Lots of Navy lads commenting on here. Can I ask if any of you remember the Greasy Spoon in Portland? Barry, the owner was my Dad. He loved every Jack that walked through his door, and loved every ship in the Navy. I remember when the Ark was on workup, and I came home from football training..the queue was half way down the road, so I ended up working until 0300hrs. Thank you, The Royal Navy for prov8ding a service to our country and also providing a wage for my Dad to feed myself and my sisters. god bless you all.
I'm a retired American sailor and I remember when my carrier the USS Independence, CV-62 and the Ark Royal did some training together in the North Atlantic in 1975, one of her Phantoms landed and was later catapulted from our flight deck. Our F4J Phantom II pilots checked your Phantoms and they had a good time training together. After the exercise we visited Portsmouth and I took a few days off and spent it visiting London back in April 75.
My Dad was on the Ark, Chief Petty Officer, Supply Branch, when she visited Fort Lauderdale and other ports for the US bicentennial, 1976. The Ark carried Phantoms and Buccaneers- the Phantoms carried the Omega symbol on the tailplane - because they were intended as the last fixed wing fighter plane - plans were already in motion for Harrier STOL. My Dad left RN in 1977, the Ark was his last sea mission. He subsequently went on to work for British Aerospace in Saudi, and the Sultan's Navy in Oman- who (praise Allah, lol !)- commissioned him as a Lieutenant, Secretary to the Admiral of Oman Navy - officer at last! Now he's 84, and enjoying his retirement, in Devon, UK - not far from his old base, Devonport Plymouth ! as for me - 51- and seen a lot of the places he's seen - but as teacher and director of education, not sailor, lol ! But also - a position of command, like him ! Damn proud of him - and all Navy and Marines - both US and UK ! Thank you for your comment, Sir - and salute to you too !
@@paganist10 Dad was based there before I was born, then in 1970, Lossiemouth, he joined the Ark based at Devonport in about 1973, left it to do duty as a Staff Chief at Dartmouth in about 1977, and finally left RN in 1978, but his military career wasn't over yet !
Chief PO Anthony Chambers Ark Royal supply branch Sails no more. My Dad passed away today. Much tot consumed tonight. 15 July 1937 to 26 April 2024. Remember him, all who served and sailed with him.
I recall the Royal Marine band playing this when the carriers left Pompey for the South Atlantic in 1982 and the Falklands War. My uncle was aboard Invincible. 9 years later I was on my way to the Gulf and the liberation of Kuwait.
we had this played at my cousins funeral about three years ago CPO mark johnson and the song gets me everytime proud of every single person past and present that has served our great nation
Will play this and Roger Whittaker Last Farewell at Dad’s passing- hopefully not for a quite a while yet. Ark Royal- CPO Supply, through most of the 70s!
I had the great pleasure of serving on this great ship during the filming of the series.. I was 17 years of age and best years of my life I will bever forget
Did you ever have to report to Chief Tony Chambers, Supply branch? My Dad! But I bet you had to report to Be-no, Wilf’s exec. ‘There will be no rum ration, there will be no shore leave’ dad encountered beno a lot later in Oman- but that’s another story!
I was on at that time too Mike! I was the Physio. My one and only ship. I will cherish that time until the day I die. Had a blast. Would like to swap a few memories with you. Are you on FB?
This is an ancient thread at this point, but as an American I will always respect the Royal Navy. My father fought in WW2 and he always talked about how professional, good, decent and honest "the Limeys" were in combat as well as on leave. He taught me we will always be cousins and I believe it. Good mates for sure. God Save the Queen!
I had the honour and pleasure of being on the permanent guest list for USMC at US embassy in Doha, Qatar. Super guys- and one girl at the time! But she got transferred to SHAPE before I could really make a serious move!
I am a British Veteran RAF & Army...My Mother is ex RN, my Grandfather is ex RM...and I absolutely love the Ark Royal...a beautiful ship....Please say thankyou to your Father...👍🏻
How fast time goes by, I was fortunate to work at HMNB DEVONPORT, Ark Royal with the harrier jets and now the QE class with the F35. I was lucky to work on HMS Ocean before the Brazilian Navy bought her, I was part of the refit for many warships by best 3 being HMS Ocean, HMS Bulwark and HMS Albium. I seen HMs Ark Royal and been lucky to see HMS Queen Elizabeth on the breakwater at Plymouth, the ship is based at HMNB Portsmouth so not often ill see the new aircraft carrier the naval base is to small to house such a example of today's technology and capabilities. Its incredible.
I did a big 3 year refit on the Salisbury in Devonport and had lots of fun on that ship. We were civilian Dockyard workers but joined in with the Ships company playing football, silly games and had the great honour to be included in their commissioning ceremony. Christmas party was a jolnt do at a venue in Plymouth. Thank you to the Chief and Po,s for their wonderful hospitality. Great days.
