EDIT: It was Mike Broadwater's SHAR that slid off the HMS Invincible's deck (forcing his emergency ejection) in a very heavy swell, just before take of, Not Dave Braithwaite... And Sorry folks...I genuinely struggled at the end of this vid...I actually found those details from the Times Obituary about Sharkey's later life & losing his son like that, rather upsettling. 😞
What you said about Sharkey and the Argentine flyer really resonated with me for this reason. Many years ago, my late father who was a barrister represented a German gentleman in court for a very low-range DUI charge. The client was a Knight's Cross Holder who had served in the Luftwaffe before migrating to Australia after the war. He had a spotless record and the magistrate let him off without a conviction. After the case, dad and the client were invited in to have morning tea with the beak. It turned out that the magistrate served in RAF Bomber Command and was flying in a Lancaster during the same raid over Hanover when the German flyer won his decoration!!
He was my Divisional Officer in '65 at RNAS Yeovilton Station Flight. I was a JNAM, he was a new Lieutenant, and then the Whirlwind pilot. Always respected, consumate professional, and definitely a pilot first and Naval Officer second. Very sad to hear of his death. Bob Freestone.
Fair winds and calm seas Sharkey. As a young sailor far away in another country in 1982, I read with amazement of the British efforts keeping the Argentine aircraft from destroying the fleet. The efforts of the Fleet Air Arm and the Harriers went above and beyond what many expected, and it was men like Sharkey who demonstrated the resolve on the Royal Navy to regain the Falklands. As an old Naval Officer myself I can say your words would be appreciated by those who served with him. I have never built a Sea Harrier kit, but now feel the urge to complete one in honour of CMDR Ward. Your video is a respectful and fitting tribute Peter, well done.
I knew Chris, completely shocked that he was gone (RIP), I had no idea. Chris was a great guy, he could not have the traditional handle of Sharky, so he earned the moniker of Mental. I was there when he took on the PM during a Townhall event at PJHQ, he was in his last months of Service after the Sea Harrier was prematurely retired because of cost savings. I fear that in the current climate of instability, massive cuts and lack of Defence gravity, these two great men cannot be replaced. They were hugely popular , professional and respected men.
Thank you Peter, a great tribute to a great man. I had the privilege of knowing Sharkey when I was a teenager, my Dad being his Senior Pilot (2 i/c) on 801 Squadron over the Falklands period (incidentally my Dad, Douglas Hamilton, is kneeling 2nd from the right in the squadron pilots photograph you showed in the video). I met many of my Dad's fleet air arm colleagues at the time, but Sharkey stands out in my memory. He had a swagger about him and he left an indelible mark on those he met. I could tell from the way my Dad spoke about him that his Squadron pilots had deep respect for him and galvanised them into a tight knit, highly effective fighting unit. I’ll join you in raising a glass to Sharkey, RIP.
Two things I learned from your tribute to Nigel Sharkey Ward today. One is that he was clearly a man's man, a raffish character like so many great wartime flyers were, but similarly filled with an unquenchable determination to serve his country to the best of his skill and ability. The second is that both yourself and Dr. Mark Felton are the two best expert presenters on TH-cam militaria by a country mile: intelligent, extremely diligent, and highly respectful towards the history you are detailing. Most of all, however, you both fully appreciate and convey the innate humanity behind the subject matter in a wholly objective way, a far cry from the partisan hue and cry that frequently prevails elsewhere. Thank you so much for your classy sanity in such classless insane times.
Wow! High praise indeed! Thank you so much for such kind words. (I only wish I had Dr Feltons YT popularity, Lol) Sharkey, I fear, was perhaps one of the last great swashbuckling hero types of our age. A 'Yes - man' he clearly was not. 🤭 Many thanks for your support and I am glad the content is so appreciated. ☺️
very sad to hear of Sharkey's passing - an amazing man who enjoyed ruffling a few feathers i met him once, a petit man with a glint in his eye, perfectly formed as my mother would say and well suited for a harrier cockpit, he looked me up and down like i was an insect that needed putting in order, i said i was looking after the Sea Harrier we had on display, together with the GR3 and a little grin came over him as he said great job, she looks well looked after even if on display outside, he then learned i was just an enthusiast and not been in the services, what a shame he said, a wasted talent, you've done well, everything looks original, the cockpit was very clean, what a pitty you haven't got an engine - i bet he would have tried firing it up i have met a number of Harrier pilots (and ground crew as well as those who built them), a couple of pilots working within our volunteer service, they all have that glint in their eye, something about a pilot especially one that has been at the sharp end - bless you Sharkey, thanks for your time, blue skies always
23:20. FAA veteran Eric “Winkle” Brown wrote of how, in WW2, whilst at RNAS Crail, he made a point of flying every single engined a/c that came his way under the short spans of the Railway Bridge on the Dundee side of the river Tay. He noted that the good people of Dundee never once reported him.
Thankyou Peter for this fitting tribute to a hero and a patriot. As echoed by many comments here, your historical video's are so well researched and presented with humility and respect. Its always a pleasure to watch Peter, thought provoking, informative and to be perfectly honest, quite unique. Thankyou Peter. Blue skies sir 🙏
I have a print of Sharkey in his Harrier over the Falklands signed by the man himself, it took pride of place over my bed as a kid in the 80s and is currently in my spare room. RIP Sharkey.
