Book 14

The Navy Lark

by Lawrie Wyman

Published 6 November 1989

All thirteen episodes from Series 14 of the classic BBC radio nautical comedy – plus a bonus show, Jon Pertwee's Sketchbook.

This much-loved classic comedy series stars Jon Pertwee, Leslie Phillips and Stephen Murray in 13 episodes of mirth and mayhem, first broadcast in 1973. This CD set includes the episodes The Montezula Revolution, The Island Swordfish, Bunged in the Rattle, Kangaroo Polka, The Digital Isles Go Unstable, Egbert Hitches a Ride, Povey – An Admiral at Last, The Bergholm Horse Trials, Captain Povey's Wig, The Brain Pill, Operation Showcase, CPO Pertwee – Yachtmonger and The Talpinium Shell. In addition, there's a bonus programme, Jon Pertwee's Sketchbook, featuring favourite comedy clips chosen by Jon Pertwee.

Also included is a PDF booklet containing a detailed history of the development of this series of The Navy Lark, cast biographies, and a series episode guide.

Featuring Richard Caldicot, Heather Chasen, Tenniel Evans and Michael Bates, it's all aboard for more entertaining escapades with the Troutbridge crew.Duration: 7 hours approx.


Book 15

The Navy Lark: Series 15

by Lawrie Wyman

Published 1 June 2017
Jon Pertwee, Leslie Phillips and Stephen Murray star in the complete Series 15 of the fondly remembered nautical radio sitcom. All eleven episodes of this, the final full series from 1976, are included, alongside the 1977 Jubilee special and other bonus items. Duration: 7 hours approx.

Book 31

Four episodes of the classic BBC radio comedy series, starring Jon Pertwee, Leslie Phillips and Stephen Murray.

The Morning After (‘Working Their Passage’) 11 March 1960 After a particularly boisterous party, the crew are feeling poorly – and matters are not helped when Commander Povey orders them onto choppy waters in search of a buoy…

The Admiral’s Present (‘Working Their Passage’) 18 March 1960 The officers are invited to a party to celebrate the Admiral’s 50th anniversary in the Senior Service – but a mix-up with his present is just the start of their misadventures…

Horrible Horace (‘Confounding the Ungodly’) 28 December 1975 When Sea Cadet Horace Wellington-Gore is assigned to Troutbridge to finish his training, Pertwee soon realises that disasters follow in Horace’s wake. But Pertwee will regret getting on the wrong side of the slippery sea cadet.

Officers and Gents’ Lib (‘Burning their Bras’) 4 January 1976 The Troutbridge men are feeling cheesed off with the female gender, and decide to form the Troutbridge Officers’ and Gentlemen’s Liberation Movement – but their declaration of male supremacy does not last long.

These hilarious BBC radio episodes also feature Ronnie Barker, Richard Caldicot, Heather Chasen, Tenniel Evans, Michael Bates and April Walker.Duration: 2 hours approx.


Book 32

The Navy Lark: Volume 32

by Lawrie Wyman

Published 7 December 2017

Jon Pertwee, Leslie Phillips and Stephen Murray star in four more episodes of the popular nautical comedy

Frenchmen in J.41 (‘Having a Bit of Trouble with the French’) 13 August 1967
Troutbridge returns from trials to find a French frigate docked in their berth – to Pertwee's great concern...

The Police Drop In (‘Tangling with the Law’) 20 August 1967
Povey is told to co-operate with the law over a theft from a local museum – but the Troutbridge crew get nervous when a police helicopter drops in.

The Bumble Spit Lighthouse Affair (‘Cavorting About’) 23 April 1972
Troutbridge has an unfortunate collision with the Bumble Spit Light Vessel, and Murray is feeling tetchy because Rita is away.

The Tonipouhaha Treasure (‘Digging Themselves Stupid’) 30 April 1972
An MOD decision that Troutbridge should ‘show the flag’ in the South Seas leads the Master to head to Tonipouhaha in search of buried treasure…

These classic BBC radio episodes also feature Ronnie Barker, Richard Caldicot, Heather Chasen, Tenniel Evans, Michael Bates and Elizabeth Morgan.