My grandfather was a chef on this ship, I have a photo of him meeting the queen and I’m so proud of him, this song takes me back to the days when he was alive, long live the queen and God bless you Royston Patrick Weinling, rest in peace granddad
The TV series had a scene I will never forget . 2 Bucaneers passing alongside the Ark Royal at Hanger Deck level . Just amazing flying . I have heard since that the Bucaneer was an an amazingly stable aircraft. Brilliant compilation
My late father served in engineering in the sixties and he loved it. We watched the series on the bbc together and he described the ship in great detail. They need a new commission to keep in the tradition
I finished my time on Ark RoYal R09 she was indeed a beautiful ship and a privilege to serve on her. It breaks my heart that we haven't the Naval fire power anymore or a Navy to crew them.
Those were the days when we had a Navy to be proud of. Gone are the days of great ships such as this The Ark Royal, Invincible and many many others to numerous to mention. But are close to my heart.
Certainly one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard??? The sentiments expressed are of the most extreme profoundness...A homage to all that is human.....
My sweetys dad Reginald was.a marine engineer who worked on board servicing the ships engines at sea not quite the navy but a very demanding job it fits in with this song very well.....indeed ....❤ Respect to all onboard a ship at sea whether it's cruise or war ship be safe I say
Always in my thoughts Dad now you are sailing free forever. This brings back so many great memories of the day aboard with you. We’re sailing stormy waters to be near you to be free.
hello Nigel such moving note I served on her between 75-78 and sung on this song and still have the record it was a great ship and company your dad wout have had a great time as did I I'm 63 and would do it in all again nice you remember your father this way. godbless you .
My Husbands Twin brother served on HMS Ark Royal and the Eagle he joined Navy very young .My beautiful Husband served in the Royal Air Force before he joined the Navy he did six years done his time came out went in the Navy we got married lived in married quarters had two children Married 50 years He served on HMS Salisbury and the Whitby sadly in 2017 my Husband passed away..He loved both Forces he loved this beautiful song Sailing So I had it played at his funeral I will never forget him or the two Forces Great memories ⚓️⚓️⚓️⚓️❤️❤️
Went on the Ark,s first sea trials after her big refit in Devonport.70. Witnessed the first Phantom landing and takeoff. What a wonderful 3 week trip.I was a Dockyard worker.
Bleeding disgrace not saving the ark royal all it needed was up grading to modern standards stuff the money to the do nothing mp s spend it on building a new bigger ark royal the same size as pow queen elizabeth
Rod Stewart came ok onboard with then wife Alana. and I sang on this record and still have it ! great ship R09 godbless all who sailed her . a great navy and Family 💗
Remember the big Ark as 9 year old in Gibraltar late 70s . It was massive and beautiful . Have loved the Royal navy from s young child due to grandparents role in this amazing Service .. always brings back memories of him .
+Hazel Woolls Wilkey?? I saw him at the Buck House Garden Party. He was a lovely man - but he scared the bajesus out of recalcitrant sailors on his war canoe!!
i served with wilky he was one of the first ever fleet master at arms in the 1970's he was at yeovilton when he was made up and later was the joss on the ark when they made the t.v. series
@@karenward267 The RN has a long list of names that can be used again. Better to spread the names out evenly than rename another one the Ark Royal... The last HMS Ark Royal should have been named HMS Indomitable... Nothing wrong with HMS Queen Elizabeth or HMS Prince of Wales.
There's always been an Ark Royal since at least Henry VIII. Time we got another. What's left of the last Ark, on which my Dad served, is an anchor in a place of honour, just down from Plymouth Hoe, outside the Holiday Inn hotel.
Nice to see an 820 Sea King launching there, my first front line squadron on my first carrier, that I first flew onto 34 years ago, good ship and good memories.
The 1975 sing got me interested in the Royal Navy and I spent a memorable 2 years on our last one. I was privileged to have been on her for Outback 88. Memories....
Went onboard her 1965, to the CPO’s mess with my dad, to see Uncle Spud, who was still serving, I was 7 at the time, still go the miniature bottle of Guinness he gave me, I’m now 61, miss my dad CPO E J Harris
We have never been without an ark royal but we will have the queen Elizabeth and prince of wales in my eyes we should have an ark royal instead of prince of Wales and have that as the flagship of the Royal Navy as it always has been
The last Ark Royal that I know of, on which my Dad served - is now an anchor, which sits between Holiday Inn Hotel and Plymouth Hoe - and all honour and glory to her XXX High time another ship of that name takes up the challenge, the history and the honour. For the Royal Navy and for Britain !
@@integralevideo Don't forget those who built sections of both ships in Birkenhead, Portsmouth, Appledore, Glasgow, and Newcastle too... Appears shipyards nationwide had their part building the new carriers...
i remember being on morning watch on the bridge of hms soberton heading up the forth for leave an rod was on the radio we are sailing OOW and us singing along happy days what a great bunch of guy an ship to serve on
Only thing worth a damn in the UK, The Armed Forces. Cameron has a lot to answer for. I keep coming back to this video, thinking of my father who was RN 1940 - 1954 and his brothers also RN, now all long gone. My father's last ship was HMS Aisne, he was saddened when he saw it being broken up at Wards of Inverkeithing, must have been a happy ship.
