HMS Ark Royal - My Story

HMS Ark Royal R09, The Last Commission 1978 - My Story

[@georgegarside3760]

I was on the mighty Ark for about 5 minutes ! Around about 1970 I Was serving on the Bulwark and came back from a run ashore in a bit of a state. I was quite proud of myself, though because I managed the journey back to my ship. I drew myself up and walked up the gangway and presented my I.D. card to the officer of the watch." What ship do you think you are on son ?" "The Bulwark sir" I said. "Well this is the Ark ....You belong to the little one behind us, now get off my ship " Yes sir ,sorry sir"

[@SteveKiberd]

I lived in Torpoint and use to get up early to watch her leave or return to Devonport on the high spring tides. She was so great to watch and even being a teen was proud she was British. At 14 i was taken on board the ship for the last family day by my uncle who was a RM bandsman. Its a day i have never forgot. I have read a lot of the comments here and one thing that strikes me is how proud everyone that write are, proud of their service or of someone who served. I wish people who serve to will feel the same!!! I am an ex crab (RAF) and would fight for king and country at a drop of a hat. You work with people who would risk their lives for u and you for them. And make friendships that you will never make in civvies street and last a life time.

[@AbcDef-cb9vx]

I served in the Ark during her last commission. I am AB(R) Joe Scouse Elder in 4WZ mess. Like others say, it was the best time of my life and watching this was emotional and brought back many happy memories of the places, people and fashions. If ever a time machine is invented I am going back to 1977 to be with my mates and meet all those wonderful people who it was my privilege to meet and serve with.

[@steveashley5832]

I served on her 74/76 when the draft came through I was not to happy but what a draft brilliant two and a half years it turned out to be.

[@5ch4rn]

All these young Jacks not realising they were having the lives of their times. Awesome video, thanks for sharing.

[@robertswan9865]

I was on her as deck crew twice in 1959 and 1962-3. As you say she was always a happy ship. Thanks for bringing back happy memories. R. Swan (NA).

[@truckertom3323]

Thank you for sharing this, is it not sad that the worst part about getting old is, you remember once being young, and how great life was, thanks for my memories of being 18 in 78 all the best to you and yours, and the memories of Ark Royal.

[@DavidSpence-s3s]

These were great days on the "Ark" God bless all who sailed oh her

[@andrewhopper9852]

Bravo - great piece. I joined in 1977 as a WAFU, would have loved the Ark's last trip in '78, but was told to 'do one' when I volunteered for it! I did 8 years, Harrier squadrons, 3 ships (not bad for a WAFU!) the Invincible, Hermes and Illustrious. I'm so grateful to the 'mob' for the most incredible time - the best possible university of life. Joining up was by far, the best days work I ever did. I'm a sucker for nostalgia - and for the memories of the mob, so I loved this. Thank you for posting it - and all the best

[@ianplant3226]

Thanks for sharing. I was the only Middy under training on Devonshire for the trip across the pond and spent a week transferred onto Ark's flight deck just prior to Fort Lauderdale. I was then utterly convinced that my decision to join the FAA 3 years earlier had been the right choice for me. The experience served me well as after completing my training I spent most of the next 29 years involved with aircraft and flight decks, my final tour being based in the US program office for the F-35, ensuring that the UK got all the information it needed to design HMS Queen Elizabeth.

[@duncanlawton7346]

3 Whiskey Zulu 3,hell of a trip and thanks for the memories, feeling old now 😊

[@alantempleton3567]

