There's a ship lies rigged and ready in the harbor Tomorrow for old England she sails Far away from your land of endless sunshine To my land full of rainy skies and gales And I shall be aboard that ship tomorrow Though my heart is full of tears at this farewell For you are beautiful, and I have loved you dearly More dearly than the spoken word can tell For you are beautiful, and I have loved you dearly More dearly than the spoken word can tell I've heard there's a wicked war a-blazing And the taste of war I know so very well Even now I see the foreign flag a-raising Their guns on fire as we sail into Hell I have no fear of death, it brings no sorrow But how bitter will be this last farewell For you are beautiful, and I have loved you dearly More dearly than the spoken word can tell For you are beautiful, and I have loved you dearly More dearly than the spoken word can tell Though death and darkness gather all about me And my ship be torn apart upon the seas I shall smell again the fragrance of these islands And the heaving waves that brought me once to thee And should I return safe home again to England I shall watch the English mist roll through the dale For you are beautiful, I have loved you dearly More dearly than the spoken word can tell For you are beautiful, I have loved you dearly More dearly than the spoken word can tell

We played this at my brothers funeral. He loved that ship. Sleep well big brother x

I've just been in tears watching this, my dad, Anthony(Tony) Callow was on the Ark in the mid 70's.She was his last ship and he loved her. We played Sailing by the Ships Company and RM Band of HMS Ark Royal at his funeral in 1999 and everybody broke down in tears.

Chief PO Ark Royal Tony Chambers- 15/7/37 to 26/4/24. My Dad. God bless him and all who served with him. Xxx 🫡🇬🇧

I am retired U.S.Navy veteran and this was a beautiful tribute to a great lady. I salute all of you who sang, and served with such love. I fully understand, and have lived to have loved more than six ships on which I served between 1964-1995. FAIR WINDS SHIPMATES. Wonderful Salute brought tears to a 75 yr. old Sailor

Our greatest Carrier...

“For you are beautiful”- a fitting tribute for this great ship

She and her brave crews serve their Queen, Country, Commonwealth and Her Realms and Territories across the seas, From Canada...Rule Britannia

I am also one of the many voices on this and the words convey how I feel about my time on the Ark. Best days of my life and the best decision of my life to join the Royal Navy. AB(R) Scouse Elder 4WZ mess.

My husband was 'D' of Ark during her last visit to Malta and last but one commission. 38 years in the RN, his favourite ship.

For you were beautiful and we all loved you dearly, more dearly than the spoken word can tell. RIP R09.

Wonderful, always brings back a tear. My late Dad was a Signalman in Royal Navy in WW2. Back when we had proper discipline and Britain was great. Sadly a distant memory now. Huge thanks to all our services and those who serve.

I hope you tube stays as I shared this with my 4 year grandson we sat and watched it yesterday. I had tears in my eyes great post great memories and yes I was singing this too.

My dad was on board 1964 till 1966 best days in the navy rest in peace dad

I too was moved to watery eyes. I served 20 years in the U.S. Navy, and in the 70's, I was with the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt at Naval Station Mayport Florida; guess who visited several times at Naval Station Mayport when I was a young Sailor in the 70's? None other than the Mighty HMS Ark Royal (R09). Though I was in the U.S. Navy, and our Aircraft Carriers were a tad larger, I grew affectioned with intense interest of the "Ark" with that oversized Bridle Arresting Horn on her bow. I met a few British Sailors back then whenever she was in port; most of them, at that time, kind of stayed away from me, I guess because I was a Black Sailor, but I tried to make Friends. But I grew affectionate with the "Ark" and tried to find out as much about her as I could. It seemed to me that they retired her much too early, and when the Falklands war broke out, I'll bet the British Government at that time had wished that the Ark Royal was still in commission. By the way, I have "ties" with the UK as I was stationed at Naval Communications Station Thurso Scotland from 1982 to 1984. Miss the Mighty Girl, and the way she graced the seas, and protected the British Homeland!

thank you for this, we attended my fathers funeral to this yesterday, it was so fitting, given that he sang on this. xxx

I love this and have done for 40 years! I need to explain that I first heard it in the maternity ward as I gave birth to my first child - a perfect son! What an entrance to the world for my boy! Thank you to the ship's company for the fanfare and the cheer! 💙💞🤣

I joined her May 1974 and left December 1977 , to this day I regret missing her farewell voyage . What a ship , what a crew .

Thanks... a mate of mine flew Seahawks from the Ark Royal... Thanks from NZ 👍🇳🇿

Roger Whitaker and The Last Farewell has been a song I've loved since my Mom played it on 8 track when I was really young! It brings tears to my eyes with this video! As an ex ABH3 in the US Navy I think it may have solidified my desire to be a sailor since those young days! God Bless all those who've served their nations sailing the seas!