My husband was a twin both in the Royal Navy is brother served on the H M S Ark Royal and the Eagle my Husband served on the Whitby HMS Salisbury the Salisbury was in Plymouth for a refit so the wives and girl friends where invited to go on board I traveled from Birmingham met by my husband he took me on the Salisbury one of the sailors asked where do you come from from the way I spoke I said Birmingham oh that was it he shouted all over the ship this lady is a Brummie she's FfomBirmingham give her a drink the y all shook hands with me and the drinks came out so I had alovely time so I got married in1967and be came a Royal Navy wife and lived in Plymouth in the Married quarters I loved it met friend her husband was on the same ship as my husband I had a wonderful time I had two children I was married to him for fifty years Sadly in 2017 he was ill and pass away he was alovely man i will never forget him
Crying shame the Brits scrapped the Ark before the Queen Elizabeth's ready. The should've kept those Harriers flying too. The USMC will be flying Harriers for years to come, regardless of the F-35.
Yes but it’s not a fancy new supersonic aircraft. I am sure many in the Navy & Air Force fought that battle. I saw one at Tangmere, it was outside but certainly did not look old. The Bucaneer’s low level passes are the stuff legends are built on .
The Ark has been scrapped, Sea Harriers binned , Marines , RAF and Army cut all because of public spending cuts. Here's one cut the number of MP and there expenses and slush funds and invest the money in protecting the country!
You could have used her and her airwing in the Falklands. The Sea Harrier did an amazing job but I believe your military would have been better protected by the Phantoms and other aircraft that operated from the Ark Royal. Cheers and best wishes to all of her former sailors.
I’m fully aware this is an old comment but the reason the ski jump performed so well in the Falklands is because they still aloud us to launch aircraft in the stormy weathers of the south Atlantic we’re if we’d of still used CATOBAR we would of not have been able to launch aircraft because the weather was to bad
My uncle fred served on the ark royal..he was a cheif petty officer in the fleet air arm...after the ship was scrapped he went over to saudi to lern the guys over there to repair the aircraft...sadly he is no longer with us...god bless
Chief PO Supply Branch Ark Royal Tony Chambers: 15/7/37 to 26/4/ 24. Final salute- My Dad xxx. May he rest in peace. Or sail further on in other realms of existence. Drink a Royal Navy tot of rum to an officer, Sailor, Gentlemen and the best father a man could have. 🫡🇬🇧
Classic, still think one of the new Carriers should have been named the Ark Royal.. How often we sang this on our return to the UK after 6 month deployments to the US and points west. How often we sang this on our return to the UK after 6 month deployments to the US and points west.
The Buccaneer pass at 0:58 is a bit high ... they're at deck level (50 ft)! As the pilots said after Red Flag in Nevada: "We initially operated at 10 ft and 580 knots in the desert but were kicking up dust trails so we increased our operating altitude to 20 ft."
This song is perfect & HMS Ark Royal a beautiful ship. The Royal Navy is still here and although a shadow of its former self she is still British and I’m sure we can all be proud of that. As for Ark Royal, absence maketh the heart grow fonder. Rule Britannia 😪🇬🇧
To be fair man the US Navy in WW2 was just ridiculous. It is probably the greatest Navy the world will ever see when it comes to firepower and tonnage.
SCscoutguy With great respect to the US Navy, no one beats the Royal Navy in terms of history, and espirit de corps. The Royal Navy's history stretches a full thousand years before your Founding Fathers met in Philadelphia. No one also beats it in the quality of the sailors, and marines. My father served both in the British and American Armed Forces and he said although both are incredibly professional and well trained. In terms of foundation, the British Services are on a much more firm ground than our gallant American colleagues in arms.
True, but I think the point isn't just about firepower and size. I watched, on telly, the fleet set sail for the Falklands and it was captured right there. History, feelings, pride......but I have great respect for the US Navy too.
For those who don't realise, there are two ships in this video - the mighty Ark Royal of the 1950s-'70s, and the later much smaller (but still highly competent) Invincible Class Ark Royal of the 1980s-2000s. I agree with those who would like this evocative name to have been continued.
Remember this this song as the "happy" song when leaving 40 in Malta. Now remember this song for all those friends I lost "down south" sorry I was in the wrong Unit and was not there with you !!!!!
I made a comment about low flying Buccaneer & when I say low I am talking like below the hanger deck . Look the video at 1.01 just a flash of one well below the flight deck . The Buccaneer was evidently extremely stable.
I realise that I can be extremely pedantic, but the subject is not a ship, it's LOVE, and the sentiments that go with it... Listen to the words of the song................Only those who have known love, would understand the phrase "to be near you".......
