Again, a nautical theme is promoted on these cigarettes (we're unable to establish the manufacturer).  Why sea and sailors so much and where did the term 'Navy Cut' originate? Has any member got any idea?

'Ark Royal' the flagship of the British Navy of which we believe 5 vessels have carried the name and served the Crown!

The first was built at Deptford on the River Thames in 1587, to the order of Sir Walter Raleigh. Originally named 'Ark Raleigh', she was bought by Queen Elizabeth's navy for £5000 ('money well spent', according to her new commander Lord Howard of Efingham) as 'Ark Royal' was the flagship of the English fleet during the Spanish Armada campaign of 1588.

In 1608, under the new monarch James I, she was rebuilt and renamed 'Anne Royal'. She was finally broken up in 1636.

The next 'Ark Royal', after a gap of almost 300 years was a merchant ship converted on the building stocks to be a seaplane carrier. Launched in 1914 she gave valuable service in the Dardanelles campaign and throughout the First World War. She was renamed 'HMS Pegasus' in 1934 to free the name 'Ark Royal' for a new ship, and was broken up in 1950.

The third 'Ark Royal' was a 22,000 ton aircraft carrier launched in 1937. After having taken part in many wartime operations, including the hunt for the 'Bismarck', she was torpedoed and sunk by a German U-Boat in November 1941.

In 1955, a new 'HMS Ark Royal' entered service. Still well remembered by the public for her starring role in the 1970's BBC series 'Sailors', she eventually went to the breaker's yard in 1980.

Today's HMS Ark Royal' is a member of the Invincible Class of support carriers, together with the Falklands veteran 'HMS Invincible' and 'HMS Illustrious'. Last of the class to be built, 'HMS Ark Royal's, keel was laid at Swan Hunter's yard in 1978, she was launched in June 1981 and entered service in 1985. This delightful vehicle is featured in your catalogue and long awaited.