I have a lovely picture of this great man in his action over the Falklands, RIP Sharkey and thank you Peter for doing this great account of a true British hero 🇬🇧
RIP Commander Ward. Lovely and emotional tribute respectfully given with a lot of thought, passion and love for a man doing what he did best, thank you!
Thank you for your moving tribute to Sharkey. I was 16 here in the States at the time of the Falklands War and followed the events every day and later became familiar with the story and tactics used by him which were amazing. Incidentally, I later worked as a civilian aviation support contractor which serviced our own AV-8B Harrier Jets which were operated by the US Marine Corps. In the fall of 1989, the HMS Invincible visited our port in Wilmington, NC which I was on hand at the dock that day to welcome her arrival. On the ramp was a Sea Harrier FRS1 which was my first time seeing the type. With this news, I think back how lucky I was to see that historic warship and aircraft at the time.
Sad news indeed to hear about the passing of Mr. Ward. I had the pleasure of knowing "Sharkey" Ward on 892 Squadron (Phantoms) in the late 70's. Very knowledgeable man technically and could always identify the smallest of problems with an Aircraft, which was a great help to us technicians. Strangely enough I went on to work at BAE where the Sea Harriers were assembled and watched the first one handed over to the RN. Glad to know that they were in such good hands when they had to go into action, and also to have read about him and his colleagues in the Falklands, many of whom had also served on 892 Squadron prior to being assigned to the Harrier. RIP Mr. Ward. Glad to have made your acquaintance.
Thank-you for this video. I felt this man's passing had been horrendously overlooked in this countries current climate. I found your video both warming and emotional. This man knew what he was doing and is an absolute British hero in every meaning of the word. R.I.P Sharkey
Well done Peter, that was a great homage to a great leader and fighter pilot. They’re are so few people made like this these days and we really need more in these very uncertain times.
Hi Peter,this is the first video of yours I’ve watched,when I saw it was a tribute to Sharkey Ward I had to watch it,aviation history & the pilots/aircrew who form part of it are remarkable individuals,Sharkey Ward is right there with the Baders & Gibsons in my book,tab Colin P,
Top Man and Top Gun, very much respected by fellow naval aviators, non aviators and aviation enthusiasts alike. One of the few who helped regain the Falklands and defend the naval task force. Unfortunately this great man was not given the credit he deserves for his contribution to naval aviation. In the BBC Sailor documentary series Sharkey Ward can be seen for a few seconds in the aircrew ready room when the tv crew follow the Wessex helicopter pilot as he prepares for the Replenishment at Sea routine. Sadly missed and we will remember him. RIP Sharkey Ward “Her Majesty’s Top Gun”.
Hey Peter 👊🏼 Great tribute, buddy And found out some details that I didn't know. I used to do quite a bit of building models, as well some flying... Thanks for sharing, ATB Gus 👍🏼
Peter an amazing and touching tribute and you mentioned my hero Douglas Bader with the same indomitable spirit they are both inspiring and legendary so with that being said there will never be another Sharkey or Douglas so r.i.p
A view from the UK. RIP Sharkey. Thanks for this video, if i hadn't seen it flash up on the right of the screen i'd never have known of his passing. Got the book and had to read it twice immediately to comprehend better what really happened. A few of things i take away from the book are Sharkey telling his pilots NOT to return to Invincible with more than 50lb of fuel. Also the pilot returning in thick fog that couldn't find the carrier so asked for the ship to get a powerful searchlight on deck facing vertically so as to find it and land beside it. I think he won the AFC for that ingenious idea. Sharkey ordering the new untried ARAAM missiles only he wanted and not 800 squadron. They were delivered to Hermes instead of his ship Invincible only for Andy Auld, the commander of 800 squadron to keep them. When Sharkey found out and complained to Woodward he was told, "there're on here so they'll stay on here". Anger and resentment are 2 powerful driving factors here. I love the bit where Sharkey would return to Yeovilton from a 'sortie', buzz his kids school and then for the teacher to say to Kristian, "Kristian you're dads home". The only reason that would explain the RAF involvement in the conflict was Michael Beetham, Chief of the Air Staff, was the one and only RAF wonk in the war office who could not see the RAF lose face by not being involved. A book called 'Vulcan 607' written by Rowland White; ISBN 978-0-552-15229-7 is the story of how they got 1, YES 1, Vulcan down to put the Falklands runway to put it out of commission. They hit it only ONCE! and that was to one side of the runway. The number of refuelling aircraft, refuelling other refuelling aircraft is so idiotic it could only come from a person - yes, a Rupert in a uniform, but totally unskilled in warfare. A manager in effect. BTW., the crater left would be repaired within a day.
It's a really good book highly recommended. Read Sharkey's book Her Majesty's Top Gun as well - it covers his days on Ark Royal and the Phantom as well as his insights on many aspects of aviation, the military and so on.
1806: First British invasion of Buenos Aires Criolla Victory !!! 1807: Second British invasion of Buenos Aires Criolla Victory !!! 1845 - 1850: War of Parana Criolla Victory !!! ........ .... ................
Superb Epitaph Peter . ...was aware of Sharkey Ward but not the details .... Thankyou for this heart-felt education ...He is definitely one of my heroes now too ...❤❤
RIP Cdr Ward, i cant improve on the tributes of others. His service stands for itself. We shall not see his kind again, amongst the last legends of stick n rudder aerial combat.
Very Good tribute to one of our all time heroes. I agree he is up there with Douglas Bader and Guy Gibson. I grew up in the 70's and like you, have a great love of the Harrier. Great to see Britain at it's best in the sky with the likes of Sharkey and the Sea Harrier.