Still seems a real shame one of the mighty new carriers, which are awesome, isn’t an Ark.... HMS Prince of Wales hasn’t the happiest associations as a name for the Navy, it’s loss, just confirmed that the day of the big gun battleship was over and carriers were the future so an odd choice of name for one. I really think it would have been better as the sixth HMS Ark Royal, as a tribute to the brilliant achievements of WW2 Ark, the mighty Ark of TV Sailor and those who sailed more recently in the big sister of Lusty and Vincible.... and the name till now has covered the entire history of Royal Navy aviation as the second Ark Royal was there at the start. Not often the Royal Navy gets it wrong but I think they did here as tradition is everything and what makes it great.
Do you have the DVD of Top of the Pops night? My sister was on this trip, and her copy went missing. Have been trawling for ages to find one, if even just to make a copy for her.
Pity the current HMS Prince of Wales wasn't renamed Ark Royal during her construction. There are plenty of precedents and I doubt Charles would have refused permission. Maybe some of the bad luck that seems to have hung around the name POW might have been avoided? Anyway thanks to all who serve in the various Arks and best wishes to those who serve in whatever ships today.
I had the privilege & honor of serving on our beloved Ark..Best time of my life..Pride of the fleet..❤
Good man. I recall as a kid seeing the said ship in Portsmouth. To me incredible. NB I served in the Army, and also the traditions of the Royal Navy.
No way the second carrier should have been named Prince of Wales ..... definitely Ark Royal and I was a Bulwark rating. Just saying.
I am a child followed this series the Ark Royal with a passion.
So many memories ❤
Me too. Born 1968 ;-)
Lots of Navy lads commenting on here. Can I ask if any of you remember the Greasy Spoon in Portland? Barry, the owner was my Dad. He loved every Jack that walked through his door, and loved every ship in the Navy. I remember when the Ark was on workup, and I came home from football training..the queue was half way down the road, so I ended up working until 0300hrs. Thank you, The Royal Navy for prov8ding a service to our country and also providing a wage for my Dad to feed myself and my sisters. god bless you all.
What a fantastic story. Memories to be proud of.
Yup! Been in there many a time back in the day, on BOST etc. Happy days. Portland/Weymouth, great night out. The Green Shutters!
Green Shutters still there, not changed with all the 'Ships Plaques' above the bar , a 'time-warp' from the 70/80s 🙂🙂🙂
I'm a retired American sailor and I remember when my carrier the USS Independence, CV-62 and the Ark Royal did some training together in the North Atlantic in 1975, one of her Phantoms landed and was later catapulted from our flight deck. Our F4J Phantom II pilots checked your Phantoms and they had a good time training together. After the exercise we visited Portsmouth and I took a few days off and spent it visiting London back in April 75.
My Dad was on the Ark, Chief Petty Officer, Supply Branch, when she visited Fort Lauderdale and other ports for the US bicentennial, 1976. The Ark carried Phantoms and Buccaneers- the Phantoms carried the Omega symbol on the tailplane - because they were intended as the last fixed wing fighter plane - plans were already in motion for Harrier STOL. My Dad left RN in 1977, the Ark was his last sea mission. He subsequently went on to work for British Aerospace in Saudi, and the Sultan's Navy in Oman- who (praise Allah, lol !)- commissioned him as a Lieutenant, Secretary to the Admiral of Oman Navy - officer at last! Now he's 84, and enjoying his retirement, in Devon, UK - not far from his old base, Devonport Plymouth ! as for me - 51- and seen a lot of the places he's seen - but as teacher and director of education, not sailor, lol ! But also - a position of command, like him ! Damn proud of him - and all Navy and Marines - both US and UK ! Thank you for your comment, Sir - and salute to you too !
@@kevinchambers17 Ive just found this footage - I wonder if your father remembers mine - he was an aircraft handler I think? Phil Lees
@@paganist10 I will certainly ask him, and thanks for your message !
@@kevchambers1970 were you guys based at Gosport when you were small?
@@paganist10 Dad was based there before I was born, then in 1970, Lossiemouth, he joined the Ark based at Devonport in about 1973, left it to do duty as a Staff Chief at Dartmouth in about 1977, and finally left RN in 1978, but his military career wasn't over yet !
Chief PO Anthony Chambers Ark Royal supply branch
Sails no more. My Dad passed away today. Much tot consumed tonight. 15 July 1937 to
26 April 2024. Remember him, all who served and sailed with him.
I recall the Royal Marine band playing this when the carriers left Pompey for the South Atlantic in 1982 and the Falklands War. My uncle was aboard Invincible.
9 years later I was on my way to the Gulf and the liberation of Kuwait.
Salute you , mate ! I only went out there to teach - you fought ! Bless you mate !
we had this played at my cousins funeral about three years ago CPO mark johnson and the song gets me everytime proud of every single person past and present that has served our great nation
Will play this and Roger Whittaker Last Farewell at Dad’s passing- hopefully not for a quite a while yet. Ark Royal- CPO Supply, through most of the 70s!
