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HMS
Ark Royal in the Mersey
Photographs by Patrick Trollope.
A magnificent
sight was in store for anyone who headed down to the banks of the
river Mersey, as in the estuary, over the 6 June 2008 to 9 June
2008, HMS Ark Royal was berthed alongside the new Liverpool Cruise
Liner Terminal. HMS Ark Royal is not only the UK’s Fleet Flagship,
but also she is the largest warship in the Royal Navy’s fleet with a
crew of 600 men and women, so it came as no surprise that She was to
be become a major draw. Thousand flocked over the weekend to
the Pier Head from tourists and to locals alike, all with the hopes
of capturing a glimpse of this very important visitor.
Her stunning appearance against the back
drop of the Liver Buildings was a sight that many will remember for the
rest of their lives. If you were lucky enough, on
Saturday, to get on board the 20,000 tonne Invincible Class vessel, you would
have seen for yourself, just how amazing she is, not just on the outside,
but on the inside as well.
One of the crew told us that:-
"What has made it even more heartening was the fact that our crew has
had such a warm reception from everyone. We always expect a
massive interest in any of our ships, when the come into a port, but
this was an amazing turn out. It was so nice to see so many
members of the public flocking down to see our Flagship. Liverpool
is a fantastic city and all of us onboard are so pleased to have had
this opportunity to visit."
HMS Ark Royal’s Commanding Officer,
Captain Mike Mansergh, said:- "We are delighted with the
turnout and the reception that Liverpool has given us. The Royal
Navy has always received a warm welcome from the the UK's cities,
but this was truly amazing."
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- Photographs below by
Sally Devine.
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