerable and commissioned 17 January 1945. Returned after a mission in the Far East she was laid up at Devonport. 1 April 1948 she was sold to the Royal Dutch Navy and commissioned 28 May 1948. Pennant QL 1, later R 81. She was later (1956-1958) rebuilt with the dimensions 214,00 x 34,80 x 7,30m (draught) and a displacement of 13.800 ton (former 13190 ton). Since then she was armed with 10 or 12 40mm Bofors guns. 14 October 1968 she was sold to Argentina. After being repaired at Wilton Fijenoord, Schiedam she departed 3 September 1969 as the Veinticinco de Mayo towards her new her owner. In January 1969 she was towed to Alang, India and there broken up. In her career she met her predecessor Karel Doorman (I) which served as a so-called banana boat.
