HMS Invincible visit to the Mersey 2003
Aircraft carrier HMS Invincible played centre stage in the 60th anniversary commemorations of the Battle of the Atlantic. The first 9 photographs below, taken 2nd May 2003, show the carrier at anchor in the Mersey while rehearsals for the weekend's events get underway in very heavy rain! (Photos - Dave Graham) The three shots below those were taken on-board HMS Invincible during the weekend. Thanks to Eddie Quinn for those shots
A Full-length shot of Invincible with the Mersey Ferry "Royal Daffodil" alongside.
The Royal Daffodil moves away. A Sea Harrier and RN Merlin are clearly visible on the deck of the carrier
A Sea King lifts from the far side of Invincible in preparation for its display rehearsal
A Royal Navy Merlin lifts from the deck of Invincible
The same Merlin leaving Invincible and travelling up the Mersey
Sea King drops Commandos on the Invincible's deck
The same Sea King drops Commandos on the Madog in a "hostage" situation
A fast craft is also involved in the enactment
Having successfully resolved the hostage enactment, the Sea King makes a close fly-by
Sea King HC4 approaches HMS Invincible during one of its demo's over the weekend.
The Sea King is seen again here over the Madog during its demonstration
Three Sea Kings and the Merlin aboard HMS Invincible
Admiral Chabanenko
Amongst the other ships in attendance for the Battle of the Atlantic commemorations was the Russian Destroyer Admiral Chabanenko, which was berthed at Canada No.3 Dock.
This Kamov 27 Helix '47' Red was seen on the deck of the Admiral Chabanenko on Saturday 3rd May (Photos - Adrian Thompson)
Latouche-Treville
French Navy Destroyer Latouche-Treville was berthed in Birkenhead docks during the Battle of the Atlantic commemorations. On-board was French Navy Lynx helicopter serialled 623. Click on photos for full-page images (many thanks to Keith Woods).
The One That Got Away!
Well we can dream! The mighty US Navy Aircraft Carrier CVN-75 USS Harry S Truman anchored in Stokes Bay, the Solent 10th May 2003 - what are the chances of getting a mighty flat-top in the Mersey? ( Photo - Dave Graham)