Sailor

The first episode of Sailor aired on 5 August 1976. The documentary series was introduced in the Radio Times as "a frank account of life on the ocean waves in one of her majesty’s ships", the aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal. The BBC filmed over a period of ten weeks, producing ten episodes, giving viewers unprecedented access to life above and below deck. Sailor’s theme tune was Sailing, sung by Rod Stewart, which re-entered the charts as a result and became his most successful UK single.

The first episode of Sailor contrasted the crew’s raucous final night in port with preparations on ship for departure the following day. It showed how discipline was maintained once sailors were back on board. The series – produced by Roger Purdie - revealed the different lives led by officers and ratings on the ageing ship. One dramatic week featured the emergency airlift of an ill sailor from an American submarine. The final episode saw Ark Royal return to port and the crew re-united with their families.

In 1984 Sailor Eight Years On, caught up with the crew and Ark Royal - decommissioned in 1979 - was shown in the wrecker’s yard. The BBC has continued to make observational documentaries about the Royal Navy, including HMS Brilliant in 1995. In 2005 Shipmates showed life in Devonport Naval Command, the Ark Royal’s old base.