Hi Peter, Thanks for doing this video. Very touching and informative. I'll endeavour to touch base with you over on the Flory forums as I feel I need to build a Sharkey Harrier to honour him. RIP Sharkey.
Just got to the bit were you talk about Christion. I met him a few times and we would paw over pictures of him making his first carrier landing in the Sea harrier. He had transferred from the RAF. I am shocked and very saddened by his death by suicide. It as darkened my day.
Possibly your best video yet. I learned a lot and can see myself getting that book. Years ago, the magazine Take Off did some articles about him. Thank you for making this video. Nick.
I’m saddened to hear another war hero has passed away. I’ve read that book, and you get to know what he was like, he even had a run in with his boss in the control tower, I think he wanted them to do a certain mission that was quite distant, that if any pilot had to eject, there would be no chance rescue, and his boss (the Flyco I think he called him) was adamant they do it, so Shark’s went to see the captain (Jeremy Black), and he quashed it, I think only Jeremy Black valued his way thinking, no one would see Sharkey’s point of view, and he made the RAF sound like their not on the same level (they weren’t as well trained, skilled or disciplined, or experienced as their Naval counterparts. Having what he said about the Vulcan raids, the book Vulcan 607 is an interesting read too, there was a lot of things to go wrong, and they did, from the very start of the mission,I’ve read a book from the ground forces point of view, and all three are epic stories in their own right, so collectively the Falkland’s campaign was an epic story as a whole (if a film was made of what actually happened)!
You are spot on there, I talked about that incident and others in my book review, including the Dave Morgan and Roland White books too...I think you would enjoy watching this one: th-cam.com/video/bfNpgtaOK38/w-d-xo.htmlsi=feYA2d15ndA7bpWC. 👍🏻
If you're interested in the Harriers role in the Falklands, Harrier 809 by Rowland White is excellent and Sharkey Ward 's contribution is well documented there too. Well worth a read.
I was sorry to hear of Mr. Wards passing. He was in his time clearly the right sort of man you want when conflict beckons, not for peacetime, nor, alas, with the right political attitudes so necessary to adjust to the naval hierarchy. RIP Sharkey. Condolences to his family and friends.
A fitting tribute, to a larger than life gentleman of the skies, and the seas. A consummate professional and a singleminded character the likes of which, are all too uncommon these days. The very best of British, that one… 🫡
Noticed the reference to Douglas Bader. Here in Auckland NZ there is a road called Bader Drive near the airport. Which the idiots on the radio traffic report always pronounce Bayder Drive.... They have no idea at all. I hope Sharkey Ward lasts longer in public memory.
Sadly, Cathy, he is less well known in the UK than Bader was. Few people seems to know much about or remember the Falklands campaign, they are too busy teaching a load of left-wing mumbo-jumbo in schools and turned the kids into precious snowflakes!
Actually shared a ladder with him lol We were staying in the same hotel in Glasgow our rooms were only accessible by a ladder ( health and safety?) I had a good few breakfast with him a bit quite and definitely hard to open up but A good listener. Its a funny old world. Rip 🦈
He used several. He shot down a Dagger in '004' and the Pucara of Major Carlos Tomba, and a C130 Hercules in '006' The latter aircraft also took down a Canberra with another of Sharkey's team at the controls
I was 18 on F126 in the Falklands. FRS1 were welcome, if not always about. He was right, air defence all the way, otherwise some bugger like me has to bang away with a 20 mm Oerlikon.
By the way, I call it PTS. It is not a disorder at all, it is a normal response to abnormal circumstances. And what happened to the RAF Harrier fleet? It was sold to the U.S. to be used as spare parts for Marine AV-8B's...
It's PTSD in the UK. (D for Disorder)...But you are right, if anyone is put under sufficient combat or other stress, it's a fully understandable human reaction.😔
@@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-LabI had read about his passing. The son should always outlive the father. CDR Ward was kind of the British Robin Olds... "Throw a nickel on the grass...." And drink some Jeremiah Weed as well.
Peter, if I may be so bold by addressing you in the first instance by your Christian name, I stumbled upon this purely by chance thank you for making people aware of "Sharky" and his sad demise, a true hero in a world where shrieking out of tune, kicking a bag of air about, and being a non Brit tennis ball batter attention seeker is the norm. In true Brit style he came,he saw and he conquered, good on yer Sharky,and one for you too Peter. Ex driver (Airframe)
The War would have gone badly without him. The Harriers on the Hermes were useless. Those led by Ward on the Invincible Aircraft Carrier shot down all the enemy aircraft and did their best to intercept those enemy aircraft attacking our ships. Those on Hermes shot down NOTHING they didn’t even try to intercept - instead they chased the enemy AFTER they had dropped their bombs!?!?! Admiral Sandy Woodward wanted the Harriers to switch off their radar - yet it was the radar which caused many Argentinian aircraft to abandon their raids. Sharkey disobeyed this order and saved hundreds of lives and possibly changed the outcome of the War. He was a genuine hero.
Sorry to correct you but Dave Morgan on Hermes was the highest scoring pilot in the conflict, just 1 short of being an ‘Ace’ but this was more down to his skill than his abysmal & counter productive orders. But yes agree with your sentiment. Check out more detail here: th-cam.com/video/bfNpgtaOK38/w-d-xo.htmlsi=pGvogvHBXQfQPHW8
A one in a million guy, in the right place at the right time and in the right jet. I have no scotch at home to toast you tonight Sharkey. I'll toast an icey cold Guinness for you instead.