Britain perfected the carrier, we built some tough ones, armoured decks and hangar, we need another Ark Royal.
still brings a tear to my eye seeing the old girl at full speed gone but not forgotten
I had the great pleasure of serving on this great ship during the filming of the series.. I was 17 years of age and best years of my life I will bever forget
Did you ever have to report to Chief Tony Chambers, Supply branch? My Dad! But I bet you had to report to Be-no, Wilf’s exec. ‘There will be no rum ration, there will be no shore leave’ dad encountered beno a lot later in Oman- but that’s another story!
I served on HMS Ark Royal in 1985-1987 on her 1st Commission. Wonderful ship and fantastic ships company.
I was on at that time too Mike! I was the Physio. My one and only ship. I will cherish that time until the day I die. Had a blast. Would like to swap a few memories with you. Are you on FB?
The series Sailing had a scene I will always
This is an ancient thread at this point, but as an American I will always respect the Royal Navy. My father fought in WW2 and he always talked about how professional, good, decent and honest "the Limeys" were in combat as well as on leave. He taught me we will always be cousins and I believe it. Good mates for sure. God Save the Queen!
Not according to Biden, the plastic paddy
And God bless you sir! When our both brilliant forces work together, we achieve extraordinary results- and not just in the pub! Semper fi!
I had the honour and pleasure of being on the permanent guest list for USMC at US embassy in Doha, Qatar. Super guys- and one girl at the time! But she got transferred to SHAPE before I could really make a serious move!
My dad served on the ARK ROYAL in the 70S and he was very proud to do so bring back the ark royal
I am a British Veteran RAF & Army...My Mother is ex RN, my Grandfather is ex RM...and I absolutely love the Ark Royal...a beautiful ship....Please say thankyou to your Father...👍🏻
How fast time goes by, I was fortunate to work at HMNB DEVONPORT, Ark Royal with the harrier jets and now the QE class with the F35. I was lucky to work on HMS Ocean before the Brazilian Navy bought her, I was part of the refit for many warships by best 3 being HMS Ocean, HMS Bulwark and HMS Albium. I seen HMs Ark Royal and been lucky to see HMS Queen Elizabeth on the breakwater at Plymouth, the ship is based at HMNB Portsmouth so not often ill see the new aircraft carrier the naval base is to small to house such a example of today's technology and capabilities. Its incredible.
What a beautiful sight to see .I had this played at my husbands funeral in March 2017 He was in the Royal Navy .He served on the HMS Salisbury 😢
My thoughts are with you and your family ex ravc military are family
Royal Navy .Yes Family .Good times good memories Thanks⚓️
My sincere sympathy. May he rest in peace .
I did a big 3 year refit on the Salisbury in Devonport and had lots of fun on that ship. We were civilian Dockyard workers but joined in with the Ships company playing football, silly games and had the great honour to be included in their commissioning ceremony. Christmas party was a jolnt do at a venue in Plymouth. Thank you to the Chief and Po,s for their wonderful hospitality. Great days.
DAVID CAMERON SCRAPPED LAST ARK ROYAL .
My grandfather was a chef on this ship, I have a photo of him meeting the queen and I’m so proud of him, this song takes me back to the days when he was alive, long live the queen and God bless you Royston Patrick Weinling, rest in peace granddad
I watched the original 'Sailor' BBc series late 70's,, that and following my brothers foot steps into the RNZN.. haven't looked back since.!
The TV series had a scene I will never forget . 2 Bucaneers passing alongside the Ark Royal at Hanger Deck level . Just amazing flying . I have heard since that the Bucaneer was an an amazingly stable aircraft. Brilliant compilation
How about the Wombles Song - if you freeze it at the right moment - see my Dad - Chief PO Pusser. HMS Ark Royal !
Long retired now - But hell - bloody proud of him !
And that anchor beside Holiday Inn just a bit down from Plymouth Hoe
Phantoms and Buccaneers were on my Dad;s flight deck and His HMS Ark Royal - and his Captain Was Wilf Graham
|D
They used to mow the lawn on Dartmoor with them.
My late father served in engineering in the sixties and he loved it. We watched the series on the bbc together and he described the ship in great detail. They need a new commission to keep in the tradition
The invincible class were excellent carriers and served the royal navy well they should have had her as a museum ship
How the F*** can anyone dislike this?
God what I wouldn't do to have served on her... beautiful
Nigel Murray , my father did during the 1970's. He is nearly 70 and still Royal Navy to the core. A beautiful ship indeed.
Well said
Too many pacifists worldwide and too many haters of the United Kingdom...
4 years of my life on the last Ark Royal
I finished my time on Ark RoYal R09 she was indeed a beautiful ship and a privilege to serve on her. It breaks my heart that we haven't the Naval fire power anymore or a Navy to crew them.
Those were the days when we had a Navy to be proud of. Gone are the days of great ships such as this The Ark Royal, Invincible and many many others to numerous to mention. But are close to my heart.
Dedicated to Chief Petty Officer, RN, Supply Branch, Royal Navy - Anthony Chambers - my Dad xx
Certainly one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard??? The sentiments expressed are of the most extreme profoundness...A homage to all that is human.....