Hi, I joined the RN January 1969, as a MEM, and after initial training at HMS Raleigh, joined Ark Royal which was coming to the end of a 3 year refit in Devonport dockyard. There was no room in Drake Barracks, so about 30 of use had to stay in 2 wooden huts, like the ones used at HMS Raleigh, except about half the size, they were cold and damp, but did have stoves to warm them up. I worked in X Boiler room, servicing loads of valves, and pipe work. The refit was completed and the Queen Mother commissioned the Ark on the 24 February 1970, and the CO was Captain Lygo. After the re-commissioning, sea trials and work ups we were based in Malta, with some great runs ashore (the Gut). It was in the Mediterranean where we hit a Russian destroyer ( the SAM Kotlin class destroyer, 9 November 1970), during a night flying exercises, thier ship kept running across our bow, i remember a tannoy announcement giving that information, that they were trying to stop, the aircraft taking off. This is when, if I remember rightly, 3 of their crew were knock overboard, we pick up one, the Russians pick up another, and I think the third was never found. I remember the next morning walking on 4 deck? to breakfast, see more ships than I’d ever seen before on exercise, in one small area searching for the 3rd Russian. I saw the Russian sailor being taken to the Arks boat, before being taken back to another Russian ship, he was in a boiler suit, carrying his kit and other stuff he’d been given, but before he got onto the boat to take him back, he put everything down, except his own kit before he got on the boat, to return to one of his ships. I also remember (I think it was the same trip, but may have happened before or after that incident, we were still in the Med), having an early lunch before an afternoon watch in X boiler room, I’d just sat down to eat my lunch, I was facing forward, the tables with bench seating were fix to the deck, we must have hit something, as I was thrown off the bench, on my back, onto the floor with my tray on top off me? Does anyone remember this, as there were no tannoy announcements, of what occurred or caused this to happen? I made the trip to St Thomas, Virgin Isles, Fort Lauderdale and Jacksonville, meet some great people, and had great runs ashore, sitting on the beach, at midnight watching tropical storms out to sea, with some local girls. Remember having to stay below, when the Mini Cooper advert was being filmed, with the pilots driving them around the flight deck like maniac, and then fired one off the flight deck catapult. The ship was given one, which was raffled off onboard, can’t remember who won it. Does anyone remember the seaman who was gifted a station wagon, motorboat and trailer, before leaving Fort Lauderdale, for Jacksonville, if you do you’ll remember on the trip over, the Padre mentioned on the on board cctv news programme he did, that some woman high up in American society had heard the the Ark was visiting, and invited one of the ships company home to her plantation, the invitation must have been accepted, as the Padre said that there would be a raffle to select the crew member, “junior rates exempt”, I think there must have been an outcry, as a junior seaman, ( not old enough to drive in the UK) went as her guest for the week end, returning with the gift of the car, trailer and motorboat. We were part of the NATO Fleet, (STANAVFORLANT), I think it was 1971/2, The fleet, use, Americans, and European navy’s grouped in northern Scottish waters (scapperflow), did exercise in the North Atlantic and North Sea, we were told that at least 1 Russian submarine was following the fleet. During the exercises, we had a break in Oslo or Bergen, cannot remember which? and was told that Swedish ship had picked up it’s signal by sonar, chased the submarine into a fiord, and dropped depth charges, anybody else hear about this? Who remembers the heads, ( a row of about 10-15 toilets, which looked like the horses traps at a race course, if you sat on the toilet, you could speak to whoever was in the next stall. I think that they must have been removed during the 1968-70 refit. On the way back to the UK, after coming off the 1st dog watch, I went to top up my coffee cup with hot water from the Jackson boiler 1 deck up, on on the way back to the mess 5X0, lost my footing, fell down the ladder breaking my left foot in several places, and ended up in the sickbay for the rest of the journey back to the UK, then taken to Hasler. That was me finished on the Ark. Does anyone remember the the lad (a stoker, I can’t remember his name), who went overboard and died? We were along side in Devonport, the lad was a mess mate who slept opposite me, and had come back onboard after midnight, the worst for wear, crying and making a bit of a disturbance, and after some shouting to make him quiet down, he wander off. Sometime later myself and a couple of the other lads were awoken to search the ship to see if we could find him, even though it had been reported, someone heard a splash and some shouting ( believed someone had fallen overboard). I know that we had sailed, and about 3 weeks later, I was informed by X department chief stoker, that his body was pickup at the breakwater. We must have been on exercise in Scotland, as me and about 4 others and a PO, were allow to represent the Ark at his funeral, in a small town in the Glasgow area. After Hasler, and about 6 months recuperating from my broken foot, I joined HMS Norfolk, based in Portsmouth and served on her for a couple of years, and then dbp in 1976. I enjoyed my time in the RN, and am proud to have served on 2 great ships, and have many happy memories of my time on both. Alan Templeton.

