The Collection of Medals Formed by The Late John Hillard
513
SOUTH ATLANTIC 1982, with rosette (M.E.M. (M.) 1 L. Pearce, D171866B,
H.M.S. Ardent), in its card box of issue, good very fine £600-800
The frigate H.M.S. Ardent sustained serious damage from enemy air attack on 21
May 1982, and sank off North West Island in Falkland Sound during the
following evening, her casualties amounting to 22 killed and 37 wounded. The
ship’s fate is best summarised in the citation for the D.S.C. awarded to her
captain, Commander A. J. West, R.N., as per the following announcement in the
London Gazette of 8 October 1982:
‘On 21 May 1982, H.M.S. Ardent, commanded by Commander West, was
deployed to Grantham Sound to conduct Naval Gunfire Support during the
amphibious landings in San Carlos Water; in particular to cover the withdrawal
of an S.A.S. diversionary patrol. Isolated there, H.M.S. Ardent was subject to
heavy air attack (at one stage eleven aircraft were involved). Despite these
overwhelming odds, Commander West covered the S.A.S. withdrawal and
supported 2 Para establishing themselves on Sussex Mountain. He fought his ship
bravely, shooting down one Pucara, and continued to bring fire to bear on
enemy aircraft despite the progressive loss of the ship’s propulsion, Seacat system
and 4.5-inch gun. Eventually, after being hit by no less than nine bombs and
several rockets, and with no hope of saving the ship, he ordered her to be
abandoned. The utmost credit should go to Commander West for continuing to
fight his ship in the face of extreme adversity and in particular for the well
organised manner in which she was abandoned. Without his calm courage and
personal direction in the face of overwhelming odds far greater loss of life might
have occurred.’
www.dnw.co.uk
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