My sweetys dad Reginald was.a marine engineer who worked on board servicing the ships engines at sea not quite the navy but a very demanding job it fits in with this song very well.....indeed ....❤ Respect to all onboard a ship at sea whether it's cruise or war ship be safe I say
Always in my thoughts Dad now you are sailing free forever. This brings back so many great memories of the day aboard with you. We’re sailing stormy waters to be near you to be free.
hello Nigel such moving note I served on her between 75-78 and sung on this song and still have the record it was a great ship and company your dad wout have had a great time as did I I'm 63 and would do it in all again nice you remember your father this way. godbless you .
My Husbands Twin brother served on HMS Ark Royal and the Eagle he joined Navy very young .My beautiful Husband served in the Royal Air Force before he joined the Navy he did six years done his time came out went in the Navy we got married lived in married quarters had two children Married 50 years He served on HMS Salisbury and the Whitby sadly in 2017 my Husband passed away..He loved both Forces he loved this beautiful song Sailing So I had it played at his funeral I will never forget him or the two Forces Great memories ⚓️⚓️⚓️⚓️❤️❤️
My dad served on HMS Eagle.
Went on the Ark,s first sea trials after her big refit in Devonport.70. Witnessed the first Phantom landing and takeoff. What a wonderful 3 week trip.I was a Dockyard worker.
Bleeding disgrace not saving the ark royal all it needed was up grading to modern standards stuff the money to the do nothing mp s spend it on building a new bigger ark royal the same size as pow queen elizabeth
My dad served on the Eagle.
My mate flew Sea Hawks from HMS Ark Royal...Rod Stewart married a Kiwi girl named Rachel Hunter.. thanks from NZ 👍🇳🇿
Rod Stewart came ok onboard with then wife Alana. and I sang on this record and still have it ! great ship R09 godbless all who sailed her . a great navy and Family 💗
Remember the big Ark as 9 year old in Gibraltar late 70s . It was massive and beautiful . Have loved the Royal navy from s young child due to grandparents role in this amazing Service .. always brings back memories of him .
10 years, Fleet Air Arm Armourer. Love this song.
Beautifully nostalgic and well put together - thank you. I love this.
Such an iconic song. Remembering the past.
My uncle was Fleet master at arms on the Ark Royal. Was a sad day for us all when she was scraped.
+Hazel Woolls Wilkey?? I saw him at the Buck House Garden Party. He was a lovely man - but he scared the bajesus out of recalcitrant sailors on his war canoe!!
No his name is Wiggy!! V Bennett.
I take it that you was in trouble then? Lol
Hazey: so, I was not the only one to shed a tear when she was scrapped?
i served with wilky he was one of the first ever fleet master at arms in the 1970's he was at yeovilton when he was made up and later was the joss on the ark when they made the t.v. series
Not having one of the new carriers named Ark Royal is just plain wrong, simple as that.
I would also like to see a ship named HMS Hood.
well if it makes you feel better, the last Ark wasn't a Carrier...she was "officially" a through deck cruiser...but I get it...
@@karenward267 The RN has a long list of names that can be used again. Better to spread the names out evenly than rename another one the Ark Royal... The last HMS Ark Royal should have been named HMS Indomitable... Nothing wrong with HMS Queen Elizabeth or HMS Prince of Wales.
Ark royal should be a ship in the royal navy in perpetuity!! Never ever lost!! Sail on the Ark Royal! Why not?????
There's always been an Ark Royal since at least Henry VIII. Time we got another. What's left of the last Ark, on which my Dad served, is an anchor in a place of honour, just down from Plymouth Hoe, outside the Holiday Inn hotel.
My grandfather was one of the engineers who came up with the steam catapults.
This is what makes me proud of my country and the British forces love each and every one of you!
Nice to see an 820 Sea King launching there, my first front line squadron on my first carrier, that I first flew onto 34 years ago, good ship and good memories.
The 1975 sing got me interested in the Royal Navy and I spent a memorable 2 years on our last one. I was privileged to have been on her for Outback 88. Memories....
remember sailing alongside the ARK in the 70s sadley missed never forgotten the grand lady of the fleet
Went onboard her 1965, to the CPO’s mess with my dad, to see Uncle Spud, who was still serving, I was 7 at the time, still go the miniature bottle of Guinness he gave me, I’m now 61, miss my dad CPO E J Harris
We have never been without an ark royal but we will have the queen Elizabeth and prince of wales in my eyes we should have an ark royal instead of prince of Wales and have that as the flagship of the Royal Navy as it always has been
The last Ark Royal that I know of, on which my Dad served - is now an anchor, which sits between Holiday Inn Hotel and Plymouth Hoe - and all honour and glory to her XXX High time another ship of that name takes up the challenge, the history and the honour. For the Royal Navy and for Britain !
Yeh i agree we should have another ark royal
@@integralevideo Don't forget those who built sections of both ships in Birkenhead, Portsmouth, Appledore, Glasgow, and Newcastle too... Appears shipyards nationwide had their part building the new carriers...
i remember being on morning watch on the bridge of hms soberton heading up the forth for leave an rod was on the radio we are sailing OOW and us singing along happy days what a great bunch of guy an ship to serve on
I grew up ('60s and '70s) along the coast from Rosyth and remember the number of RN ships that used to sail the Forth every day.