[@DavidSpence-s3s]

Done two tours of duty on the Ark and loved every minute.joined her for her farewell voyage AB M paddy spence.

[@karenwhite8499]

My Dad Alan White ( Noka) was on the Ark on her last voyage too i remember going to her farewell in 78 before she departed i was 8 years old and wandered off they found me on the top deck legs dangling over the side reading ill always have a place in my heart for her and it was great seeing your memories of a great ship Thank you

[@rodkennedy7245]

Thank you, beautiful, everything that used to be right about our country.

[@karenhooper6236]

My heart skipped a beat at 5:47. I was on a Lower Sixth school trip to Athens while the Ark Royal was there in Oct-Nov 1978. One afternoon we came across a group of sailors drinking in our hotel bar. We got chatting and a couple of friends and I persuaded them to take us on board for a visit. We agreed to meet in Piraeus the next afternoon. It wasn't easy sneaking away from the school group and we had no idea whether the sailors would keep their word. But we did, and they did. We had to stay below deck on the launch going out to the ship and to this day I remember my first sight of the Ark Royal looming over us when we came up to board. I was awestruck. We had a brilliant visit, the guys were total gentlemen and our teacher never found out. :)

[@padwah]

lol brilliant

[@andythurgood7851]

It was very moving watching this today as my father Fred Thurgood died on the 13th Jan 2017 - Dad was on this draft and was an armourer. He died immensely proud to have been a sailor.

[@fitzpatrickken]

Andy, your dad was a good friend of mine, a fellow Armourer, and I was at his funeral. He was a brilliant guy & I was proud to have known him.

[@Goodwill1964]

Writing under husband's account. My beloved Dad was on the first Ark Royal joined 1952 and left in 1967, if anyone has any info or photos. Best days of his life too. He never forgot them. My mother threw away all his photos and souvenirs. He had sixteen years of them, and I would love to find just one photo of him, or someone who knew him. His name was Sydney (Syd) Joseph Pegg, born 25 Oct 1936 from Macclesfield, Cheshire. A sailor in his heart til the end of his days. Karen Pegg [e-mail] (underscore not hypen in email address).

[@davesimkins6701]

dave679 Hi Andy, very belated reply, but just stumbled across your post. I was also a fellow Armourer, your Dad and me were good oppo's. He was a cracking man and is greatly missed by us all.

[@philreading3836]

Knew fred really well especially as a marksman I was also an armourer

[@stratac30]

If ever there was a video to make you join the RN and see the world, this is it. Great video, helped along by the music.

[@MelanieJolie]

Loved watching this 😍 I joined the WRNS in 1980 and left just before we were allowed to serve on board in 1990…travelled a lot though and your film bought back some really wonderful memories ❤️ ⚓️

[@Schenkerflyingv]

Back in the day when Great Britain was Great. Thank you for keeping your precious memories for all these years, and uploading them to KZbin.

[@russsykes5652]

That's exactly how I remember that trip - I was in the RM Band. Best year of my life, thanks for the memories shippers😄

[@SteveKiberd]

My Uncle was RM band on the Ark.

[@RoyLlowarch]

Fabulous video. I really enjoyed seeing your memories and what great memories you have. Thank you so much for posting it. I hope you are happy and well

[@mkarmy1000]

I was on the same trip. 4R2 Messdeck, truly amazing time.

[@michael.randall5034]

Great video of a great ship, sadly missed.