Remember seeing a film about her scrapping, brought me to tears to see such a fine ship reduced to scrap.

My Home for Two years in 4R2 mess... brilliant memories...I did quite a bit on the ships TV as an entertainer with my oppo Brum Mahon...we were known as "Cabbage and Green" ... the Video brought tears to my eyes of being privy to one of my best life experiences... I also was one of the singers amongst our ship's company singing the last farewell, Sailing/The Wombling Song/Remember You're A Womble/You'll Never walk alone/land of hope and glory. with The Royal Marines HMS Ark Royal Band.

I was aboard this ship in Port Everglades. Florida. I was 15 . I remember that ship. F-4s and an anti submarine aircraft with a propeller on each end. I got a distinct impression that the Royal Navy is not one to mess with. Still true. Best wishes from the Sunshine State!

Thank you for sharing this, I have looked for it for ages. I was one of the voices on this and was on the farewell trip. It was a very emotional experience and many of us sang with a tear in our eyes.

My dad had this on tape he used to play in the car when I was little....this song stands out, very moving

Truly fantastic. My father served two trips, on the ark fleet Air arm, buccaneer, s, fleet chief Thank you

My brother Noel (Perry) Mason was on hms ark Royal and sang on this song.

A great ship and a great crew, thanks for the memories.

My Dad was there somewhere - Phil "Tansy" Lees on this recording which we played at his funeral - so he sang at his own farewell

The history of the Ark Royal is known in the whole world. She's famous in the war for what she contributed!.

Great video. She was a beauty. My dad served on her, Eagle and was the Buffer on the Invincible during the Falklands conflict. Whenever I see these old girls I immediately remember their smell and the acoustics.

Served onboard for the last commission. So many happy memories: thanks for bringing them back.

Was in Mess 4R3 824 Squadron. Amazing time. Watching launches breathtaking. Always remember looking at the SARS up and thinking how glad where that they were up when needed.

I worked on the flight deck of the American aircraft carrier USS Independence and we sailed together for awhile back in 75, a couple of your Phantoms landed on our flight deck and the aircrew toured the ship before returning to the Ark Royal. It was fun and I was young.

Was there... can almost taste it watching this , I would go back in a heartbeat.

every thing has a beginning and an end we are all just passing through

My voice is amongst this great occasion along with the other Clubswingers on there at the time. Great commission and happy times 🎉

very moving, my grandfather was on the first Ark Royal during the war and one of the last off , because he volunteered to go down and get the code books, after it was torpedoed. i think his job was to be in charge of "the big guns," im sure that's what he said when i was a kid

There's got to be an ARK ROYAL! It's a British Icon!!!

The innocent days before the Falklands

Fred Hansford, stoker had many a story to tell after serving on board. Great ship good times. Anchors away Dad.

A great ship, the most loved carrier of all!

I saw her sister ship, HMS Eagle, pass very close to the troopship HMT Asturias, that my family [dad in the R. Sigs.] was on. We were in the Indian Ocean not far from Aden. It was in 1955 [we were on our way to Hong Kong] - the Eagle had Sea Hawks, Gannets, and Sikorsky type choppers, arrayed on the flight deck.

Listened to this tape until it fell apart Great stuff!!!!

Brings shivers to me. Being ex RN the song means a lot to me.

Long live ark royals name and glory

For my big brother Chris daughtery killick cook, I miss you big man x

I am not even British and know nothing about this ship.. But I know this song and seeing this video gives me tears.

I was on the Ark 3L2 Mess happy days.

This version of the Ark Royal was the first purpose built Fleet Aircraft Carrier. During its design the had to make it lighter to add speed. So they removed half the rivets and replaced them by welding the plates on its hull. By getting rid of the rivets and thus no need to over lap the plates they saved 10,000 pounds allowing her to increase speed to 31 knots per hour allowing her to keep up with her escorts

Fond memories of her last trip and my first ship. I was an REM then working on the radars. Oh and should have said, that is me singing!

Im getting Nostalgic of something Im too young to remember.

a Yankee air crew threw me his helmet as he took off from the deck I still have it that my was in 1978 guess it's for keeps now great ship great times great post sir pip pip! ex wafoo fire man on deck 75-78

They should include this song in Mouthbatten Festival of Music..the sound and instruments are well blended

Served 1976/77 Tractor Driver/ Chockman Best 18months Of My Naval Career From GANNETGARFORTH.

my girl and myself have not stopped playing this for days love my girl and we love this.

My Grandad had this album...he was on a aircraft carrier during ww2

Most patriotic song ever!

i remember the old girl well the thunder of the phantoms taking off was a sound never to be forgotten ,happy days

I clicked on this video and had a pleasant surprise when I saw it was you who released it.

