Leeds decided to adopt the HMS Ark Royal for the city's Warship Week in November 1941. But just days later the ship was torpedoed and sunk by a German u-boat in the Mediterranean. Driven by anger and honour the city's residents launched what would prove to be an incredible fundraising effort for a new Ark Royal. Ark Royal Week - which ran from late January 1942 through to early February - raised more than £7.5 million. Contributions ranged from money sent by children to buy nuts and bolts through to donations of £25,0000 from businesses to buy Fulmar naval fighter planes which cost £5,000 each. The final total was a staggering £9 million, far surpassing the original target of £3.5 million. These photos, plucked from the YEP archive, showcase Ark Royal Week and the Ark Royal Parade, a huge march down The Headrow, led by the Navy and followed by military vehicles and personnel. READ MORE: The Second World War bombing raids which brought death and terror to Leeds LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook
Ark Royal Week - How Leeds raised £9 million for a new warship
By Andrew Hutchinson
Published 18th Jan 2021, 11:30 BST
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It was an astonishing fundraising effort spurred on by pride and fury.
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