[@waffoorn]

Ark 64 to 66 and 74 to 77 , left Dec 77 . A great regret I didn't see the old lady out :-(

[@davegoldsmith4020]

I was serving at RAF Lossiemouth (1977-79) when the Ark came into the Moray Firth, getting in as close as it could, The Navy and the Gannets were pulling out of Lossiemouth. I stood in My Bedroom watching the helicopters fly equipment out to the Ark.

[@colonel2050]

Thanks for your comments guys. I often check back on this video to remind me of the good times, i hope all your memories of Ark are as fond as mine are to me

[@karenhooper6236]

Glad I found this - brought back happy memories of 16-year old me!

[@theoccupier1652]

I had two drafts to the Mighty Ark ... a total of around six years ... the best six years of my life without a shadow of a doubt, a great ship and great ship mates, I was on the flight deck for my whole time aboard (Naval Airman) ... exhilarating does not even come close to describing the experience :)

[@simongibson6228]

My dad served on the Ark royal, William Gibson (Bill).. He sadly passed away, would have loved to have seen this. Thanks for bringing some of his memories & stories to life.

[@kennethmccormick2660]

That was some trip,great runs ashore,RFA OLWEN

[@kevinchambers17]

1978 was a year after my Dad - Chief Petty Officer Supply Branch, Tony Chambers, left the Ark, and then left the RN. If any of you lads served with him and knew him, he's alive and well, coming up to his 80th birthday next summer, now living just outside of Totnes ! - not so far away from Devonport in the end ! - and he'd love to hear from you !

[@mickm234]

Great video. Cream of the crop these people, fantastic...

[@ddmp1703]

My first ship, 73 to 74.

[@jonlegg4955]

It’s funny I’ve had several jobs since leaving the Navy but it’s the only one I reminisce about. The memories you make are so special and I feel warm inside when watching videos like this. Fort Lauderdale was a place I visited in 89 on Hms Newcastle, sun, sea and wet t shirt competitions, a fun stop after the Falklands, oh to be a young man.☺️Thanks Colonel

[@Snagglepussify]

Thanks for sharing, colonel. I joined The Ark in '69 as an OEM in 4L2 mess. A few notable memories: We had a collision with The Soviet ship 'Bravyy' during night flying stations. I witnessed the first Harriers to attempt a vertical landing at sea (that was funny). I officially drank a tot of grog for the first & last time before the practice was halted. I was one of the last to witness 'The Gut" in Malta before it was shut down. And I was filmed with Capt. Ray Lygo escorting the winner & runner-up of Miss World along the quarterdeck. Best run ashore was Fort Lauderdale, Miami (I almost jumped ship). Oddly enough, I now reside south of Chicago.

[@colonel2050]

+David Bradstreet Thanks for your comments Dave... I too nearly jumped ship in Jacksonville, loved it in FLA. Also got to see the infamous ''Gut'' in Malta, not sure people believe me when i spawn a yarn or 2 about that place :-)

[@ifonlyful]

it brought back memories to me as well, as i was on the Ark in 69, i was a chef in ships company galley, what a great trip to florida that was.. i and a mate were shown the everglades by a cop, his name was Gerard John Schaefer, little did i know that a year after we left Fort Lauderdale , he had started to murder women and girls , He was imprisoned in 1973 for murders he committed as a Martin County, Florida, Sheriff's deputy, he turned out to be a serial killer and we had gone to the everglades rifles from his home. he was stabbed to death in prison in 1995, i must have been very very lucky at that time.

[@terencericketts8017]

Brilliant,I served on Ark Royal 69-72 and in this section of this film HMS Devonshire is there ,I served on HMS Devonshire 66-68 thanks for showing this film .

[@stevemellor358]

I’m now 61 and at this time I was on the Happy Hermes .... brought back some great memories.... enjoyed it Thanks

[@Popeye4678]

I was a chef on the Ark and was on her when we collided/rammed the Russian frigate in 1971. I played for the Ark 1st team at football - before moving to HMS Collingwood to join the greenie branch. All the best Oppos. Great ship, great crew - and the skipper Rear-Admiral, Sir Raymond Lygo was legend.

