President II and RNAS

While tracing my grandfathers war years at the PRO I found that he joined the RNAS in Jan 1918 and was on the President II and frequently longside at East Fortune and Aberdeen Scotland. Does anyone know what kind of ship the President II was and why RNAS recruits were on that ship. Rumour has it he was a mechanic and helping with the first launching of Bristol fighters off Argus ships. Could the president II be an Argus ship? or was it just a transport ship? Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks D. Excell

[Michael]

H.M.S. President II was a shore establishment if my memory serves. With the expansion of the R.N. 1914-18 the original H.M.S. President ws cloned several times - I think they actually got up to V or VI.

I might have some more information tucked away somewhere in old OMRS Journals.

Michael

Hi Michael.
Shore establishment - That's interesting. "Any" information you can dig up on that ship would be greatly appreciated - even if you can point me in the right direction. Thanks very much for your help Michael. D. Excell

Just to confirm HMS President was indeed a "stone ship" or shore establishment as such- was the London HQ & drill ship & also acted as an accounting base for Admiralty based personnel. President ll was infact the London/Chatham/Shrewsbury Accounting base. From time to time old RN ships were anchored in the Thames & renamed President to act as part & parcel of the shore establishment. President numbers infact went upto President Vl. Hope thats of use.

Regards, jermedal.

Thanks Jermeda - Is there any way to track the President II orm Jan 1918 to June 1918. I wanted to compare my grandfathers 'Movements' Records with the movements of the President II. Where would one find information on the President II? Thanks again for your help.
D.Excell

H.M.S ARGUS was the navies first true aircraft carrier.