Only comment from 2019 it seels weird not having HMS Ark Royal out there
2021 I am still so proud of our troops, thank you.
This video and song compliment each very well. Love it.
We were watching devonport field gun team practice in drake 1991 with my wife HMS ark royal as the back drop fantastic evening
Only thing worth a damn in the UK, The Armed Forces. Cameron has a lot to answer for.
I keep coming back to this video, thinking of my father who was RN 1940 - 1954 and his brothers also RN, now all long gone. My father's last ship was HMS Aisne, he was saddened when he saw it being broken up at Wards of Inverkeithing, must have been a happy ship.
My husband was a twin both in the Royal Navy is brother served on the H M S Ark Royal and the Eagle my Husband served on the Whitby HMS Salisbury the Salisbury was in Plymouth for a refit so the wives and girl friends where invited to go on board I traveled from Birmingham met by my husband he took me on the Salisbury one of the sailors asked where do you come from from the way I spoke I said Birmingham oh that was it he shouted all over the ship this lady is a Brummie she's FfomBirmingham give her a drink the y all shook hands with me and the drinks came out so I had alovely time so I got married in1967and be came a Royal Navy wife and lived in Plymouth in the Married quarters I loved it met friend her husband was on the same ship as my husband I had a wonderful time I had two children I was married to him for fifty years Sadly in 2017 he was ill and pass away he was alovely man i will never forget him
Crying shame the Brits scrapped the Ark before the Queen Elizabeth's ready. The should've kept those Harriers flying too. The USMC will be flying Harriers for years to come, regardless of the F-35.
Yes but it’s not a fancy new supersonic aircraft. I am sure many in the Navy & Air Force fought that battle. I saw one at Tangmere, it was outside but certainly did not look old. The Bucaneer’s low level passes are the stuff legends are built on .
The Ark has been scrapped, Sea Harriers binned , Marines , RAF and Army cut all because of public spending cuts. Here's one cut the number of MP and there expenses and slush funds and invest the money in protecting the country!
Done....
Most of the MP's are useless !
Can't ever forgive Tony liar Blair for scraping such a fine lady..and to never be replaced.
Wonderful having found this video again! Last saw it in British television in the late seventies. Thank you so much for sharing it with us.
she was a lovely ship of the fleet but sadly missed but never forgotten
How often we sang this on our return to the UK after 6 month deployments to the US and points west.
I served on her from 71 to 74. Best years of naval career. Scouse
You could have used her and her airwing in the Falklands. The Sea Harrier did an amazing job but I believe your military would have been better protected by the Phantoms and other aircraft that operated from the Ark Royal. Cheers and best wishes to all of her former sailors.
I’m fully aware this is an old comment but the reason the ski jump performed so well in the Falklands is because they still aloud us to launch aircraft in the stormy weathers of the south Atlantic we’re if we’d of still used CATOBAR we would of not have been able to launch aircraft because the weather was to bad
@@buddha9017 interesting. I never thought about that.
My uncle fred served on the ark royal..he was a cheif petty officer in the fleet air arm...after the ship was scrapped he went over to saudi to lern the guys over there to repair the aircraft...sadly he is no longer with us...god bless
Chief PO Supply Branch Ark Royal Tony Chambers: 15/7/37 to 26/4/ 24. Final salute- My Dad xxx. May he rest in peace. Or sail further on in other realms of existence. Drink a Royal Navy tot of rum to an officer,
Sailor, Gentlemen and the best father a man could have. 🫡🇬🇧
Great video, with great vocals! Love it!!❤️
my favorite song
Perfection, sheer perfection
I remember seeing Ark Royal on danish tv back in the 70'es
Served on her for 2 years miss the old girl
Classic, still think one of the new Carriers should have been named the Ark Royal..
How often we sang this on our return to the UK after 6 month deployments to the US and points west.
How often we sang this on our return to the UK after 6 month deployments to the US and points west.
The two new carriers were named after royalty to make it that much harder emotionally to cancel their construction
Just found this video, I think the buccaneers fliying past at 1:00 were a bit high off the water 🤣🤣
Truely a proud and worthy successor to her name, fair winds and a following sea Ark Royal
I was in Coulport covering for a Dockey strike. Green Godess on standby. When this was on the telly in the police barracks.
I watched the last Ark Royal being launched on the Tyne and named by The Queen Mother. Some people got wet feet from the launching wave.
The Buccaneer pass at 0:58 is a bit high ... they're at deck level (50 ft)! As the pilots said after Red Flag in Nevada: "We initially operated at 10 ft and 580 knots in the desert but were kicking up dust trails so we increased our operating altitude to 20 ft."
