The story of how Leeds raised £9 million for a new HMS Ark Royal. PIC: YPNThe story of how Leeds raised £9 million for a new HMS Ark Royal. PIC: YPN
The story of how Leeds raised £9 million for a new HMS Ark Royal. PIC: YPN

Ark Royal Week - How Leeds raised £9 million for a new warship

It was an astonishing fundraising effort spurred on by pride and fury.

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

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