If you read the latest book about the conflict, Harrier 809 by Roland White, I think you will see a lot from material now declassified. For example the GR.3's supplied via Atlantic Conveyor were the only ones painted all grey. Sailing after the carriers the re-formed squadron of RAF Harrier GR.3's had more time to prepare and research camo designed, but never previously used. Ward's aircraft were two tone grey upper/white under - as seen in the picture at 3:42 I had previously read Sharkey's first book and left it at that. Now RIP. But in the Roland White book I did not find his attitude toward the 809 squadron boss to be very a good way of team building. A stupid time to have inter service rivalry. Now I would rather read the White book as it is far less self publicising
I suggest you watch again and listen more closely...No disrespect intended, but much of what you just wrote was all wrong. Roland White was NOT there, was he? It's true Tim Gedge & Sharkey didn't really get on but Sharkey had a warrior mentality, & TG couldn't expect to take over the team mid-conflict, that would be absurd and disturb the smooth running of the squadron. You need to do more research...Barley Grey on 809 planes, Extra Dark Sea Grey on 801...(Repainted on way to South Atlantic) See my book reviews on all 3 sea Harrier books: th-cam.com/video/bfNpgtaOK38/w-d-xo.htmlsi=Y9-Y7hWV4rXUay-2
EDIT: It was Mike Broadwater's SHAR that slid off the HMS Invincible's deck (forcing his emergency ejection) in a very heavy swell, just before take of, Not Dave Braithwaite... And Sorry folks...I genuinely struggled at the end of this vid...I actually found those details from the Times Obituary about Sharkey's later life & losing his son like that, rather upsettling. 😞
Lovely tribute Peter well done. Don’t be sorry for being emotional RIP Sharkey
What you said about Sharkey and the Argentine flyer really resonated with me for this reason. Many years ago, my late father who was a barrister represented a German gentleman in court for a very low-range DUI charge. The client was a Knight's Cross Holder who had served in the Luftwaffe before migrating to Australia after the war. He had a spotless record and the magistrate let him off without a conviction. After the case, dad and the client were invited in to have morning tea with the beak. It turned out that the magistrate served in RAF Bomber Command and was flying in a Lancaster during the same raid over Hanover when the German flyer won his decoration!!
Your tribute was absolutely superb Peter. Very well done mate
He was my Divisional Officer in '65 at RNAS Yeovilton Station Flight.
I was a JNAM, he was a new Lieutenant, and then the Whirlwind pilot.
Always respected, consumate professional, and definitely a pilot first and Naval Officer second.
Very sad to hear of his death.
Bob Freestone.
As someone who remembers the Falklands War as clearly as if it was yesterday, im shocked that a fighter pilot could be 80 years old now.
Its 42 years ago, today is June 13th, so tomorrow will be the 42 anniversary of the Argentine surrender.
@@williamtraynor-kean7214 Still just yesterday. Thanks for the tribute, he was a great leader in so many ways. Fair winds and blue skies, Sharkey!
You're absolutely right, it's hard to believe it's been 40 years.
May he rest in peace.
A true Brit with true grit ,rest in peace from a grateful nation.
Fair winds and calm seas Sharkey. As a young sailor far away in another country in 1982, I read with amazement of the British efforts keeping the Argentine aircraft from destroying the fleet. The efforts of the Fleet Air Arm and the Harriers went above and beyond what many expected, and it was men like Sharkey who demonstrated the resolve on the Royal Navy to regain the Falklands. As an old Naval Officer myself I can say your words would be appreciated by those who served with him. I have never built a Sea Harrier kit, but now feel the urge to complete one in honour of CMDR Ward. Your video is a respectful and fitting tribute Peter, well done.
Exactly the kind of man that is needed during wartime.
He was never destined to reach flag rank....
I knew Chris, completely shocked that he was gone (RIP), I had no idea. Chris was a great guy, he could not have the traditional handle of Sharky, so he earned the moniker of Mental. I was there when he took on the PM during a Townhall event at PJHQ, he was in his last months of Service after the Sea Harrier was prematurely retired because of cost savings. I fear that in the current climate of instability, massive cuts and lack of Defence gravity, these two great men cannot be replaced. They were hugely popular , professional and respected men.
I have given away many books over my life but His Harriers over the Falkland's is one I have kept a fantastic book RIP
What a Great Send Off!
Cheers!
RIP Sharky who joined his son in the sky.
Thank you Peter, a great tribute to a great man. I had the privilege of knowing Sharkey when I was a teenager, my Dad being his Senior Pilot (2 i/c) on 801 Squadron over the Falklands period (incidentally my Dad, Douglas Hamilton, is kneeling 2nd from the right in the squadron pilots photograph you showed in the video). I met many of my Dad's fleet air arm colleagues at the time, but Sharkey stands out in my memory. He had a swagger about him and he left an indelible mark on those he met. I could tell from the way my Dad spoke about him that his Squadron pilots had deep respect for him and galvanised them into a tight knit, highly effective fighting unit. I’ll join you in raising a glass to Sharkey, RIP.
