74.
May 18, 2015
New book, Rescue Pilot: Cheating The Sea, by Jerry Grayson, AFC.

A wonderful new book on more modern operations of the Royal Navy and the Fleet Air Arm. Covering the period from 1972 to 1980 Jerry Grayson describes his experiences as a helicopter pilot in the Fleet Air Arm on HMS Ark Royal R-09 and later in 771 Squadron as a search and rescue pilot. Jerry was the youngest helicopter pilot to serve in the Royal Navy and the most decorated peacetime pilot in naval history. This book should bring back a lot of memories for the many men who served with him.

2015 Adlard Coles Nautical
230 pages, hardcover

To read the first two chapters free click here.
www.rescuepilot.net

Click here to order in the U.K.
www.amazon.co.uk/rescuepilot

Click here to order in the U.S.A.
www.amazon.com/rescuepilot

You can contact Jerry directly through his Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rescue-Pilot/882280861803740?sk=timeline

73.
Apr. 24, 2015

My father was in the the Royal Australian Navy and posted in the U.K. for a couple of years. I was born in Portsmouth and christened on board the Ark Royal in either 1958 or 1959. My name is apparently engraved on the ships bell. I would like to find out where the bell is so that at some stage I can take a photo, can you give me some information as to where the bell is being kept now.

Kind regards, 
Sharon Nimmo
Sydney, NSW, Australia

72.
Mar. 15, 2015

Just been searching the web and just come across articles on this wonderful ship that I called home. I joined 809 squadron at RAF Honnington in Suffolk, on the 16th December 1974. Went to sea on several occasions with Ark Royal. I stayed with the squadron till 18th July 1976. I was asked to join ships company by a chief steward Ramsey. Who could say no to this fine ship. On the 19th July 1976 I joined Ark Royal as ships company. On joining I was told to go to 4v1 mess where I was met by the one and only George Hannan who was messman. Bunk space 2nd on the right, top bunk on the left. What I'm trying to do, is get in touch with any steward that served on Ark Royal between Dec 1974 to Nov 1978. It would be good to hear from George Hannan.

Robert Winslow

71.
Feb. 20, 2015

I am looking for pictures of seamen aboard the Ark Royal in the early 1990s. Would anyone be able to help me with that? I am designing the opera SIREN SONG, which features the Captain and 2 seamen, and would like to be accurate in my representation. Thank you in advance for any information.

Best,
Helen Rodgers

70.
Dec. 13, 2014

I was killick of 6 h2 mess in 1962 and have several photographs of my mess run ashore in Malta with all the lads in Chicos bar, if anyone is interest please email me.

Arthur Maxted

69.
Oct. 24, 2014

What a fantastic web site you have! I just came across it today. Awesome! I served on Ark Royal from 1972 to 1975 as a Leading Ordnance Electrical Mechanic, I left the Ark in 75 from Florida and flew back to the UK. Later that year I joined the South African Navy and served almost six years at Naval Logistical Command in Simonstown from Dec 75 till late 1981.

I was in 4 Lima 2 mess on the Ark, I'm sending some proof so that you know it's all above board (see below). Excuse the pun! In one of your Guestbook messages, there is someone who has the original Officers Boat and has converted it. I have the original RN Ensign from that boat as I used to service it in 73 (I was the Battery King) I told my CPO at the time that "somehow" acid had damaged the flag beyond repair. I would like to contact the guy with the boat and give him the original ensign.

I joined the RN at 15 in 1967, so have reached the ripe old age of 63. Although I have been in IT Software for over 30 years and have owned my own Company since then My passion now is that I have designed a host of green building products in South Africa, (since I retired at 55 and where I live today, Sandton, Johannesburg).

Kind Regards,
John Miller
Managing Director
Sandton Slate (PTY) Ltd.

68.
Sept. 28, 2014

I joined the Ark in Cammell Lairds in 1955 and served on her until 1958. The photo of Ark Royal and the Mayflower bring back happy memories of the trip to Norfolk, Virginia, USA. I have a copy of that photo in my album. We were in Devonport and saw the Mayflower sett sail for the States. We left sometime later and in mid Atlantic we met up with the Mayflower. We offered them fresh provisions and water etc but they refused any assistance. We carried on to Norfolk and were there to watch the Mayflower's arrival. The reason for the trip was to take part in a fleet review to celebrate the landing of the Pilgrim Fathers. I am now 81 years old and have lived in New Zealand since 1966.

