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
![Admiral Sir Thomas Spence Lyne moves the target indicator to open Ark Royal Week in January 1942. This was located outside Leeds Town Hall on Victoria Square.](https://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/webimg/QVNIMTE4ODczNDc2.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
1. Ark Royal Week
Admiral Sir Thomas Spence Lyne moves the target indicator to open Ark Royal Week in January 1942. This was located outside Leeds Town Hall on Victoria Square.
![Soldiers seen here are marching down The Headrow in 1942 as part of the Ark Royal Parade.](https://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/webimg/QVNIMTE4ODczNDc3.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
2. Ark Royal Week
Soldiers seen here are marching down The Headrow in 1942 as part of the Ark Royal Parade.
![This view shows crowds on The Headrow, outside the Town Hall and on Victoria Gardens. A march past is taking place, led by the Navy, followed by military vehicles and personnel reaching down The Headrow as far as the eye can see.](https://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/webimg/QVNIMTE4ODczNDg1.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
3. Ark Royal Week
This view shows crowds on The Headrow, outside the Town Hall and on Victoria Gardens. A march past is taking place, led by the Navy, followed by military vehicles and personnel reaching down The Headrow as far as the eye can see.
![A march past by WAAF's on The Headrow during the Ark Royal Parade.](https://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/webimg/QVNIMTE4ODczNDg2.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
![Dense crowds outside Leeds Town Hall, in front of the steps are ranked servicemen and women. On the platform is General De Gaulle, who had been invited to make a speech and move the target indicator.](https://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/webimg/QVNIMTE4ODczNDg3.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
5. Ark Royal Week
Dense crowds outside Leeds Town Hall, in front of the steps are ranked servicemen and women. On the platform is General De Gaulle, who had been invited to make a speech and move the target indicator.
![Mass crowds line The Headrow, watching a march past of sailors and WRENS during the Ark Royal Parade.](https://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/webimg/QVNIMTE4ODczNDk2.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
6. Ark Royal Week
Mass crowds line The Headrow, watching a march past of sailors and WRENS during the Ark Royal Parade.