Thanks Gus! Best wishes to your Dad also & thanks for his service in such an effective unit. 👍🏻☺️
Brilliantly done Peter, you should be very proud of yourself, what an amazing tribute to an amazing gentleman RIP Nigel "Sharkey" Ward
Imagine being in the BBC Peblemill offices on that morning and seeing him land his Sea Harrier in the garden.....awesome.. .👍👍👍👍
Two things I learned from your tribute to Nigel Sharkey Ward today. One is that he was clearly a man's man, a raffish character like so many great wartime flyers were, but similarly filled with an unquenchable determination to serve his country to the best of his skill and ability. The second is that both yourself and Dr. Mark Felton are the two best expert presenters on TH-cam militaria by a country mile: intelligent, extremely diligent, and highly respectful towards the history you are detailing. Most of all, however, you both fully appreciate and convey the innate humanity behind the subject matter in a wholly objective way, a far cry from the partisan hue and cry that frequently prevails elsewhere. Thank you so much for your classy sanity in such classless insane times.
Wow! High praise indeed! Thank you so much for such kind words. (I only wish I had Dr Feltons YT popularity, Lol) Sharkey, I fear, was perhaps one of the last great swashbuckling hero types of our age. A 'Yes - man' he clearly was not. 🤭 Many thanks for your support and I am glad the content is so appreciated. ☺️
Well said sir! And wholeheartedly agreed.
very sad to hear of Sharkey's passing - an amazing man who enjoyed ruffling a few feathers
i met him once, a petit man with a glint in his eye, perfectly formed as my mother would say and well suited for a harrier cockpit, he looked me up and down like i was an insect that needed putting in order, i said i was looking after the Sea Harrier we had on display, together with the GR3 and a little grin came over him as he said great job, she looks well looked after even if on display outside, he then learned i was just an enthusiast and not been in the services, what a shame he said, a wasted talent, you've done well, everything looks original, the cockpit was very clean, what a pitty you haven't got an engine - i bet he would have tried firing it up
i have met a number of Harrier pilots (and ground crew as well as those who built them), a couple of pilots working within our volunteer service, they all have that glint in their eye, something about a pilot especially one that has been at the sharp end - bless you Sharkey, thanks for your time, blue skies always
23:20. FAA veteran Eric “Winkle” Brown wrote of how, in WW2, whilst at RNAS Crail, he made a point of flying every single engined a/c that came his way under the short spans of the Railway Bridge on the Dundee side of the river Tay. He noted that the good people of Dundee never once reported him.
Great video, thanks Peter. I am from Spain, I read Sharkey's book a long time ago but I am re-reading it now... what a character. RIP Sharkey
Hope you enjoy it!
Thankyou Peter for this fitting tribute to a hero and a patriot.
As echoed by many comments here, your historical video's are so well researched and presented with humility and respect.
Its always a pleasure to watch Peter, thought provoking, informative and to be perfectly honest, quite unique.
Thankyou Peter.
Blue skies sir 🙏
Gutted, what a hero he was, great man and pilot.
I have a print of Sharkey in his Harrier over the Falklands signed by the man himself, it took pride of place over my bed as a kid in the 80s and is currently in my spare room. RIP Sharkey.
RIP Commander Ward Thank You
Lest we forget, I remember the confidence he exuded after his first CAP, most inspiring 🕊
I have a lovely picture of this great man in his action over the Falklands, RIP Sharkey and thank you Peter for doing this great account of a true British hero 🇬🇧
RIP Commander Ward. Lovely and emotional tribute respectfully given with a lot of thought, passion and love for a man doing what he did best, thank you!
Thank you for your moving tribute to Sharkey. I was 16 here in the States at the time of the Falklands War and followed the events every day and later became familiar with the story and tactics used by him which were amazing. Incidentally, I later worked as a civilian aviation support contractor which serviced our own AV-8B Harrier Jets which were operated by the US Marine Corps. In the fall of 1989, the HMS Invincible visited our port in Wilmington, NC which I was on hand at the dock that day to welcome her arrival. On the ramp was a Sea Harrier FRS1 which was my first time seeing the type. With this news, I think back how lucky I was to see that historic warship and aircraft at the time.
Sad news indeed to hear about the passing of Mr. Ward. I had the pleasure of knowing "Sharkey" Ward on 892 Squadron (Phantoms) in the late 70's. Very knowledgeable man technically and could always identify the smallest of problems with an Aircraft, which was a great help to us technicians. Strangely enough I went on to work at BAE where the Sea Harriers were assembled and watched the first one handed over to the RN.
Glad to know that they were in such good hands when they had to go into action, and also to have read about him and his colleagues in the Falklands, many of whom had also served on 892 Squadron prior to being assigned to the Harrier. RIP Mr. Ward. Glad to have made your acquaintance.
Thanks Graham. That is a great contribution indeed. 👍🏻🫡
As always its the man in the cockpit that makes the decision , that flair of originality and uniqueness .
Thank-you for this video. I felt this man's passing had been horrendously overlooked in this countries current climate.
I found your video both warming and emotional.
This man knew what he was doing and is an absolute British hero in every meaning of the word.
R.I.P Sharkey
Well done Peter, that was a great homage to a great leader and fighter pilot. They’re are so few people made like this these days and we really need more in these very uncertain times.
Hi Peter,this is the first video of yours I’ve watched,when I saw it was a tribute to Sharkey Ward I had to watch it,aviation history & the pilots/aircrew who form part of it are remarkable individuals,Sharkey Ward is right there with the Baders & Gibsons in my book,tab Colin P,
Thanks Colin, hope you will check out some of my other content. 👍🏻
Hey Colin, I just thought, given what you said, you may enjoy this too: th-cam.com/video/Vv4ZHQ7nYsw/w-d-xo.htmlsi=nKLDJxiNNArH39Bv. 👍🏻
That was a moving tribute sir. You did well by his memory. RIP Commander Ward.