Series 14 and 15

by Lawrie Wyman

Published 25 April 2024

The final two series of the fondly remembered comedy - plus the Silver Jubilee Special and the 2008 reunion show

It's all aboard for more entertaining escapades, as the classic comedy sets sail for its last two series. Included here are all 24 episodes from Series Fourteen and Fifteen, starring Leslie Phillips, Jon Pertwee and Stephen Murray.

In these hilarious shows, HMS Troutbridge joins a flotilla travelling round the world on a Navy goodwill mission - but en route, the crew are ensnared in the revolutionary plans of El Godmother and the Raffia, and come up against The Master and his female associate The Mistress. They also have an explosive encounter with a talpinium shell, attempt to get to grips with NANA, and form their own lobby group, An Officer and a Gentleman's Liberation Movement...

Also included is 1977's The Jubilee Navy Lark and The Reunion, in which presenter Sue McGregor interviews some of the stars of the seafaring show, including June Whitfield, Leslie Phillips, George Evans, Heather Chasen and Tenniel Evans.

NB: Some of the language on this recording reflects the era in which it was first broadcast, and due to the age of the source material, the sound quality may vary

Production credits
Scripted by Lawrie Wyman and George Evans
Produced by Alastair Scott Johnston
Starring: Leslie Phillips, Jon Pertwee, Stephen Murray, Richard Caldicot, Michael Bates, Heather Chasen and Tenniel Evans
With Miriam Margolyes, Chic Murray, Elizabeth Morgan, June Whitfield, Gretta Gouriet, April Walker, Pete Murray

Remastered by Ted Kendall
Thanks to Keith Wickham

Note: none of the episodes were originally given titles. The ones here have been adopted for easy reference and are in line with previous commercial releases

For more information on the programme, contact:
The Navy Lark Appreciation Society
Honeysuckle Cottage
Little Street
Yoxford
Suffolk
IP7 3JQ

Episode guide

First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 on the following dates:

Series 14
The Montezula Revolution 29 July 1973
The Island Swordfish 5 August 1973
Bunged in the Battle 12 August 1973
Kangaroo Polka 19 August 1973
The Digital Isles Go Unstable 26 August 1973
Egbert Hitches a Ride 2 September 1973
Povey - An Admiral at Last 9 September 1973
The Bergholm Horse Trials 16 September 1973
Captain Povey's Wig 23 September 1973
The Brain Pill 30 September 1973
Operation Showcase 7 October 1973
CPO Pertwee - Yachtmonger 14 October 1973
The Talpinium Shell 21 October 1973

Series 15
Sequel to The Talpinium Shell 9 November 1975
NANA 16 November 1975
Helen, The New Wren 23 November 1975
Relief for Station 150 30 November 1975
Black is Beautiful 7 December 1975
Sidney and the Stamp 14 December 1975
Commander Murray Becomes a Showjumper 21 December 1975
Horrible Horace 28 December 1975
Officers and Gents' Lib 4 January 1976
The Case of the HGM Mark 5 11 January 1976
Captain Wilberforce Pertwee 18 January 1976

The Jubilee Navy Lark 16 July 1977

The Navy Lark: The Reunion 31 August 2008
Presented by Sue McGregor
With June Whitfield, Leslie Phillips, George Evans, Heather Chasen and Tenniel Evans

© 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd.


Series 10 and 11

by Lawrie Wyman

Published 25 April 2024

The tenth and eleventh series of the side-splitting Senior Service spoof

Left hand down a bit! The clueless crew of HMS Troutbridge have returned to port after months at sea, and are soon getting into more hilarious scrapes...

Included here are the complete Series Ten and Eleven of the fondly-remembered show, remastered and restored for your listening pleasure. In these 34 vintage episodes, Troutbridge is assigned a new Captain, the seasick Commander Trotter; Povey prepares for a visit from Prime Minister Harold Wilson; the ship is hijacked by Forbodian spies; and Murray is promoted - and gets hitched to the Admiral's daughter...

With a starring cast of Stephen Murray, Leslie Phillips and Jon Pertwee, ably supported by Richard Caldicot, Heather Chasen, Tenniel Evans and Michael Bates, The Navy Lark remains buoyant after all these years.

