Farewell

Sharkey crossed the bar on Friday 17th May at home in Grenada with his dog by his side. A suspected heart attack. His obituary will be published in the Times on Monday 20th May and the Telegraph later this week. The following words are from Dr Anthony Wells, co-author of Sharkey’s recent book:

“Sharkey Ward was above and beyond the greatest naval aviator and leader of his generation, courageous, fearless, and the finest squadron commander. He was a superb tactician with an unrivaled strategic vision. Sharkey was much more than all this. His heart and soul were committed to the total best interests of the United Kingdom’s defence and Security interests. He had a fine discerning intellect that was perceptive and always focused on the realities and accurate facts about where the United Kingdom is with regard to a maritime deterrence strategy in total harmony with the United States Navy and US Marine Corps. His case for naval air power was based on the finest analysis, accurate and perceptive. His duel with the Royal Air Force was well founded and completely justified. The supporting comments by distinguished American aviators and others in the prelude to his recent book with Dr Anthony R Wells speak for themselves. The Americans are with Sharkey. May the British government honor Sharkey’s memory and courageous actions in combat by implementing all the recommendations in his latest book. He deserves no less. Sharkey Ward was the finest of the finest.”
Dr Anthony Wells.

Please find the links to Sharkey’s obituaries in The Times and Telegraph. His son Ashton will be receiving his emails at ashtonward01@gmail.com.

Telegraph obituary: Commander ‘Sharkey’ Ward, fearless ‘top gun’ pilot decorated in the Falklands War – obituary

The Times obituary: Commander ‘Sharkey’ Ward obituary: pilot who played a decisive role in Falklands

Forwarding address for Sharkey:
Ashton Ward
The Barn House
Loders, Bridport
Dorset, DT6 3SA
United Kingdom

Email: ashtonward01@gmail.com

Sharkey wished for his ashes to be scattered at West Bay in Dorset, with his brother and his eldest son Kris Ward. A memorial service will be held in the UK in the Autumn. Further details will follow. Yours aye

Ashton