Top Man and Top Gun, very much respected by fellow naval aviators, non aviators and aviation enthusiasts alike. One of the few who helped regain the Falklands and defend the naval task force. Unfortunately this great man was not given the credit he deserves for his contribution to naval aviation.
In the BBC Sailor documentary series Sharkey Ward can be seen for a few seconds in the aircrew ready room when the tv crew follow the Wessex helicopter pilot as he prepares for the Replenishment at Sea routine.
Sadly missed and we will remember him. RIP Sharkey Ward “Her Majesty’s Top Gun”.
RIP Sharky Ward. He was a pilot on 899 sea vixen sqdn on HMS EAGLE in 1970/71 while I was on the sqdn.
Loved the book. What a shock. Legend.
Hey Peter 👊🏼
Great tribute, buddy
And found out some details that I didn't know.
I used to do quite a bit of building models, as well some flying...
Thanks for sharing,
ATB Gus 👍🏼
Absolute legend. Blue skies Sir. RIP
Peter an amazing and touching tribute and you mentioned my hero Douglas Bader with the same indomitable spirit they are both inspiring and legendary so with that being said there will never be another Sharkey or Douglas so r.i.p
The telegraph obituary was also very good. Thanks for the tribute. His book is excellent.
Enjoyed your tribute to Sharkey, Peter. Straight from the heart. I plan on reading his book “Sea Harrier over the Falklands.” RIP.
A view from the UK. RIP Sharkey. Thanks for this video, if i hadn't seen it flash up on the right of the screen i'd never have known of his passing. Got the book and had to read it twice immediately to comprehend better what really happened. A few of things i take away from the book are Sharkey telling his pilots NOT to return to Invincible with more than 50lb of fuel. Also the pilot returning in thick fog that couldn't find the carrier so asked for the ship to get a powerful searchlight on deck facing vertically so as to find it and land beside it. I think he won the AFC for that ingenious idea. Sharkey ordering the new untried ARAAM missiles only he wanted and not 800 squadron. They were delivered to Hermes instead of his ship Invincible only for Andy Auld, the commander of 800 squadron to keep them. When Sharkey found out and complained to Woodward he was told, "there're on here so they'll stay on here". Anger and resentment are 2 powerful driving factors here. I love the bit where Sharkey would return to Yeovilton from a 'sortie', buzz his kids school and then for the teacher to say to Kristian, "Kristian you're dads home".
The only reason that would explain the RAF involvement in the conflict was Michael Beetham, Chief of the Air Staff, was the one and only RAF wonk in the war office who could not see the RAF lose face by not being involved. A book called 'Vulcan 607' written by Rowland White; ISBN 978-0-552-15229-7 is the story of how they got 1, YES 1, Vulcan down to put the Falklands runway to put it out of commission. They hit it only ONCE! and that was to one side of the runway. The number of refuelling aircraft, refuelling other refuelling aircraft is so idiotic it could only come from a person - yes, a Rupert in a uniform, but totally unskilled in warfare. A manager in effect. BTW., the crater left would be repaired within a day.
Cheers Robert, you would enjoy my book reviews: th-cam.com/video/bfNpgtaOK38/w-d-xo.htmlsi=FzzBwWNDT5gWb2o3
Thank you Peter. I will be reading `Sea Harrier over the Falklands`.
It's a really good book highly recommended. Read Sharkey's book Her Majesty's Top Gun as well - it covers his days on Ark Royal and the Phantom as well as his insights on many aspects of aviation, the military and so on.
@@shredjoe1 Thanks ShredJoe1. His life Is worthy of MANY books and movies! A British Hero!
Definitely will order a copy asap
1806: First British invasion of Buenos Aires
Criolla Victory !!!
1807: Second British invasion of Buenos Aires
Criolla Victory !!!
1845 - 1850: War of Parana
Criolla Victory !!!
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Absolute warrior and true hero. Sad to hear of his passing. RIP Cmdr Ward. Thank you Sir.
Most enjoyable post script peter, thank you.
Very Sad news, true war hero, RIP Sir
Superb Epitaph Peter . ...was aware of Sharkey Ward but not the details ....
Thankyou for this heart-felt education ...He is definitely one of my heroes now too ...❤❤
RIP Cdr Ward, i cant improve on the tributes of others. His service stands for itself. We shall not see his kind again, amongst the last legends of stick n rudder aerial combat.
Blew my mind, he was born on exactly the same day as my dear mother.
Virgo. Quite Unique.
Thanks for the lovely words and obituary. Really moving
Very Good tribute to one of our all time heroes. I agree he is up there with Douglas Bader and Guy Gibson. I grew up in the 70's and like you, have a great love of the Harrier. Great to see Britain at it's best in the sky with the likes of Sharkey and the Sea Harrier.
Yes, I really meant to mention Gibson, but forgot in the heat of the moment. Losing Sharkey feels like the end of an era to me...😞
I fully agree.
My Father had a posting to RAF Wittering in 72 when i first ever came across the Harrier. But I remember Sharky from 82 when the Falklands War was on.
Definitely a different class of fighter pilot, probably one of the last of that kind - where the human factor made a huge difference. RIP Sharkey.