NB: Some of the language on this recording reflects the era in which it was first broadcast, and due to the age of the source material, the sound quality may vary

Production credits
Scripted by Lawrie Wyman
Produced by Alastair Scott Johnston
Starring: Leslie Phillips, Jon Pertwee, Stephen Murray, Richard Caldicot, Michael Bates, Heather Chasen and Tenniel Evans
With Lawrie Wyman, Nigel Graham, Alan Reeve-Jones, Amanda Murray, Elizabeth Morgan and Frank Thornton

Remastered by Ted Kendall
Thanks to Keith Wickham

Note: none of the episodes were originally given titles. The ones here have been adopted for easy reference and are in line with previous commercial releases

For more information on the programme, contact:
The Navy Lark Appreciation Society
Honeysuckle Cottage
Little Street
Yoxford
Suffolk
IP7 3JQ

Episode guide

First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 on the following dates:

Series 10
Troutbridge Electrifies Portsmouth 13 October 1968
The Redundancy Drive 20 October 1968
The Smugglers Return 27 October 1968
Commander Trotter Takes Charge 3 November 1968
The Anti-Submarine Missile 10 November 1968
Sub-Conductor Phillips 17 November 1968
The South Kawowan Summit 24 November 1968
Pertwee's Enlistment Expires 1 December 1968
Captain Povey Takes Over 8 December 1968
Sir Willoughby Goes to Kawowa 15 December 1968
The Padre's Birthday 22 December 1968
The Portsmouth Kiosk 29 December 1968
The Radio Beacon 5 January 1969
Mr Phillips' Wrong Uniform 12 January 1969
Harold Wilson Reviews the Fleet 19 January 1969
The Relief of the Weather Ship 26 January 1969
Bunging Up 2 February 1969
The Brick Smugglers 9 February 1969

Series 11
Commander Murray and the Squatters 28 December 1969
What is the SSE? 4 January 1970
Pertwee Climbs Up the Promotion Ladder 11 January 1970
Stranded 18 January 1970
Sir Willoughby's Party 25 January 1970
The Fleet Initiative Test 1 February 1970
CPO Pertwee's Long Service Medal 8 February 1970
The Phenomenal Pertwee Tug 15 February 1970
The Security Clampdown 22 February 1970
The Anniversary and the Washing 1 March 1970
The Forbodians Hijack Troutbridge 8 March 1970
Number One Gets Married 15 March 1970
The Honeymooners Return 22 March 1970
CPO Pertwee and the Lead Half Crowns 29 March 1970
Sub Lt Phillips to Leave for Dartmouth 5 April 1970
The Mark 31 Radar 12 April 1970

© 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd.


Series 8 and 9

by Lawrie Wyman

Published 25 April 2024

The eighth and ninth series of the vintage comedy about life aboard a Royal Navy frigate

There's more fun on the ocean waves in these 33 hilarious episodes, as the hapless Captain Povey and his reluctant subordinates are caught up in more comic capers.

Contained here are the complete Series Eight and Nine of the popular show, which sees Murray courting Heather, Phillips pursuing the new Wren and Pertwee planning some special commemorative gifts for Troutbridge's 25th anniversary. Plus, the crew embark on a top secret mission, participate in a joint forces exercise and prepare to take two VIPs from The Embassy Lark to Tratvia for a trade festival.

All at sea in the Senior Service are Leslie Phillips, Jon Pertwee, Stephen Murray and a supporting cast including Ronnie Barker, Tenniel Evans. Richard Caldicot, Michael Bates and Heather Chasen. Among the guest stars are Derek Francis, Frank Thornton and Amanda Murray.

