HMS Ark Royal

The Last Commission:

1976 to 1978

 

    

Gibraltar and Beyond

 1-5 November 1977

 

The ship finally berthed at the South Mole at about 1730A on Tuesday 1st November, just before sunset. The length of our stay was to be very short, a matter of 24 hours, and many went ashore that evening for the first time since Hamburg, while the dutymen went ashore the following forenoon. Generally people were well behaved considering that the ship had been at sea for a month.

At Gibraltar, we embarked six members of the Committee of Lloyds, headed by the Deputy Chairman, Mr Findlay, and they remained with us until Malta. The Committee has had a long standing association with the Royal Navy, and in particular with HMS ARK ROYAL, and over a period of  years has presented the ship with many gifts, including ARK ROYAL’s TV system, video equipment and a complete Wardroom library.

By 1830 local on the 2nd the ship was on her way again, but this time eastwards across the Mediterranean. What a difference in the weather, with clear blue skies, the sun blazing down, very little wind, and the temperature into the seventies. Despite the lack of wind the air world managed to do some flying while off Sardinia on the 4th. Mind you, 824 once again beat the fixed wing as it was airborne on the 3rd, practicing emergency procedures and taking fresh bread to HMS PLYMOUTH

 
     

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