Thousands of people turned out to enjoy around 300 of the ship's company take part in a Freedom of the City parade back in November 2003. It was in celebration of the 30th anniversary of being granted the Freedom of the City of Leeds. The association between Leeds and HMS Ark Royal stems back to World War II when the third warship was adopted by the city in 1942. In October 1973 the Ark Royal was granted The Freedom of Entry into the City, giving them the privilege of marching through the streets of the city on all ceremonial occasions. Prior to 2003 the last time this right was exercised was in 1994. READ MORE: When HMS Ark Royal was granted the Freedom of Leeds | Ark Royal Week - How Leeds raised £9 million for a new warship LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook
7. Ark Royal Parade
Veterans from the Royal Navy Association and the British Legion march up Briggate. These men and women, many of them decorated with numerous medals, were taking part in the ceremonial parade. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
8. Ark Royal Parade
Junior ratings officers from the crew wearing full ceremonial dress, led by a Lieutenant Commander seen on the right. Officers have badges on their right arms which denote their particular job. Rank would be displayed on their left arms. The parade marches along Briggate past the junction with Albion Street. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
9. Ark Royal Parade
Pct Zoe Beer of the company of the Ark Royal is kissed on the cheek by two Navy veterans. Pictured is Derek Vickers (left) with Derrick Nunn. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
10. Ark Royal Parade
Derek Vickers, a former Sea Cadet is pictured with Pct Zoe Beer, a junior ratings officer from the Ark Royal. Mr Vickers had been a runner for the organiser of events for the 1942 Warship Week. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
11. Ark Royal Parade
The Lord Mayor of Leeds carries out an inspection of the Ark Royal Guard. He is accompanied by Captain Adrian Nance OBE and a Lieutenant. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
12. Enjoyed this gallery?
Share your memories of the day in November 2003 when the crew of the Ark Royal exercised their right to parade through Leeds with Andrew Hutchinson via email at: [email protected] or tweet him - @AndyHutchYPN Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net