NB: Some of the language on this recording reflects the era in which it was first broadcast, and due to the age of the source material, the sound quality may vary

Production credits
Scripted by Lawrie Wyman
Produced by Alastair Scott Johnston
Starring: Leslie Phillips, Jon Pertwee, Stephen Murray, Richard Caldicot, Michael Bates, Heather Chasen, Ronnie Barker and Tenniel Evans
With Derek Francis, Frank Thornton and Amanda Murray

Remastered by Ted Kendall
Thanks to Keith Wickham

Note: none of the episodes were originally given titles. The ones here have been adopted for easy reference and are in line with previous commercial releases

For more information on the programme, contact:
The Navy Lark Appreciation Society
Honeysuckle Cottage
Little Street
Yoxford
Suffolk
IP7 3JQ

Episode guide

First broadcast on BBC Light Programme on the following dates:

Series 8
Where is Troutbridge? 4 September 1966
The Float a Peddle Fiddle 11 September 1966
A Sticky Business 18 September 1966
Buoys Will Be Buoys 25 September 1966
Steamship Day 2 October 1966
Farewell to HMS Varsity 9 October 1966
The Army Lark 16 October 1966
Just the Ticket 23 October 1966
Mr Phillips' Promotion 30 October 1966
Pertwee and the Tratvian Beer 6 November 1966
The PM Papa 13 November 1966
Getting Rid of Pertwee 20 November 1966
Off to Sea at Last 27 November 1966

Series 9
Back from the Antarctic 2 July 1967
Fishing off the Faroes 9 July 1967
A Filthy Ferryboat 16 July 1967
Jigsaws and Jemmies 23 July 1967
The Naval Review 30 July 1967
The Curious Caravan Case 6 August 1967
Frenchmen in J.41 13 August 1967
The Police Drop In 20 August 1967
Mr Murray's Endurance Course 27 August 1967
Women in the Wardroom 27 August 1967
Troutbridge's Silver Jubilee Party 10 September 1967
CECIL the Navigation Computer 17 September 1967
A Russian Rendezvous 24 September 1967
The Bugged and Burgled Beer 1 October 1967
Picking up the Poppadom 8 October 1967
Cuthbert Joins the Navy 15 October 1967
The Flying Machine 22 October 1967
When Sub Lt Phillips was at Dartmouth 29 October 1967
A Fishy Business 5 November 1967
Troutbridge in Quarantine 12 November 1967

© 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd.


Series 3, 4 and 5

by Lawrie Wyman

Published 25 April 2024

The third, fourth and fifth series of the nautical comedy, plus Christmas Special and The TV Lark

The Navy Lark gang are back for more seafaring shenanigans…
Collected here are the complete Series 3, 4 and 5 of the much-loved show, including the long-lost episode ‘The Cornish Exercise’. Also featured is the Christmas Special ‘Calling the Antarctic’. Plus, Troutbridge’s crew drop anchor at a television studio in all nine existing episodes of spin-off series The TV Lark.
NB: Some of the language on this recording reflects the era in which it was first broadcast, and due to the age of the source material, the sound quality may vary.

Production credits
Scripted by Lawrie Wyman
Produced by Alastair Scott Johnston
Starring: Leslie Phillips, Jon Pertwee, Stephen Murray, Richard Caldicot, Michael Bates, Heather Chasen, Ronnie Barker, Tenniel Evans, Judy Cornwell, Janet Brown and Robin Boyle
With Richard Murdoch, Wilfrid Hyde-White, Ted Ray, Kenneth Horne, Betty Marsden, Kenneth Williams, June Tobin, Lawrie Wyman and Dennis Price

Remastered by Ted Kendall
Thanks to Andrew Pixley
Note: none of the episodes were originally given titles. The ones here have been adopted for easy reference and are in line with previous commercial releases
For more information on the programme, contact:
The Navy Lark Appreciation Society
Honeysuckle Cottage
Little Street
Yoxford
Suffolk
IP7 3JQ



Series 3 (2 Nov 1960 to 15 Mar 1961)
In Portsmouth for a Re-Fit
Refitting Ebeneezer Pertwee
Sea Trials of the Poppadom
Mutiny Aboard Troutbridge
The Exploding Biscuits
Sir Willoughby Takes Over the Island
Mount Rumpus Atoll
The 50th Show: Mr Murray's Houseboat
Johnson's Birthday
Povey's Unexpected Leave, also known as Povey’s Enforced Leave
Families' Day
Falmouth Ghost Ship
Onabushkan Flu
The Efficiency Expert
The Floggle Grummit Missile
The Hitch-Hiking Counterfeiter
Commodore Goldstein
Mr Phillips Has Navigation Tuition
CPO Pertwee and the Laundry
The Surprise Wedding

