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Captains Diary
Saturday May 1st
Arrived in the TEZ. CTG sent us in close with HMS BRILLIANT to hunt
for a submarine. Took 3 big dippers in with us. We spent all of the
daylight hours at action stations. Prosecuted many contacts, fired
30 mortar bombs, and the helos dropped several torpedoes and depth
charges. At the time we thought we had had no success but were told
a few days later that a submarine had been in harbour. HMS ARROW,
ALACRITY, and GLAMORGAN had been bounced by Argentinean aircraft and
had sustained some minor damage.
Sunday May 2nd
A quiet day. Some suspected air raids but none attacked the main
force they were later thought to be spurious contacts. Spent the day
patrolling the Eastern part of the TEZ.
Monday May 3rd
Some air raids today but were seen off by the cap stations. Spent
the day patrolling TEZ. We learned that the Argentinean Cruiser, the
General Belgrano was sunk by one of our submarines, HMS Conqueror.
Tuesday May 4th
During the afternoon HMS SHEFFIELD whilst out on Air Defence picket
duty was hit by an air-launched Exocet missile fired from a Super
Etendard. Ourselves and HMS ARROW were sent to render assistance.
Whilst on our way there we also came under an Exocet missile attack.
We fired chaff and took evasive action. The missile missed us,
passing in front of our bow by 100 yards. HMS Arrow then went
alongside Sheffield's port side and started to boundary cool, on our
way alongside Sheffield's starboard side we came under torpedo
attack. Ourselves and a dipper then proceeded to prosecute the
submarine. We did so for about 1 hour coming under several more
torpedo attack some of which were taken out by the mortar bombs, the
rest were avoided by using TCM's. We then went back alongside
Sheffield's starboard side to recommence boundary cooling. The
missile had entered her starboard side about 5 feet above the water
line and the resulting explosion had blown a hole in the side 15 X 4
feet. We succeeded in getting lines across and started to try and
fight the fire however the condition of Sheffield grew steadily
worse and Captain Salt gave the order to abandon ship as the fire
had come to within 12 feet of the seadart magazine and the danger of
an explosion was too high to risk loosing ourselves and Arrow. HMS
ARROW took on the survivors and we then broke away. Whilst
proceeding to pick up 5 survivors in a Gemini we again had to take
TCM's to avoid another suspected torpedo.
Wednesday May 5th
All quiet due to foggy weather. Patrolled the TEZ.
Thursday May 6th
Again quiet. Patrolled the TEZ.
Friday May7th
Again quiet. Patrolling
Saturday May 8th
Patrolled the TEZ. After dark we were ordered to close SHEFFIELD and
to take her in tow. We were to tow her out of the TEZ and then
rendezvous with the tug Salvageman to transfer the tow to her. We
went to within 45 miles of the shore in complete silence, no air
cover or escort. Whilst on our way there , there was an air raid
warning red called and we about turned and started to make our way
back to the main group but the raid came nowhere near us. We then
continued on our way to Sheffield arriving shortly before midnight.
Sunday May 9th
We took Sheffield in tow just after midnight and headed due East at
about 6 knots.
Monday May 10th
As the weather steadily deteriorated SHEFFIELD shipped more and more
water through the hole in her side and started to develop a list. At
0700 Sheffield slipped on to her side and we had to slip the tow.
She was immediately lost in the fog. After a tow of some 29 hours
and 150 miles she finally gave the ghost and settled beneath the
waves. The weather continued to worsen as we headed back to the main
group.
Tuesday May 11th
Continued to patrol the TEZ. Storm now at force 10 with no sign of
abating.
Wednesday May 12th
Storm still blowing but beginning to slacken off now. Went to action
stations during the dogs, Broadsword shot down 3 skyhawks with her
Sea Wolf.
Thursday May 13th
All quiet. Patrolled the TEZ.
Friday May 14th
Stormy weather again. During the night HMS HERMES took in some
SBS/SAS to attack Pebble Island. We later heard that they were very
successful and destroyed 11 planes, an ammo dump and several radar
installations. There was only one casualty on our side and that was
only a flesh wound. We continued to patrol the TEZ.
Saturday May 15th
Still rather rough but nonetheless quiet. Now beginning to lose all
track of time and getting rather bored.
Sunday May 16th
Bright sunny day. Patrolled the TEZ as usual, we also did a couple
of RAS's both stores and fuel.
