1. “Maverick with a Cause” is probably a fair description of yours truly. “Rebel without a Cause” would be far from the truth. My endeavours during my service and, since then, concerning the military defence and security of our nation have been based on an overwhelming desire to get things right and to set the record straight. My two books exemplify this. This Blog will expand upon that desire.
  1. Experiencing the ethos and atmosphere of the Royal Navy fast jet world is critical to understanding why aircraft carriers have been effective and continue to be effective as a vital part of the Fleet Weapon System that safeguards our Global National Island Nation Interest. Soaking up some of this contagious atmosphere is made possible through the medium of the video links provided on my website. Taking the time to watch these videos will provide a good foundation for understanding the dedication and teamwork that contributes so significantly to the deterrence of those that would harm us.
  1. This Insight plans to address various subjects and mysteries that are not fully covered in my books but which add to and clarify my general theme.
  1. My words will convey fact rather than fiction to the layperson and to the professional alike, each of whom may have been beguiled by other books and articles that contain large elements of wokery and, in many instances, unseemly propaganda. Some of these will be addressed.
  1. We are approaching the 40th anniversary of the Falklands Conflict. My US Marine Corps fighter pilot friends (Brigadier Generals Marcus Annibale and Jim Wellons, both are still serving) have suggested to me that it was probably the last of the conventional wars as we know them: two assailants fighting it out independently of third-parties over a sovereignty dispute for a small group of Islands. I believe and hope that the Brigadiers are correct. Deterrence through visible military power in concert with and integrated with our Allies, particularly the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps, will be the key to a safer future.
  1. The UK Task Force that sailed South to recapture the Falkland Islands from an 8,000-plus strong Argentine occupation faced great odds but, despite operating in a totally hostile environment 8,000 miles away from Britain, it achieved a remarkable victory that was commended worldwide. It was a Naval and Land Expeditionary Force Operation that demonstrated clearly the importance and utility of maritime power including our Royal Marine Commandos, and as vested in the Fleet Weapon System. Fundamental to and facilitating that success was the initial deployment of just 20 Sea Harriers of the fixed wing Fleet Air Arm, embarked in HMS Invincible and HMS Hermes – later reinforced with eight more Sea Harriers. “Without the Sea Harrier, we could not have won the war!” Admiral Sir Henry Leach, First Sea Lord.
  1. Unfortunately, Sir Henry’s words fell on deaf ears. The Whitehall Mandarins in London, including politicians, civil servants and academics, had not done their homework and were oblivious to the fact that since World War II the global defence of Britain’s trade routes, energy supplies and overseas possessions had been effectively conducted by the Royal Navy Fleet Weapon System, spearheaded by Aircraft Carrier Air Power and the Corps of the Royal Marines. In the simplest of terms, these Whitehall “decision-makers” were shaping Britain’s Military Defence Procurement Programs “WithOut Knowledge or Expertise” (WOKE).
  1. This wokery heralded an unprecedented decline of investment in the Royal Navy and an unjustifiable and extraordinary level of investment in tactical rather than strategic land-based airpower.
  1. On 8 May 2002, two champions of wokery, the then Defence Minister of the House of Lords, Lord Bach, supported by Air Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup RAF, declared to the Defence Select Committee of the House of Commons that:

“The nature of the threat to the fleet has evolved over time and I have to say that reference to the Falklands War is about as misleading as any reference could be, and I say so, I hope, in the gentle spirit of Members of the House of Lords who speak to each other.”