Series 4 (15 Sep 1961 to 9 Mar 1962)
Returning from Leave
Captain Povey's Spy
The Secret of Nessie's Youth
The Northampton Hunt Ball
Hijacked!
Admiral Troutbridge
Relatives and Reservations
Humgrummits on the High Seas
Are Captain and Mrs Povey Married?
Cine Cameras at Sea
The Citizen Adjustment Course
A Hole Lieutenant
Spy Catching in Casablanca
Mount Pot Erupts
Captain Povey's Shop
Leading Seaman Goldstein's Party
The Invitation
The Cornish Exercise
A Strange Hobby
Mr Phillips Get Engaged
The Sinking of the Bubble Car
Long Jonathan Pertwee
The Admiral's Accident Report
Over the Sea to Rosyth
The Return of Sir Frederick Flatley
The Ship's Concert

Christmas Special (25 Dec 1962)
Calling the Antarctic

The TV Lark (25 Jan 1963 to 29 Mar 1963)
Opening Night
The Prestige Show
Z Ambulances
House of Commons
Back to Portsmouth
On Safari
Ship Ahoy!
The Potarneyland Election
Back in the Navy

Series 5 (5 Apr 1962 to 10 May 1963)
First Day out of Dock
The New Barmaid
A Deliberate Bashing
Whittlesea Regatta
HMS Troutbridge Gets a Rocket
The Ghost Ship

© 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd


Series 12 and 13

by Lawrie Wyman

Published 25 April 2024

The twelfth and thirteenth series of the long-running nautical comedy, plus bonus documentary Radio Lives: Jon Pertwee

Everybody down! Prepare for more navigational blunders and maritime misadventures as radio's favourite frigate puts to sea once more.

Collected here are the complete Series Twelve and Thirteen of the much loved show - including the 200th episode, 'Sir Willoughby at Shanghai', in which Troutbridge takes the Governor and his wife on a trip to China - only to find itself under attack... Plus, Lieutenant-Commander Murray and his wife Rita celebrate their first anniversary and move out to married quarters, the crew lock horns with evil, world-dominating Oriental mastermind the Master, and Sub-Lieutenant Phillips is up for promotion: but will his Lord Nelson fantasy help or hinder?

Stephen Murray, Leslie Phillips and Jon Pertwee star in these 23 hilarious episodes, with a supporting cast including Richard Caldicot, Heather Chasen, Tenniel Evans and Michael Bates, and guest stars including Norma Ronald, June Whitfield and Elizabeth Morgan.

Also included is a special episode of Radio Lives, looking back at the life and career of Doctor Who, Worzel Gummidge and The Navy Lark star Jon Pertwee.

NB: Some of the language on this recording reflects the era in which it was first broadcast, and due to the age of the source material, the sound quality may vary

Production credits
Scripted by Lawrie Wyman and George Evans
Produced by Alastair Scott Johnston
Starring: Leslie Phillips, Jon Pertwee, Stephen Murray, Richard Caldicot, Michael Bates, Heather Chasen and Tenniel Evans
With Lawrie Wyman, Norma Ronald, June Whitfield, Elizabeth Morgan

Remastered by Ted Kendall
Thanks to Keith Wickham

Note: none of the episodes were originally given titles. The ones here have been adopted for easy reference and are in line with previous commercial releases

For more information on the programme, contact:
The Navy Lark Appreciation Society
Honeysuckle Cottage
Little Street
Yoxford
Suffolk
IP7 3JQ

Episode guide

First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 on the following dates:

Series 12
The Put-A-Horse-Out-To-Graze Fund 16 May 1971
Impressions For Survival 23 May 1971
The Beard-Growing Race 30 May 1971
The Mysterious Radio Signals 6 June 1971
Operation Recovery 13 June 1971
The Slogan Contest 20 June 1971
Sir Willoughby At Shanghai 27 June 1971
Operation Cowes Barge 4 July 1971
Number One's Anniversary 11 July 1971
The Loch Ness Monster 18 July 1971