[@harrissteven12358]

I'm so proud of each and every one you who has done our country proud! Happy Christmas xx

[@mac1975]

My big bro was on her in 78, RIP Chris. We miss you jack

[@retiredguyadventures6211]

Steamed with the HMS Ark Royal back in 71 as part of NATO's Operation Royal Knight in the North Atlantic while serving on the USS Dahlgren DLG-12. We were also part of STANAVFORLANT at the same time and the HMS Jupiter F-60 was in our squadron. Brits are great sailors.

[@rocky301054]

Great video and Great Memories, I was a "Greenie" in 3K5 Mess on her last trip.also played Rugby for The Ark. Happy Days .

[@paulwalker5997]

I also played rugby for the Ark 1976 to 1978, I was in 5WAO mess as a killick stoker

[@147bkhd]

That brought the memories flooding back. I was a Badger, 2EA2 mess, formerly B unit 6J1 mess. 76 - 79, think I turned the lights out! I recognised one or two faces (stokers). Excellent, Thanks, Shep,

[@Starphot]

Thanks, colonel for sharing this. I served with an air squadron on the USS John F Kennedy from 1972-1975. We cross-decked with the HMS Ark Royal in 1972 near the Arctic circle. I may show my images from that time. I got pictures of a Royal Navy F-4 Phantom and its pilot and a Buccaneer. My squadron (VA-34) sent an A-6 Intruder aboard your ship. Thanks for the memories of Palma! I been there many times and served on shore patrol there during the Med cruse of 1973.

[@PaulLesterSMM]

Best memory of my life, 824 squadron, great trip.

[@phillipweymouth430]

Paul Lester Phill Weymouth 824, hell of a trip, so many memories!

[@garybooth7381]

Does anyone know my dad Eric Booth in the 70s on ark royal r09

[@garybooth7381]

Eric Booth please get back to me young of Eric my dad every pourd if him just need some help dad passed away in the 80s we lost pictures of he's life , mum not to well ,please phone me on 01752 319199. If anyone can help phone me I have be trying for 20yrs.

[@Jeffybonbon]

They will all now be nearly OAPs Youth goes so quickly

[@rogerj.reinke6224]

Excellent journal Mate,I did 20 years in the RAN and those memories are of the best days and times of my life . BZ

[@christinecrockford1654]

really enjoyed watching your memory's and in 1978 I was still only 15 and at school. great video diary xx

[@colonel2050]

Thank you Christine, i was just a mere 17 year old myself back then, 55 now but those memories still shine brightly :-)

[@garymorris7124]

My dad served aboard the Ark, POPTI Bob Morris, he was in 2EZ2. Have fond memories of a days sailing from Plymouth on a families day in the mid 70's.

[@paulhughes7282]

Gary Morris

[@richarddickinson2989]

Brilliant piece, brought back lots of happy memories, I was on the 1976 trip to the states on the flight deck when Sailor was filmed. Had my 18th birthday on that trip! Thanks for the memories colonel ;-)

[@funkyou7821]

That brought back memories I was 18 in 1977, the fun we had at the Kenner!! Malta

[@pauljames4133]

As a stoker rating in 5XO mess brought back some memories of happy times thanks shipmate.

[@EmmaSmith-er6yj]

Hi I'm Emma and my Dad Tony Smith is in your video. He is standing beside Dave Osboarne on the beach and St Thomas on the left.

[@EternallyDisappointed]

The sun was always shining in your memories, it seems!

[@Prc205]

Fantastic video.👍🇬🇧

[@xena1dog]

Only just found this. I was in Y unit 5wzo mess (next door) 77-79, had some great times on her. I was part of the last official duty watch on her. Thanks for posting it brings back many memories.

