Harland and Wolff - Shipbuilding and Engineering Works

Pennant Number: R06

She was the first of the four Centaur-class light fleet carriers of the Royal Navy.

In the late 1950s, Centaur was given a refit, recommissioning in 1960. The Single hydraulic catapult was replaced by 2 steam ones, and 12 of the 40mm guns were removed. She spent most of her career in the Far East and Mediterranean. In 1966 she became a depot ship at Devonport, but was later moved to Portsmouth.

Centaur was paid off in December 1965, after which she was used as an accommodation ship at Devonport and Portsmouth until 1971. Stricken early 1971. Sold for scrapping to Queenborough Shipbreaking, Kent, 11 August 1972. Broken up from 8 September 1972 at Cairn Ryan.

In 1959, HMS Centaur was used during the making of the film Sink the Bismarck! to depict flight operations from both HMS Victorious and HMS Ark Royal; (she is clearly marked with her post-war pennant number R06 in both scenes). Three surviving Fairey Swordfish biplanes were restored and flown from her decks, and scenes were also shot on the bridge of the carrier, and in the aircrew briefing room.