That was fantastic Peter....RlP Sharkey
Hi Peter, Thanks for doing this video. Very touching and informative. I'll endeavour to touch base with you over on the Flory forums as I feel I need to build a Sharkey Harrier to honour him. RIP Sharkey.
Thank You Toby...I have much admired your recent work on the forum, including the 1/32 Mosquito.👍🏻
God bless Sharkey Ward. Courageous naval aerial combat warrior. British patriot.
Just got to the bit were you talk about Christion. I met him a few times and we would paw over pictures of him making his first carrier landing in the Sea harrier. He had transferred from the RAF.
I am shocked and very saddened by his death by suicide. It as darkened my day.
I am sorry to be the bearer of such bad news. 😞
Superbly done your tribute .RIP Sharkey Ward .
Possibly your best video yet. I learned a lot and can see myself getting that book. Years ago, the magazine Take Off did some articles about him. Thank you for making this video. Nick.
Thanks Nick. 👍🏻
Have you seen my review of the books? It will wet your appetite! 👍🏻 th-cam.com/video/bfNpgtaOK38/w-d-xo.htmlsi=dnoM9ZufMKMW6Ux0
a great hero. RIP Sharkey...Godbless. Great book.
Well done, Peter. A heartfelt and fitting tribute 👍👍
Thanks Steve...I really started blubbing at the end. 😢
I’m saddened to hear another war hero has passed away. I’ve read that book, and you get to know what he was like, he even had a run in with his boss in the control tower, I think he wanted them to do a certain mission that was quite distant, that if any pilot had to eject, there would be no chance rescue, and his boss (the Flyco I think he called him) was adamant they do it, so Shark’s went to see the captain (Jeremy Black), and he quashed it, I think only Jeremy Black valued his way thinking, no one would see Sharkey’s point of view, and he made the RAF sound like their not on the same level (they weren’t as well trained, skilled or disciplined, or experienced as their Naval counterparts.
Having what he said about the Vulcan raids, the book Vulcan 607 is an interesting read too, there was a lot of things to go wrong, and they did, from the very start of the mission,I’ve read a book from the ground forces point of view, and all three are epic stories in their own right, so collectively the Falkland’s campaign was an epic story as a whole (if a film was made of what actually happened)!
You are spot on there, I talked about that incident and others in my book review, including the Dave Morgan and Roland White books too...I think you would enjoy watching this one: th-cam.com/video/bfNpgtaOK38/w-d-xo.htmlsi=feYA2d15ndA7bpWC. 👍🏻
i missed sharkey passing .....legend for people my age up with the bob pilots
Yes very true...but these guys were outnumbered by the Argentine Air Force 9 -1 ! 😱 That is 3x worse odds than even 'The Few' in the BoB! 😵
Great tribute Peter, and very informative. Will definitely get myself a copy of the Sea Harrier book on your recommendation 👍👍.
Hope you enjoy it!👍🏻
Cheers to Sharkey Ward RIP
If you're interested in the Harriers role in the Falklands, Harrier 809 by Rowland White is excellent and Sharkey Ward 's contribution is well documented there too. Well worth a read.
Yep I reviewed them here: th-cam.com/video/bfNpgtaOK38/w-d-xo.htmlsi=2a4ggXOAlAfZFWbD
"Well worth a read."
Particularly page 75.
I was sorry to hear of Mr. Wards passing. He was in his time clearly the right sort of man you want when conflict beckons, not for peacetime, nor, alas, with the right political attitudes so necessary to adjust to the naval hierarchy. RIP Sharkey. Condolences to his family and friends.
Job well done Peter ❤, you by far are my favourite modelling channel on TH-cam , but I have to disagree you definitely did Sharkey justice!
Thanks Ryan, cheers mate. 👍🏻
A fitting tribute, to a larger than life gentleman of the skies, and the seas. A consummate professional and a singleminded character the likes of which, are all too uncommon these days. The very best of British, that one… 🫡
Noticed the reference to Douglas Bader. Here in Auckland NZ there is a road called Bader Drive near the airport. Which the idiots on the radio traffic report always pronounce Bayder Drive.... They have no idea at all. I hope Sharkey Ward lasts longer in public memory.
Sadly, Cathy, he is less well known in the UK than Bader was. Few people seems to know much about or remember the Falklands campaign, they are too busy teaching a load of left-wing mumbo-jumbo in schools and turned the kids into precious snowflakes!
Well done for doing this Peter.👍
Actually shared a ladder with him lol
We were staying in the same hotel in Glasgow our rooms were only accessible by a ladder ( health and safety?)
I had a good few breakfast with him a bit quite and definitely hard to open up but
A good listener.
Its a funny old world.
Rip 🦈
Should have been awarded our highest medal . Hope the certain medical intervention wasn't responsible .
An absolute Royal Navy legend
R.I.P - a great man
Hang in there, Pete. Lovely Tribute..
Check out the BBC film Falklands: the untold story (1987). Harrowing as the experience was still raw when it was made. Sharkey was in it.
Rest easy Sharkey, you will always be remembered.
R.I.P.
Brilliant tribute congratulations 🥂
Thanks. 👍🏻
Safe sailing in the great Squadron in the Sky for the legendary Sharkey.✌️
Great tribute and wonderful book. I believe his actual Falklands Harrier is in the Bungay (Flixton) in Suffolk aeronautical museum.