Make all of those greedy banker bonuses be paid into the Royal Navy
I totaly agree we should have a good naval precence. Forgive any miss spelling
This song is perfect & HMS Ark Royal a beautiful ship. The Royal Navy is still here and although a shadow of its former self she is still British and I’m sure we can all be proud of that. As for Ark Royal, absence maketh the heart grow fonder. Rule Britannia 😪🇬🇧
makes me cry every time
I really like this song
The ark royal was the best ship In the navy
the Greatest Navy the world has, or ever will see..........never bettered....
Hopefully we will be again.
To be fair man the US Navy in WW2 was just ridiculous. It is probably the greatest Navy the world will ever see when it comes to firepower and tonnage.
SCscoutguy With great respect to the US Navy, no one beats the Royal Navy in terms of history, and espirit de corps. The Royal Navy's history stretches a full thousand years before your Founding Fathers met in Philadelphia.
No one also beats it in the quality of the sailors, and marines. My father served both in the British and American Armed Forces and he said although both are incredibly professional and well trained. In terms of foundation, the British Services are on a much more firm ground than our gallant American colleagues in arms.
True, but I think the point isn't just about firepower and size. I watched, on telly, the fleet set sail for the Falklands and it was captured right there. History, feelings, pride......but I have great respect for the US Navy too.
For those who don't realise, there are two ships in this video - the mighty Ark Royal of the 1950s-'70s, and the later much smaller (but still highly competent) Invincible Class Ark Royal of the 1980s-2000s. I agree with those who would like this evocative name to have been continued.
Actually Brian, there are three ships in this video. The opening shots are of Ark Royal III in the late 1930s.
Remember this this song as the "happy" song when leaving 40 in Malta. Now remember this song for all those friends I lost "down south" sorry I was in the wrong Unit and was not there with you !!!!!
i was the radio mech on that swordfish R.N.A.S. YEOVILTON in the 1970's
Fantastic song for a beautiful ship. Why do things have to change!
Classic, still think one of the new Carriers should have been named the Ark Royal..
The names chosen make them sound like CruiseShips .
Those two names have a lot of history with the Royal Navy. Both names were previously attached to battleships.
Personally, I'd like to see a new hood and king George.
Whats the name of the second carrier?
@@ryancook6452 pretty sure it’s prince of Wales
Just thinking., I'am very happy to know
that SAILING was written & sung by Rod Stewart.
Anna Penrod ⛵
Check footage again 3 ships called ark royal in video
Royal Navy greatest navy in the world
WONDERFUL
I made a comment about low flying Buccaneer & when I say low I am talking like below the hanger deck . Look the video at 1.01 just a flash of one well below the flight deck . The Buccaneer was evidently extremely stable.
Never been off the West Coast 😞 75 right after Vietnam 💜💔 we don't have to see that again.
I realise that I can be extremely pedantic, but the subject is not a ship, it's LOVE, and the sentiments that go with it... Listen to the words of the song................Only those who have known love, would understand the phrase "to be near you".......
My dad's ship and song, together ty, awesome combination (well nearly cos I think this is the new Ark lol)
There has always been an ark royal and should always be
Would like to think Rod Stewart would release this again for our new aircraft carriers
Amazing video :)
Still seems a real shame one of the mighty new carriers, which are awesome, isn’t an Ark.... HMS Prince of Wales hasn’t the happiest associations as a name for the Navy, it’s loss, just confirmed that the day of the big gun battleship was over and carriers were the future so an odd choice of name for one. I really think it would have been better as the sixth HMS Ark Royal, as a tribute to the brilliant achievements of WW2 Ark, the mighty Ark of TV Sailor and those who sailed more recently in the big sister of Lusty and Vincible.... and the name till now has covered the entire history of Royal Navy aviation as the second Ark Royal was there at the start. Not often the Royal Navy gets it wrong but I think they did here as tradition is everything and what makes it great.
My Dad was on the Ark Royal :-D
Lots of us were...... !
Wow , I recognise the name and yes I did have a flat white cap also one with a peak....Not to mention a blue berry. Now stop taking the piss :-)
Wasnt always an Arkk Royal .299 yrs between 1st & 2nd . 14ýrs 3rd to 4th . 7yrs 4th to 5th .
Makes you proud happy Xmas everybody!
Do you have the DVD of Top of the Pops night?
My sister was on this trip, and her copy went missing. Have been trawling for ages to find one, if even just to make a copy for her.
Email us at inbox@arkroyal.net and we will see what we can do.
Email sent satis.
Not that it really matters but this a compilation of the last two Ark Royals.
Long live the ark,,,she should sail again
Pity the current HMS Prince of Wales wasn't renamed Ark Royal during her construction. There are plenty of precedents and I doubt Charles would have refused permission. Maybe some of the bad luck that seems to have hung around the name POW might have been avoided? Anyway thanks to all who serve in the various Arks and best wishes to those who serve in whatever ships today.
Simon Weston love ya mate! X
Fantastic song! Do wish though, if you are going to put the lyrics on the screen, you'd actually write the words that are actually being sung!
2:06 can anybody please tell me what is this helicopter
Looks like a sea king or a Merlin
Sea King yeh