Jack Finegan, L.M.E & P.O.M.E.
D/skx 898178

67.
Aug. 25, 2014

I was the sailmaker on board the Ark Royal from 1962 -1977, served with John Colcugh. I was the last professional tradesman Sailmaker to leave the RN, I joined at St. Vincent in 1952, and began training as a sailmaker when I became 17.

I was in 5 C2 Mess. right under the flight deck. Then back again from 1977 till 1980, same mess. Some of us from 5c2 have got together, do you remember Richard Manning, Phil Hadfield, well send an e mail and join us. remembering  times gone by.

Sidney Frank "Joe" Elbro 
Plymouth, Devon, UK

66.
Aug. 3, 2014

My dad served on the Ark Royal not sure of the years, but he has a photo album full of memories his name was Paul Brown think he was a aircraft engineer.

Regards,
Kim Allan

65.
June 17, 2014

I am trying to contact a Howard Francis Claytor, believed to have served on HMS Ark Royal R-09 during the 50's. His daughter and grandchildren would love to meet him or any relatives.

Sharon Bovingdon

"Mar. 27, 2017: Just a quick message to say Thank You for forwarding this email on to me. Since receiving this message my mum has now met her half sister for the very first time after many years of searching for her. They were both extremely happy to have found each and I realise this wouldn't have been possible without your website. Thank You again."

Regards,
Sharon Bovingdon

64.
June 16, 2014

I have been told by family that my Uncle Donnie (Donald Fred Damerell), served on the Ark Royal. I'm assuming in the period of the 60's. I have been unsuccessful in finding any confirmation of this. I am trying to write a social history of my family. So if anyone can confirm and share memories (and photos if any) of my Uncle, I would appreciate it.

Many thanks,
Tracy James

63.
Apr. 18, 2014

I was in 4r2 mess from during the last commission in 1978. I would like to hear from anyone who remembers me and would also like to see any photos of the catering dept from 4r2.

Regards,
Tony Gale
(AKA Windy)

62.
Dec. 10, 2013

I served on Ark from 1964-1965, on leaving Fremantle I flew from ship on compensate leave [father dying]. Looking for air craft handler Bill Widerfield or Widerson from Sunderland. I was an aircraft handler, here's hoping. I would also like to reconnect with some guys from the flight deck crew like leading airman Titch Richardson, airman Mike Honeywell from Swindon and Bill Widowfield or Widowson from Sunderland.

John Pratt

61.
Oct. 12, 2013

I am trying to find two sailors who served on the HMS Ark Royal in 1978 when they were in port at Mayport in Jacksonville Florida. Their names were Ian Forsyth and Richard Dante. My name is Frances Baker. I would love to know how they are doing.

Frances Baker

60.
Sept. 2, 2013

I am trying to locate Harry Harrison who was serving on the Ark Royal in 1963 when the ship visited
Fremantle, Western Australia.

Anne Sutherland

59.
July 3, 2013

My father is Brian David Hughes, he served as a Chief Petty Officer on the Ark Royal.  I was christened on the Ark in 1961 and still have the original certificate.  I recently found out that the names of the children christened on the Ark were engraved on the Bell, and was wondering if there is anything you can tell me about the bell as I know that the Ark was scrapped.  A photo/image would be great if it is available.  Dad has passed now, but he was always proud of serving on the Ark Royal.

Best regards,
Tracy Hampton (nee Hughes)

58.
June 18, 2013

I served on HMS ARK ROYAL from 1964 until 1966, by the way she spent Christmas in Fremantle in 1965. I worked on the starboard catapult, launching Sea Vixens, Scimitars, Fairy Gannets and Buccaneers Mk 2. I remember going through the Suez Canal summer of 1965 and stopping off in Aden during the troubles. I have a copy of the Three Ark Royal's 1938 -1999 by Neil McCart, worth having from fan publications. Me and Neil joined up together at HMS GANGES in October 1961, we re-connected in 1996, through the 'HMS Ganges Association'. MY time on the Ark was memorable, she seemed to spend a lot of time along side especially with the boilers breaking down, our sister ship 'Eagle ' seemed to take up the slack.