He used several. He shot down a Dagger in '004' and the Pucara of Major Carlos Tomba, and a C130 Hercules in '006' The latter aircraft also took down a Canberra with another of Sharkey's team at the controls
Salute and RIP to you sir, I know only the best flew Harriers because you chaps had to do it all solo.
I was 18 on F126 in the Falklands. FRS1 were welcome, if not always about. He was right, air defence all the way, otherwise some bugger like me has to bang away with a 20 mm Oerlikon.
An interesting biography ,son was a flyer also.
RIP Hero
R.I.P.
By the way, I call it PTS. It is not a disorder at all, it is a normal response to abnormal circumstances.
And what happened to the RAF Harrier fleet?
It was sold to the U.S. to be used as spare parts for Marine AV-8B's...
It's PTSD in the UK. (D for Disorder)...But you are right, if anyone is put under sufficient combat or other stress, it's a fully understandable human reaction.😔
@@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-LabI had read about his passing. The son should always outlive the father.
CDR Ward was kind of the British Robin Olds...
"Throw a nickel on the grass...."
And drink some Jeremiah Weed as well.
There was no F15 E's at that time frame.
@@louwvandermerwe178 Yep it was the 'C' Which is what I thought I said until I saw the vid playback. D'oh! 😖
May he rest in peace...
I wonder would the Sea Harrier turned out the way it did without his input
Peter, if I may be so bold by addressing you in the first instance by your Christian name, I stumbled upon this purely by chance thank you for making people aware of "Sharky" and his sad demise, a true hero in a world where shrieking out of tune, kicking a bag of air about, and being a non Brit tennis ball batter attention seeker is the norm. In true Brit style he came,he saw and he conquered, good on yer Sharky,and one for you too Peter. Ex driver (Airframe)
Well done top job
The War would have gone badly without him. The Harriers on the Hermes were useless. Those led by Ward on the Invincible Aircraft Carrier shot down all the enemy aircraft and did their best to intercept those enemy aircraft attacking our ships. Those on Hermes shot down NOTHING they didn’t even try to intercept - instead they chased the enemy AFTER they had dropped their bombs!?!?! Admiral Sandy Woodward wanted the Harriers to switch off their radar - yet it was the radar which caused many Argentinian aircraft to abandon their raids. Sharkey disobeyed this order and saved hundreds of lives and possibly changed the outcome of the War. He was a genuine hero.
Sorry to correct you but Dave Morgan on Hermes was the highest scoring pilot in the conflict, just 1 short of being an ‘Ace’ but this was more down to his skill than his abysmal & counter productive orders. But yes agree with your sentiment. Check out more detail here: th-cam.com/video/bfNpgtaOK38/w-d-xo.htmlsi=pGvogvHBXQfQPHW8
@@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab Thanks. I didn’t know that. 👍
Fly Navy!!!
RIP Commander Nigel McCartan-Ward DFC AFC
What happened to Vicar his dog...?
Not sure but think he had plenty of friends in Grenada that would look after him. 🤞🏻
A one in a million guy, in the right place at the right time and in the right jet. I have no scotch at home to toast you tonight Sharkey. I'll toast an icey cold Guinness for you instead.
I am sure his Irish ancestry would appreciate that just as much, Fred! 👍🏻🥃🍺
Now that Argentina has been permitted to buy 22 F16s, Sharkey’s warning about the new long runway on the Falklands becomes more important.
Oh my! 😳
Might need more than one RAF flight down there then...@@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab
@@cathybrind2381 You are SO right! 😳
If you read the latest book about the conflict, Harrier 809 by Roland White, I think you will see a lot from material now declassified. For example the GR.3's supplied via Atlantic Conveyor were the only ones painted all grey. Sailing after the carriers the re-formed squadron of RAF Harrier GR.3's had more time to prepare and research camo designed, but never previously used. Ward's aircraft were two tone grey upper/white under - as seen in the picture at 3:42
I had previously read Sharkey's first book and left it at that. Now RIP. But in the Roland White book I did not find his attitude toward the 809 squadron boss to be very a good way of team building. A stupid time to have inter service rivalry. Now I would rather read the White book as it is far less self publicising
I suggest you watch again and listen more closely...No disrespect intended, but much of what you just wrote was all wrong. Roland White was NOT there, was he? It's true Tim Gedge & Sharkey didn't really get on but Sharkey had a warrior mentality, & TG couldn't expect to take over the team mid-conflict, that would be absurd and disturb the smooth running of the squadron. You need to do more research...Barley Grey on 809 planes, Extra Dark Sea Grey on 801...(Repainted on way to South Atlantic) See my book reviews on all 3 sea Harrier books: th-cam.com/video/bfNpgtaOK38/w-d-xo.htmlsi=Y9-Y7hWV4rXUay-2
I bought the Roland White book quite a while ago but haven't got around to reading it yet. Certainly will have to soon.
@@cathybrind2381 Check out my vid reviewing the three books here: th-cam.com/video/bfNpgtaOK38/w-d-xo.htmlsi=1RCR8jyljikDxHXI
An Irish connection...we are everywhere. Lol.🤣🤣🤣
I new his ex wife. I think he was very happily divorced!
Strange his dad was in the Air Force but Sharky was not the biggest fan of the Air Force and was pro Navy
He had seen both - so his opinions were based on actual experience and facts.
@@normanboyes4983 intresting.
Speedy Dark side of the moon?
You...are RIGHT! 👍🏻⏰