Series 13
The TV Documentary 26 March 1972
The POW Escape Exercise 2 April 1972
Number One's Married Quarters 9 April 1972
The Newhaven-Dieppe Smuggling Run 16 April 1972
The Bumble Spit Lighthouse Affair 23 April 1972
The Tonipouhaha Treasure 30 April 1972
The USA Navigator Swap 7 May 1972
Son Of A Sea Lord 14 May 1972
Hypnotising Ramona 21 May 1972
The Master Of Sardinia 28 May 1972
Opportunity Knockers 4 June 1972
Friday The 13th 11 June 1972
The New NAAFI 18 June 1972

Radio Lives: Jon Pertwee first broadcast BBC Radio 4, 31 October 1996

© 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd.


Series 6 and 7

by Lawrie Wyman

Published 25 April 2024

The sixth and seventh series of the much-loved comedy, plus the 1965 Christmas Special

All aboard HMS Troutbridge for maritime mishaps and merriment, as the crew return from eventful leave and sail into more trouble.

This collection contains the complete Series Six and Seven of the long-running sitcom, in which Pertwee becomes embroiled in various money-making schemes, Povey has a few domestic difficulties, 'Fatso' Johnson's literary and culinary efforts cause havoc - and there's romantic rivalry between Mr Phillips and Mr Murray for Wren Chasen's affections... Also included is a short festive episode 'Hitting the Ice Floe', aired on Christmas Day 1965 as part of an Overseas Service Broadcast to the British Antartic Survey Teams.

Jon Pertwee, Leslie Phillips and Stephen Murray star in these 33 laugh-out-loud episodes, alongside regulars Ronnie Barker, Richard Caldicot, Michael Bates, Tenniel Evans and Heather Chasen, and guest stars including Amanda Murray, Jan Waters and writer Lawrie Wyman.

NB: Some of the language on this recording reflects the era in which it was first broadcast, and due to the age of the source material, the sound quality may vary

Production credits
Scripted by Lawrie Wyman
Produced by Alastair Scott Johnston
Starring: Leslie Phillips, Jon Pertwee, Stephen Murray, Richard Caldicot, Michael Bates, Heather Chasen, Ronnie Barker and Tenniel Evans
With Lawrie Wyman (uncredited), Amanda Murray and Jan Waters

Remastered by Ted Kendall
Thanks to Keith Wickham

Note: none of the episodes were originally given titles. The ones here have been adopted for easy reference and are in line with previous commercial releases

For more information on the programme, contact:
The Navy Lark Appreciation Society
Honeysuckle Cottage
Little Street
Yoxford
Suffolk
IP7 3JQ

Episode guide

First broadcast on BBC Light Programme on the following dates:

Series 6
Wren Chasen Returns 27 September 1963
On the Carpet 4 October 1963
The Bungalese Spies 11 October 1963
Troutbridge's Party 18 October 1963
Rescuing Admirals 25 October 1963
Demise of the Depth Charges 1 November 1963
The Struggle for Promotion 8 November 1963
Navigation by Computer 15 November 1963
Stormy Weather 22 November 1963
Chasing the Kepeac 29 November 1963
The Submerged Island 6 December 1963
The Sicilian Secret Agent 13 December 1963
Germany's Troutbridge 20 December 1963
Confirming Povey's Rank 27 December 1963
The Calais Dock Strike 3 January 1964
Johnson's Memoirs 10 January 1964
The Emperor of Tratvia 17 January 1964
Open Day 24 January 1964
Stuck on a Sandbank 31 January 1964

Series 7
Taking Some Liberties 11 July 1965
Smugglers in the Solent 18 July 1965
Mr Murray is Victimised 25 July 1965
The Poveys Move House 1 August 1965
Captain Povey Reports Sick 8 August 1965
Admiral Pertwee's Fleet 15 August 1965
Let Loose with a Chopper 22 August 1965
Making a Right Pig's Breakfast 29 August 1965
The Mysterious Pudding Mine 5 September 1965
The Hovercraft Training Course 12 September 1965
Sabotaged Floggle-Toggle Box 19 September 1965
The Potarneyland Training Exercise 26 September 1965
Going on Leave to Croydon 3 October 1965

Christmas Special
Hitting the Ice Floe 25 December 1965

© 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd.