Its now 2024, at 79 years old i look back at my time on Ark Royal with mixed feelings as part of my twelve years service, during which, because of my job, i served on so many ships its hard to recall them all. I worked for S.M.A. ENGINEERING, basically doing serveys of ships condition and likely refitss or de comommsioning, Ark Royal being one of them. The thing that always amused me was i had a biigger office that a good few members of that ship had mess decks, something that i found very surprised that it seemed nobody else seemed to notice. Our final trip home after a trip that took us on a trip of half way round the globe. Saw some horrific things and some really wonderful things. I spent nearly two years in scotland at the nuclear base, this was before it was considered as such as it only had a rather old depot ship, the H.M.S. MAIDSTONE as a repair ship as such, and things happened up there that even now i cannot even mention, all in all a really trying time. In all i look back at those years as a very good learning curve for future life, but despite it all, the Ark Royal was at that time the biggest ship i ever served on. The one thing i recall most of all is that we left Singapore with a raging fire on board in one ofbthe boiler rooms !!!!!!
A quick view of my mate at Commanders table, we went though training together, always in trouble for being drunk, in the end it took his life, he died in a fire at HMS Sultan. Paddy Mclaughin was in my mess, 5Wz0, very quiet lad, but easily led, the story he told about a girlffiriend wasn't quite true.
@@jamesnoonan7450 He was regualting (Royal Navy Police) branch, failed at the branch he joined up in, the sort of bloke who would buy a junior a drink then put him on a charge for underage drinking. I got the feeling he was ex Air Branch, because they could get away with blue murder, that L Airman Tinks was a perfect example, any other branch it would havve been loss of rate and probably a good conduct stripe too.
I spent time on 3 Type 42s visiting most of the world. When i watch this series, I feel happy and sad at the same time. Amazing memories, told to all that will listen. I wonder if Twinks is still with us and what his life was like after this episode.
The Captain and seems a really nice bloke tbh very down to earth. Also the Guy who did the "Naughty boy interviews" (sorry I don't know his name or rank) He seemed a real father figure to the young lads.
Getting drunk, getting thrown out of venues, trying to pull a minger, getting mugged, getting a drunken injury. Boys will be boys. Looks like it’s not Powell’s first time in front of the CO which probably explains why he was a junior rank for 22 years, but still considered an old sweat.
What happened to the beginning of the episode ie Diamond Lil's and coming down the gangway drunk as lords hitting their heads on the ship, days I remember well, best days ever
This was uploaded back when RUclips limits the length of uploaded videos to 15 mins or less. The uploader did upload the first part, which you can search from the OP's RUclips page.
One of the most popular docs the BBC has EVER MADE, this was required viewing in mid 70's along with the "The Family" a doc about mid 70's British family life.The men who featured in Sailor must consider it a double edge sword.On the one hand the nostalgia of reliving their youthful Navy days must be wonderful but on the other they can never turn back the clock.Age can be a right bastard!. A moment in time, captured for ever.A FASINATING glimpse of Naval history.
All the bits where they're in "Diamond Lils"? (that right? I wonder what the Russians made of their enemy? Wonder if their Northern Fleet was shakin' in their boots? Lol
Flyco 'Where are my Bucaneer's" Response: '"On your buchen head"
What a contrast in negative terms this program about the later Ark Royal is: ruclips.net/video/TlC1q4ARG8A/видео.htmlsi=CnuIBecmuxDDCneY
Its now 2024, at 79 years old i look back at my time on Ark Royal with mixed feelings as part of my twelve years service, during which, because of my job, i served on so many ships its hard to recall them all. I worked for S.M.A. ENGINEERING, basically doing serveys of ships condition and likely refitss or de comommsioning, Ark Royal being one of them. The thing that always amused me was i had a biigger office that a good few members of that ship had mess decks, something that i found very surprised that it seemed nobody else seemed to notice. Our final trip home after a trip that took us on a trip of half way round the globe. Saw some horrific things and some really wonderful things. I spent nearly two years in scotland at the nuclear base, this was before it was considered as such as it only had a rather old depot ship, the H.M.S. MAIDSTONE as a repair ship as such, and things happened up there that even now i cannot even mention, all in all a really trying time. In all i look back at those years as a very good learning curve for future life, but despite it all, the Ark Royal was at that time the biggest ship i ever served on. The one thing i recall most of all is that we left Singapore with a raging fire on board in one ofbthe boiler rooms !!!!!!
No Pilot?
Should have kept her!
distinct lack of shouting and polishing things in the navy, i wonder how they get anything done
SODS opera (Ships Operatic & Dramatic Society)
Being an ex matelot myself, this series brings back all types of memories. Thank you so much.
Behind every officer is a junior or senior rate telling him how to do something
No junior rates got a slice of that cake
A quick view of my mate at Commanders table, we went though training together, always in trouble for being drunk, in the end it took his life, he died in a fire at HMS Sultan. Paddy Mclaughin was in my mess, 5Wz0, very quiet lad, but easily led, the story he told about a girlffiriend wasn't quite true.
Who was the master at arms he is simply brilliant. Firm but always fair treats every man like his son.
Tom Wilkingson, he was liked by a few, hated by many, I promise you all that was for the camera's
@GrahamWalters Why was he hated, if you don't mind me asking ? I'm assuming he is long dead now ?
@@jamesnoonan7450 He was regualting (Royal Navy Police) branch, failed at the branch he joined up in, the sort of bloke who would buy a junior a drink then put him on a charge for underage drinking. I got the feeling he was ex Air Branch, because they could get away with blue murder, that L Airman Tinks was a perfect example, any other branch it would havve been loss of rate and probably a good conduct stripe too.
That bloke doing 'You've Got a Friend' is fantastic - looks , voice & his guitar chops - real talent.
Fantastic . Incredibly complex ecosystem at work . The music sets the time nicely !
Such professionalism.
Know that sea state well.
Not ruined yet by chubby little lesbians, I see
my beautiful ruined country.
the woman who won the tombola took her own cake. lol.
you would not have wasted your life if you did 10 or 15 years here. it feels like scouts but with travel.
it seems very cosy life. i can see why men liked it.
Thank you for uploading in much better quality
Get the MEO to get it sorted!
David O'connor leaving Ark Royal age 16 ❤
David O'connor age 16 leaving Ark Royal ❤
Those 20 year olds will be in their 70s now. I wonder what they think of the state of the current Royal Navy
Unrecognisable 😕
It brings tears to your eyes 😢😢😢
heaven help us with the state of our navy and country today
I spent time on 3 Type 42s visiting most of the world. When i watch this series, I feel happy and sad at the same time. Amazing memories, told to all that will listen. I wonder if Twinks is still with us and what his life was like after this episode.
"Is WEO anywhere about?" Bet he was keeping his head down somewhere far from the bridge.
WEO?
The theatre show was bloody brilliant lol.
The Captain and seems a really nice bloke tbh very down to earth. Also the Guy who did the "Naughty boy interviews" (sorry I don't know his name or rank) He seemed a real father figure to the young lads.
Beats Top Gun 1 and 2 in every sense. Even to this day. Rule Britannia
What happens if the Captain is an atheist?
HMS Bacchante aka Bacchante Hilton
Shame that it’s not Rod Stewart sailing 👎🇬🇧🇬🇧
Getting drunk, getting thrown out of venues, trying to pull a minger, getting mugged, getting a drunken injury. Boys will be boys. Looks like it’s not Powell’s first time in front of the CO which probably explains why he was a junior rank for 22 years, but still considered an old sweat.
What happened to the beginning of the episode ie Diamond Lil's and coming down the gangway drunk as lords hitting their heads on the ship, days I remember well, best days ever
This was uploaded back when RUclips limits the length of uploaded videos to 15 mins or less. The uploader did upload the first part, which you can search from the OP's RUclips page.
10 quid an expensive run ashore. Those were the bloody days.
One of the most popular docs the BBC has EVER MADE, this was required viewing in mid 70's along with the "The Family" a doc about mid 70's British family life.The men who featured in Sailor must consider it a double edge sword.On the one hand the nostalgia of reliving their youthful Navy days must be wonderful but on the other they can never turn back the clock.Age can be a right bastard!. A moment in time, captured for ever.A FASINATING glimpse of Naval history.
Nine pints of scrumpy. Good effort Kelly!
Quiet run.
Compare this documentary to those produced these days - no meaningless commentary nor over-dramatic music!
Clear and precise UK English accent, just love it and miss it now.
No Email, no mobiles, no social media. When one was away, one was away…
What year was this???
1976/77 if I recall correctly.
Thank you for uploading these videos!!! Really enjoy them!!!
Thank you for uploading these videos!!! Really enjoy them!!!
Checking my chart of Plymouth Sound, it appears that the Vanguard buoys are further to seaward than the NE Winter buoy, as are The Narrows.
Did I remember wrong, or wasn’t the title song the actual Rod Stewart track?
Only got part of the series. Should be shown again to enlighten a lot of people.
All the bits where they're in "Diamond Lils"? (that right? I wonder what the Russians made of their enemy? Wonder if their Northern Fleet was shakin' in their boots? Lol
That wallpaper! a different age.