[@colonel2050]

+xena1dog Those are still the most golden memories of my life, remember it all like yesterday...

[@harrissteven12358]

Rip everybody always in our hearts xx

[@rabtroozirs54]

I was JMA 75 youngest sailor aboard, also had Savile visit ship!.

[@steveashley5832]

He came to our part of ship locker and stayed for five minutes managed to tell us how much he gave to.charity.

[@bigguymark1]

Thank you for sharing

[@theresawhite9388]

My husband was on this trip, he had an amazing time, and he got a tattoo 'never again Ark Royal' Unfortunately he passed away last year but I know this was a highlight of his naval life

[@blueyhanson6253]

When we entered Brest we weren't welcomed by everyone, being the first 'allied' ships since Churchill told the French to 'clear the decks' as he wanted to knock out the German battle ships based there. But totally different welcome in Bergen.. The next voyage was to the Far East, and a stint as Air Support Crew for 803 Sqdn at a remote hanger out the back of RAF Changi.

[@johnadams7248]

I have similar memories of the Eagle went to some of the same ports as Ark Royal and I was the last Aircraft Hander to leave before it was made into razor blades .I did 2 comissioins on the Eagle and 1 on the Hermes and then the labour party scrapped them all. that was it for me.I quit after 14 happy years.

[@jeanettecouncil8299]

My late dad Roger ( Yorkie ) Council served on her in late 1950"s. Loved watching Sailor on tv. To us cherubs Arky was Dad's ship. Still can't watch film of her in breakers yard and now Dad's gone there's no chance. Thanks for sharing. Wish someone had 1958 royal tournament on dvd cos Dad's in Devonport crew field gun. OGGI OGGI OGGI OI OI OI.

[@stephenchappell7512]

but Eagle and Hermes were scrapped by the Cons after 1970

[@daveward5044]

In 73 on the Ark, we did almost the same trip across the pond. St Thomas, Roosevelt Roads Puerto Rico, Ft Lauderdale & Jacksonville. Must of been sick of seeing us :-D I woke up on the beach, with the American girl who kidnapped me in Lauderdale the morning she left . She woke me to admire the sunrise :-( Opened my eyes to see the Ark silhouetted in it, leaving.Lauderdale. I later saw the 50 page signal (I was a signalman) of people who did not return. The ENTIRE NAAFI staff were never seen again haha

[@mackan-kf4tg]

Sharky, who was the CCY on the Ark during your time?

[@daveward5044]

@@mackan-kf4tg can't remember his name but what a nice man he was. He was a gentle giant. He had that mysterious rank between CCY and officer

[@robertewing3114]

The late Harry Greenwood was asleep on the Ark, one brother Bill was elsewhere in the navy, and the other, Tom, not known to have joined. Tom went aboard the Ark to see Harry, but Harry was demoted, possibly linked to drinking and balancing upside down aloft somewhere. Tom asked, and there was no such Greenwood, and kept asking until the question was something like, ordinary seaman Greenwood? He found Harry asleep and woke him up, and Harry responded, Tom, you're in the navy! On his own ship Tom was asked to change the yellow oil in ships lamps I think, and the Bridge officer laughed when he related the request to him and said, Get off my Bridge! Perhaps it was coconut oil up a palm tree that inspired the joke.

[@lindawilson813]

Was not on the ark joined the Rfa in 79 10 best 10years with great guys

[@Freebird67]

Sailed under the Ark a few times when I was serving on boats , went to her aid when a fire Broke out in Guz we were moored in the basin close by legged it with fire extinguisher remember her well

[@mudfish9323]

Great compilation Col. (thought you a stoker?) never on the Ark but did the 'Gut' on Glamorgan, Cheers shippers.

