Like Father, like Son

This photo record of the service of the author’s son, Lieutenant Commander Kristian “Mental” Ward, has been included to ensure that the public is aware that the Fleet Air Arm ethos lives on through new generations of outstanding combat pilots. The nickname, “Mental” was chosen by his peers as an obvious choice (“Mental Ward” as in hospital) rather than calling him “Sharkey” (a Royal Navy nickname normally associated with the surname Ward). According to his proud dad, “He was a better man than me! As indeed is his brother-in-arms, Ashton.” May Kris rest in peace.