Frank Stockton

57.
May 26, 2013

I am emailing for my father in law, Tom (Dimpy) King. He is looking to contact any one who shared a drink with him. He served from 1964 to 1966 on the Ark Royal. Please get in touch if you have any info.

Many thanks,
Ruth King

56.
May 25, 2013

My Daughter was Christened on board HMS Ark Royal on 23rd August 1970, while I was serving on the 4th Ark Royal, her name should therefore be in the "Ship's Bell". My Question is: where is the bell now she has paid off? I live in Australia and will be coming back to the UK and would like to take a photo of her name in the bell for her to keep. If anyone can help, I would appreciate it greatly.

MEM1 Wal Rowland

55.
May 18, 2013

I don't know if you can help me, but I am looking for ex Ark Royal air department colleagues who served on the Ark in 1964. I have in one of my reception rooms a 4 foot model of the Ark Royal which was built by the air engineering department. The detail is fantastic and every bit of this model is hand built.

Warm regards,
Wayne Lewis

54.
May 14, 2013

I found some old pictures (see below) of my time on the Ark 1964 to 1966. These were taken in the Indian Ocean around Jan. 1966 I think on our way to Mombassa from Fremantle to take up station for the Biera patrol after Rhodesia had declared independence.

Keith Manton
(HMS Ark Royal)

The line up of 9 guys, I am second in from the right, back row. The guy on the end right is John Gardener from London, I can't remember any other names.

I am the weight lifter, can't remember any of the other chaps in the background.

The picture of the guy throwing the bag over a rope is Leading Seaman "Wiggy" Bennett, seaman dept. don't know the rest.

Reply 1
July 22, 2016

I was so surprised and pleased to see the photo of Wiggy Bennett (above.) That is my dad! He retired from the Navy in the late 60's/early 70's and joined the MOD. We were stationed in Germany for 20 years before returning to England. I ended up living in the USA and dad (and mum) joined me in the mid 90's and remained in the U.S. until about 4 years ago, when they returned to England due to dad's health. He turns 90 in December. Although he still has recollections of when he was in the Navy, he may not recognize himself in the photo, due to health problems including dementia, but I will most definitely show it to him. Thank you so much for posting!"

Vicki Cimkentli
Atlanta, Georgia

53.
Apr. 21, 2013

I am the very proud daughter of Ronald (Bob) McEvoy, who sadly died on Saturday. He was 75, born in Liverpool, and had served aboard the Ark Royal many years ago. Although he told us tales of his time in the Navy, I haven't a lot of information and no photographs. I would appreciate, more than I can say, any info, stories, but mostly photos, if anyone can help.

Many thanks,
Christine McEvoy
Staffordshire, UK

52.
Apr. 19, 2013

I am trying to find information on my mother's brother, with whom she lost touch more than 50 years ago. He served on HMS Ark Royal in the 1950s, and became a Petty Officer specialising in radio communications. His name was David John Pratt, and we know that by 1962 he had left the Navy. Any information on him would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Bob Wright

51.
Mar. 20, 2013

I served on the Ark Royal (RO9) for a year - the whole of 1960 I believe. I was one of five Army personnel attached to the ship, and two of us messed in 2T1. I still have several photographs and other items relating to the ship at that time and would be very happy to send copies of these to anybody interested. Previous to this I was stationed at RNAS Lossiemouth for a year, but only have a few personal photos taken there. Would also like to share memories with anybody who happened to be there around those times.

Regards,
Adrian Vine

50.
Mar. 9, 2013

I am looking for any information regarding an uncle who served on the Ark Royal as a Royal Military Police Officer. His Name was Ronald Johnston d.o.b. 22-04-1932 in Liverpool, and the family believes that he was serving around 1950-1955. He died in 2004 and left me his military tie that is navy blue with a gold pin stripe and lots of white kangaroos and lions all over it. Can you tell me, are there any records of the people who served on the Ark Royal and the places and conflicts in which they took part?

Thank You,
Derek Johnston