[@davidclark3033]

'Y'unit tiffy, 1971 to 73, trips the same, Artic,Med, across to the States, Virgin Islands. I was throttle jockey on watch when a flight deck handler cocked up parking a Buccaneer & rolled it over the side one morning watch

[@robertewing3114]

PB for Phoebe, HMS Hero, the fighting forty-two. 1978 was 42 years ago. P for Phantom, comment 78. B for Buccaneer, comment 79, Ark Royal decommissioned. Great Big Owl - Harry. Lifes Essentials - Bill. Tom Price - Tom. Your story.

[@old_seadog]

2:25 That's the Candy Store in Ft Lauderdale if I'm not mistaken.

[@jonlegg4955]

Old Seadog The Candy Store.wow that brings back memories 😃 1989 returning from the Falklands on Hms Newcastle. I remember chatting to the girl who sang Dub be Good to me in there. I always feel emotional thinking back to the RN, those were the days.

[@Brecconable]

If only she held out until 1983, the Buccs and Phantoms would've done their bit in the Falklands. A mighty fine ship.

[@stephenchappell7512]

There wouldn't have been a Falklands

[@johnhaldane3474]

Fantastic Slide show colonel2050, thank you, I never made it into the Navy for Health reasons way back in 75/76. I notice one of your slides shows a Stoker ratings badge, my best pal John Navara made it onto Ark Royal at that time as a stoker and I don't suppose you would have know him by any chance ? He has since sadly passed away.

[@persilbran]

My father served on Ark Royal and sad it was a slum ship and the sooner it was turned into razor blades the better

[@normanboyes4983]

I forgot that Ark only missed the Falklands by such a narrow margin. Would have been great to have the air cover Ark could have provided Gannets, Bucs and Phantoms. Still the Marine Engineering side was on a wing and a prayer for a long time - what was it like when you were onboard?

[@martynduffety9793]

It was the best time of my life, i can remember every single bit of it

[@kerripethick2282]

Hi Colonel Apologies for the random message. great video. Im looking for a person who sailed on board the ship around the same time. He was a radio operator named Peter Hood, he would have been 18-19yrs old at the time. Does this name ring any bells to you or do you have any contact with other radio operators who may have further information. Im not entirely sure ive been given correct information about 'peter hood' or if he actually exists so am clutching at straws really to see if anyone remembers him. Any info would be greatly appreciated. kind regards. Kerri

[@kevinchambers17]

Compartment 4VO was his berth

[@Jeffybonbon]

You were lucky to have served when you did Cutbacks have brought the forces to there knees and after Covid the Bean counters will make lots more cut backs

[@johnhiggins8548]

I was on board hms cavalier we were doing escort duties for the arc royal 1969 November time IT WAS AS A NATO EXERCISE IN THE NORTH ATLANTIC AND WE VISITED OSLO IN NORWAY FOR AFEW DAYS WHAT ARUN ASHORE THAT WAS OSLO WAS KNEE DEEP IN SNOW AND IT WAS A VEREY EXPENSIVE PLACE WE ENJOYED IT THOUGH.

[@stephenchappell7512]

She didn't come out of refit until 1970 That might have been her sister

[@williamtraynor-kean7214]

It is sobering to think that should she still have been in commission in 82 with Gannett AEW our losses in Op Corporate would have been considerably less, then again the RAF pointed out there was no need for aircraft carriers as they could defend the fleet, got that wrong did they not?

[@harrissteven12358]

Portsmouth stand tall!

[@stephenchappell7512]

Devonport based

[@Lee78072]

It must have been very Hard for you when she got Scrapped

[@sharlston1sharlston199]

Heartbreaking does not even go there. Ippo ipson here. Ark rating 1985 till 1987 she was my home and shipmates my family. Just watched a documentary on discovery history about her from 2009. Strange seeing ladies on board but still shipmates. Only prob was lack of lower deck coverage. 6d1 wems mess. Shame on the government for scrapping our flagship and part of our heritage and history. ⚓⚓⚓🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@robertransom7101]

Geezer

[@aguywhodoesntexist]

Too bad the name will only be largely remembered by anime-loving weeaboos as time goes on.