AVG-45 (later ACV-45 and CVE-45) was initially assigned the name McClure for a bay in Alaska, on the East coast of the Kenai Peninsula (NS0304513, image courtesy of Google Maps). The bay was named in 1910 by U.S. Grant, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

However, the ship was renamed Prince on 13 November 1942, prior to the start of construction. A Prince is a monarch, king, or the ruler of a principality or state, or a male member of a royal family, especially a son of the sovereign.

Prince was transferred to the United Kingdom under Lend-Lease on 17 October 1943, and served in the Royal Navy as HMS Rajah. A Rajah (also spelled Raja) is an Indian or Malay prince or chief, or the bearer of a title of nobility among the Hindus. (ship's blazon courtesy of Tommy Trampp.)

On sea trials in the Straits of Georgia, between Vancouver Island and the mainland, April 1944.

On sea trials in the Straits of Georgia, between Vancouver Island and the mainland, April 1944.

The gunnery practice shows the starboard aft twin Bofors mount being fired. The small sponson near to it (looking towards the bow) is the gun director's position.

Three photos of the crash of a Barracuda aircraft, August 1944, when HMS Rajah was taking her turn as the west coast deck landing training carrier.

HMS Rajah (D10), ex-Prince (CVE-45), underway at sea, circa 1944, location unknown. Photo by unknown Royal Navy official photographer. Imperial War Museum, Photo No: FL 7059.

Late in her career, 1946, not long before her return to the US.

James Stead served aboard HMS Rajah, ex-Prince, during World War II.

The Dutch-flagged SS Drente, ex-Prince (CVE-45), ex-HMS Rajah (D10/R310), in a photo apparently taken in the late 1940s. Author and location unknown.

The Dutch-flagged SS Drente, ex-Prince (CVE-45), ex-HMS Rajah (D10/R310), in a photo apparently taken in the early 1960s. Author and location unknown.