  1. In the politest of terms, these very subjective “gentle” words were disingenuous and misleading. Bach and Stirrup were ignoring/hiding the fact that UK’s land-based tactical air force, led by Sir Michael Beetham, had admitted in the War Cabinet of 1982 that (not word perfect) “the RAF was powerless to conduct the recapture of the Falkland Islands from the Argentine because those Islands were out of reach of land-based fighters and fighter-bombers” – so it was the Royal Navy fixed wing Fleet Air Arm Sea Harriers that came to the rescue and enabled the Land Force victory.
  1. The misguided testimony of these two stalwarts of Whitehall Establishment wokery persuaded the Defence Select Committee to put the final seal of approval on the withdrawal of the Sea Harrier from service. Similar unjustifiable testimony later led to the withdrawal of the Harrier and the Invincible class of aircraft carrier from service. The surface fleet of the Royal Navy no longer enjoyed its vital outer layer of air defence. As such, its ability to deter and, if necessary, overcome those that would harm our National Global Interests and associated prosperity was practically nullified.
  1. My first book, “Sea Harrier over the Falklands” describes the manner in which the carrier-based Jump Jet protected the Fleet and enabled the Land Force victory. My second book, “Her Majesty’s Top Gun and the Decline of the Royal Navy”, provides a full history of this wokery which was evidenced by the most shameful propaganda campaign of the last century.
  1. The return of sanity to Whitehall has now been signalled by the 2021 Integrated Defence Review and the associated Military Defence Review. The British government has committed to the robust Strategic Maritime policy that has protected our National Interests for centuries. This should ensure that the strategic Fleet Weapon System, the Royal Navy, can be rebuilt and work closely with our allies above the water with carrier air power, under the water with our submarines and on the surface of the water with our warships and auxiliaries. Operating with our principal military ally, the United States Navy, Britain will continue to play a significant part in policing the Global Commons and deterring those that would harm our joint National Interests.
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"Sharkey with the amazing portrait painted by Leanne Gilroy."

This Post Has 8 Comments

  1. W Grant Ross Wright

    I was one of the FAA casualties of the1966 failure to build the two carriers ! Looking back now it was a terrible waste of amazing loyal young talent & I for one will never forgive the RAF.

  2. Adam Johnson

    Great insight and most informative. Always good to hear experienced opinion with a professional overview and critique.

  3. SEO

    You can definitely see your skills within the work you write. The arena hopes for more passionate writers like you who are not afraid to mention how they believe. Always go after your heart.

  4. Sleeve Wing

    No matter how you are ridiculed by various elements, particularly misguided incumbents of the RAF, I served with a number of your contemporaries and believe your political assessments to be honest and correct.
    Like W G R Wright above, I too was a victim of the disastrous SDRs of the early 60s, the premature loss of young talent and the criminal disbandment of the carrier fleet. I was exceptionally proud of my short time in the FAA but the disappointment drove me to a very successful civilian career that could so easily have been accessed by the military.
    I actually ended up in one of my jobs, after I retired from the airlines, teaching Basic Air Combat with ex-Red Arrow pilots, along with all the Flight Safety aspects and skills that now benefit both the military and civil aviation world. What a waste.
    Sleeve. Liveryman of the Honourable Company of Air Pilots. Master Air Pilot.

  5. Sharkey Ward

    Many thanks for your comments, gentlemen. Very much appreciated.

  6. Paul Davies

    In reading your two books and Sharkey`s Insights in the blogs sent to me, I have learnt a lot and begin to understand that the MoD does not alway have the best interests of this country above those of it`s paymasters and politicians. In 1982, I was heartened by a major change in confidence in this proud country after deeds by men, such as yourself and the Sea Harrier force you commanded. We were proud to say we were British, for a while, after showing a disbelieving World, what could be done if the will was there not to give in. Since then, the lessons of 1982 have been forgotten although there is hope with the two new carriers but not so much with the F-35, I suspect and time will prove the mistake made by cancelling the Harrier from our own FAA and RAF . Despite many in power possibly giving the impression they are ignoring you or disagreeing with your views, I strongly suspect they read and make notes that, in some way permeate through to discussions we will never know of but which will have an effect, though no credit will ever be given you, sadly. We, who know your quest, know what is meant by your efforts, on behalf of a safer Britain as well as protection abroad that is needed by aircraft carriers and the correct weapon systems. Keep up the good work. Your flame will light up much of the darkness, long after you have gone. God bless you. Paul Davies

  7. Sharkey Ward

    Many thanks, Paul!

  8. To Sharkey Ward
    Here’s to us in our sober moods
    When we ramble, sit and think!
    And here’s to us in our drunken moods
    When we gamble, sin and drink!
    And when our flying days are over
    And from this world we pass
    May the fish-heads bury us upside down
    So the world can kiss our ass!

    The naval world will miss this independent thinker and doer.
    Rest in Peace, Sharkey; you’ve left a most splendid heritage.
    To you, the sky truly was the limit.
    Michael A. Titz

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