Sailor

As the Ark makes preparations to sail on the morning tide, the ship's company take the opportunity to hit the bars and clubs of Plymouth for one last time.

As the deployment gets under way, the air squadrons embark from their shore bases. Meanwhile the ship's company settle back into messdeck life.

Plans for the ship's 21st birthday celebrations are interrupted by a call for assistance from an American submarine.

Ark Royal undertakes a Replenishment At Sea, and when a welcome mail drop arrives thought turn to those back at home. Spirits are kept up by Ark's own TV station and it's biggest star, Wilf.

An insight into the work of the ship's chaplain; and the ship's arrival in San Juan provides the opportunity for a beach party and a night out on the town.

There is concern when it is suspected that somebody may have fallen over the side in rough weather. Officer training continues onboard, and life in the wardroom is highlighted.

Seven weeks into the deployment, the squadrons are practicing bombing runs at the Vieques Weapons Range and there are preparations for a "sod's opera" in the hangar to entertain the crew.

The ship's arrival in Mayport gives the crew the opportunity to sample the delights of the USA in it's Bi-Centennial year. One group travels to the Everglades to check out the wildlife, while a steward marries his American sweetheart.

After leaving Florida, the ship's company look forward to their return to Plymouth. While one rating is allowed to fly home to see his pregnant wife, another pays the price for trying to do the same without permission.

After six months at sea, the Ark Royal returns home to Plymouth. As the crew are reunited with their families, one sailor is instead on his way to the naval detention centre.

The BBC follow-up programme - Sailor Eight Years On - revealing the sad fate of the now decrepit Ark Royal in dock and going in search of its crew members to discover how their lives have changed.

Also present we find another Ark Royal documentary, this one made in 1971 by the Central Office of Information and titled Med Patrol. At only 15-minutes it’s, of course, nowhere near as detailed or nuanced as five hours worth of Sailor, but then it provides an interesting comparison point.