Youtube Videos

There are many videos on YouTube that reflect the atmosphere and ethos of the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm. Links to some of these are provided below.

FALKLANDS CONFLICT - SAILING SOUTH

This video sets the scene for the Falklands war. It discusses the diplomatic efforts made to prevent hostilities commencing and looks at the attitude of Royal Navy personnel as they sail south towards, first the equator and Ascension island, and then the combat zone.

HMS Ark Royal IV at flying stations

This video gives a very good insight into the complexity of flying operations from a conventional aircraft carrier. It demonstrates the dedicated teamwork of the whole ship’s company that allows effective and safe operations from the deck. It is filmed in fair weather in the Mediterranean before I joined 892 squadron as the Senior Pilot. The same operations are carried out in foul weather and at night providing Britain with a 24/7 strategic air defence capability. There are no weekends during routine deployments and fleet exercises.

Flying the Harrier – Germany to the Falklands War – Ian Mortimer

A brilliant and instructive lecture for the Royal Aeronautical Society at Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton by 801 squadron Air Warfare Instructor, Ian Mortimer.

The Squadrons are Coming

The dramatic scene from and within Flyco, overseeing the embarkation of frontline squadrons ready for the next deployment of HMS Ark Royal. Key figures: Commander “Air”, Bob Northard; Lt Cdr “Punchy” Doust – “Little F”; CO 809 Buccaneer Squadron, Keith Sommerville-Jones. Also briefly on camera, Captain “Wilf” Graham, CO 892 Phantom Squadron, Hugh Drake, and behind him the clean-shaven Senior Pilot, the Author.

Royal Navy Sea Harrier Falklands War – IWM

My extended interviews with the Imperial War Museum, discussing the Sea Harrier air war in detail.

Part 1 of 4

Part 2 of 4

Part3 of 4

Part 4 of 4

FMAA Tom Wilkinson

The power behind the throne. Fleet Master at Arms, Tom Wilkinson (adored by one and all) demonstrates leadership and compassion in charge of HMS Ark Royal’s ship’s company.

HMS Ark Royal IV – The Sailors Farewell

The ship’s company of HMS Ark Royal bursts into song accompanied by the Royal Marine band: demonstrating their love of their carrier, their team spirit and their dedication. A very moving memory.

Rear Admiral Dr Chris Parry CBE: The Falklands War

This video by a much respected true war fighter adds an exciting perspective to the Falklands war history as experienced by our embattled surface ships and helicopters. Its detail concerning the recapture of South Georgia and the Amphibious Force landing in San Carlos Water, East Falkland is riveting. Understated gallantry!”

Harrier - One Pilot's Perspective

This video by Kevin Gross, Colonel (Retd) USMC) reviews the brilliant history of the development of the little Jump Jet and provides detailed descriptions of the technical and mechanical make-up of the aircraft: what makes this VSTOL aircraft tick! The pristine navy-blue two-seater on display is the very aircraft I flew in with my fighter pilot son, Kris, at the end of his operational flying training for Sea Harrier.

To My Dad – Kristian Ward – Mental

This video was created by my granddaughter Lucy Ward whose father, my son Kris, served with distinction as a Royal Navy fighter pilot Top Gun before passing away after leaving the Service. It is a warm and tender tribute that provides the human face of dedication, love and endless humour.
Don’t miss the end of this video. The Naval Fighter Wing boys had to keep it very low when taking off in Afghanistan! Wow!