Something I have been toying with for several months while other projects have taken precedence.
HMAS Oceania was laid down at the Newcastle Royal Dockyards in November 1939. The design was to be larger than the RN Lion class as Australis had received notification that the Japanese giants were going to be over 50,000 tons with 16" guns or larger. The original design was for a 55,000 ton ship to carry 12x16" rifles. The final design showed a 58,500 ton ship with heavy secondary and tertiary armaments to back up the main armament. Aircraft were carried in the US fashion with a large hangar in the stern of the vessel using a lift to access.
The ship was finally launched in 1943 and went for fitting out. In mid 1944 an express order went to complete the ship within 12 months. Oceania was commissioned in March 1945 with trials and working up completing in May 1945. Oceanias first war cruise left Sydney Harbour in June 1945. The ship went to the British Pacific Fleet and was Flagship of the Australis contingent.