The History of HMS Ark Royal IV

An excellent History of HMS Ark Royal can be found at the excellent Answers.com website by clicking the following link: http://www.answers.com/topic/hms-ark-royal-r09

From Invergordon to Hampton Roads

HMS Ark Royal's (R09 GKXS) second commission commenced on 1st November 1956, and after working up in home waters, paid a brief visit to the Mediterranean before returning for the Review of the Home Fleet by Her Majesty the Queen at Cromarty in May 1957. The sight of the carrier group, unlikely to be seen again, was enough to stir the hearts of many old salts!

Carriers in Company	HMS Eagle (probably)	Home Fleet at anchor Invergordon	The Royal Yacht Britannia at Anchor

While at Invergordon, the HMS Ark Royal was honoured by a visit of the Queen and Prince Philip.  Pictures to the right show (above) the Fleet in ceremonial sail-past.  

The Royal Barge departing with escort.

On the 7th June, 1957, a historic rendezvous took place in mid-Atlantic between HMS Ark Royal and the replica ship Mayflower II.  The Mayflower was re-enacting the epic journey of the Pilgrim Fathers who left Plymouth on 16th September 1620, dropping anchor off Cape Cod on 21st November, 65 days after leaving Plymouth.

There was much anticipation onboard Ark Royal as the picture of the flight deck shows.  The pictures also show either HMS Diamond or HMS Duchess (which were virtually identical) steaming towards the Mayflower.  The black and white picture was taken by the ship's photographer from one of the helicopters.

Awaiting Mayflower	Mayflower II	Mayflower II	Daring Class & Mayflower II	HMS Ark Royal & Mayflower II

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