Brilliant.

My father was a Firefighter deck handler on her during the early sixties. Great years Arthur Broughton was his name. Wonderful memories of the far east fleet. Anyone who remembers him and those wonderful days please let us know. His son Stephen.

R09 was the epitome of the RN.

It was a long time ago but watching that it feels like yesterday .

Beautiful, my dad John Bowman was on this, he sadly passed on Wednesday

If there is to be a 3rd CV of the QE class name it Ark Royal

The song and the ship make me really proud to be British 😭

This gives me goosebumps💜

Time to build the next Ark Royal, the name must go on. There has always been an Ark.Since the Spanish Armada.

Cracking video Mike Spice. I remember the singing well.

Thank you for replies,I was always told it was because Margaret Thatcher didn't want to give Argentina qudos for sinking her!! Live on Ark Royal!! Very special!!

Excellent film, That music is awesome!

Love the navy

I have been on this ship, and many many other Royal navy ships as a cadet, the biggest mistake i ever made was not enrolling fully, The Ark Royal was the biggest and most fearsome aircraft carrier in the world, was a pleasure to be on it, but sad to see what greedy government cuts did too it. Rule, Britannia! Britannia, rule the waves! England never, never, never shall be slaves.

My brother in law was on the ark royal Paul Taylor from knutsford

Also my first ship and me singing too fond memories

For Dad, Chief Petty Officer Anthony Chambers, Supply Branch. His last ship duty in RN.

Wonderful!

The Royal Navy Phantoms looks so good in that livery from 77 have to admit they look the best of all the UK Phantoms. The Buccaneers in the RN colours also look better than the RAF equivalent. Yes I know the history of both aircraft vis a vi the R.N. And the RAF

Some fantastic times on board Uncle Tom's war canoe. I'd left when this was made but anyone who was 849 D flight or 892 can't fail to recognise the killick grubber Mick Parkes. R.I.P. Mick.

I vaguely remember seeing a video of this recording with the RMB on the hanger deck. I had the LP from that session at one time . I DO remember being on the Hoe at Guzz when she left port for the last time. I’d say most of Plymouth came out to say goodbye . Still emotional now hearing these young carefree voices

Love this. I served onboard her sister ship 'HMS Eagle' from1969 until her last voyage back from Hong Kong to be scrapped 1972 . .

Fab video ⚓️

My first ship Dec '74 to Jul '76

I wish the govt pushed ahead with cat and trap versions of the Elizabeth class carriers. I also wish they had better defence systems. Sure I'm an armchair general but seeing how small our navy is, they'll take some defending by a small amount of surface ships we have.

Yep remember this fondly,great ship and crew.5WZO mess,Y unit MEM.

My mum bought the single which I played over and over when I was a boy, I have just inherited my mums 7 inch collection after her passing and will be investigating it to see if the single is still there

คือในอนาคตเรือบรรทุกเครื่องบินนี้มีความจำเป็นอยู่แต่ลำใหญ่ๆคงจะไม่ใช่มันเป็นเพียงจุดแวะพักกลางทางสำหรับเติมอาวุธเท่านั้นเครื่องบินโดยมากแล้ว 70% 80% จะอยู่บนฝั่งทั้งหมด

Shouldn't have scrapped her, she was the best ship in the Royal navy fleet.

Goosebumps xxxx

The song mentions English and England and there was me thinking I served in the British Royal Navy

One of the greatest ships in the royal navy when Britain was britan it was a shame that she was scrapped.if only she was a musem ship just like what the yanks got.

Oh makes me want to cry

Do you think one of the new carriers should have been called Ark Royal?

Its a shame she was scrapped she would have made a brilliant museum ship

No disrespect that was when the Royal Navy was steel the Royal Navy but that beautiful Fleet carrier HMS Ark Royal steel deck elevators and steam propulsion for her aircraft I see you operate F-4 Phantoms off the deck that was when the British Navy was still the British Navy

In a way she was my fist ship, at least the first ship I did some work on when I joined up. She had just paid off and as a new recruit I was sent on her with some others to get some items. I have a feeling they were items to be sent around the country to sea cadet groups. After that went on to join Bulwark and Hermes. Loved my time on carriers. Some years ago I was given some very old movie film reels of Ark Royal East of Suez. I have 3 spools of film so would think quite long but have never seen it as nothing to play it on. Also have a audio tape that came with the films that may be related. Any idea when they could date to ?

More than a ship

Of the RN had had this ship on 1982 maybe losses wouldn't have been what they were . Bravo Zulu HMS Ark Royal

I has an uncle serve on Ark Royal in WWII.