Monday May 17th
Another bright sunny day. Went to action stations twice. Several air
raids thought to be closing the force, all turned out to be
spurious. Topped up with mortar bombs from reserve. Patrolled the
TEZ.
Tuesday May 18th
Patrolled the TEZ. Went to action stations during the forenoon but
the suspected air raid turned out to be spurious again. Rest of the
day was quiet.
Wednesday May 19th
Patrolled the TEZ. The main amphibious group joined us today. The
group consisted of Intrepid, Fearless, Canberra, Norland, Nordic
Ferry, Stromness, Sir Galahad, Sir Tristram, Sir Lancelot, Sir
Geraint, Sir Percival. It was quite a sight to see when they all
formed up in a box formation. The ships to form a screen around them
were Plymouth, ANTRIM, ARROW, and our-selves.
Thursday May 20th
Headed West with the amphibious group for the islands. We went in
ahead of the rest of the force as ASW picket.
Friday May 21st
INVASION DAY.
Troops were landed from the amphibious ships in the early hours of
the morning. We formed ASW patrol off the mouth of the sound until
1000. Went to action stations at day break and then proceeded into
the sound to set up ASW patrol. Came under attack in the afternoon.
ARDENT in her rush to clear her gun of HE shells just fired them
indiscriminately and just missed us by approximately 50 yards, this
was the nearest so far for us being hit. ARDENT had just joined us
off north west island to set up ASW patrol when we were attacked by
3 mirage jets. We immediately opened up with everything we had and
succeeded in deterring them from attacking us unfortunately ARDENT
was not so lucky and took on two bombs. Whilst this attack was going
on BRILLIANT splashed two more skyhawks with her Sea Wolf as she
came under attack. Also ARGONAUT took on two unexploded bombs. 456
was airborne at the time and saw the attack on ARGONAUT and reported
that she did even opened fire on the attacking planes. The first
wave of Mirage jets that attacked ARDENT then veered towards us but
again we opened up with everything we had, including 4 Sea Cat
missiles and succeeded in forcing one of the planes into the water
whilst it took avoiding action. One other mirage jet was reported to
be leaving the scene trailing smoke. ARDENT managed to get the fire
in her hanger under control when another wave of skyhawks came in
and attacked her this time though she was completely at their mercy
as she had no power to her weapon systems. She took on more bombs
and started to burn fiercely around her stern. There was a feeling
of total helplessness as there wasn't a damn thing we could do to
help her whilst the attack was going on. After the attack was over
we closed ARDENT to offer assistance. The scene was total
devastation about her stern. The flight deck was peeled back along
the port side, the hanger was just a mass of torn and twisted
metal. Incredibly we saw two men climb out of the hole at her stern,
from out of the flames, I still don't know how they managed to do
it. We came alongside ARDENT to take off all the survivors. It was a
quiet and efficient operation. Her Captain being the last to abandon
the ship. He brought with him a couple of ARDENT's machine guns. As
we started to pull away from ARDENT our port rudder became trapped
around her anchor cable. It was a nerve wracking experience being
alongside a floating bomb that was threatening to explode and then
the possibility of being attacked from the air whilst totally
immobilised. Fortunately we managed to free ourselves. The survivors
were completely shocked, they had only been in the TEZ for two days
and had not expected it to be anything like it was. We transferred
the survivors to CANBERRA which was in San Carlos Water.. After dark
we set up ASW patrol in the entrance to the sound. Some time during
the morning watch she finally settled beneath the waves.
Saturday May 22nd
INVASION DAY + 1
We were at action stations all day from one hour before daybreak to
one hour after dusk. No air raids managed to get as far as San
Carlos Water. We were providing air cover for all the landing ships
in San Carlos Water. We were stationed at the Northern end of the
water. ARGONAUT had been towed into San Carlos Water by PLYMOUTH.
ARGONAUT still had power to her weapon systems. One Pucara was shot
down by the CAP as it closed San Carlos Water. We now have a total
of 7 Machine guns mounted at several points on the upper deck.
Through the night we did the usual ASW patrol.
Sunday May 23rd
INVASION DAY + 2
In the early hours of the morning we were detached with BROADSWORD
to intercept an armed merchantman to the south-east of the
Falklands. The MV Monsunen had been commandeered by the Argentineans
to ferry troops from one island to the other. We made a high speed
dash through the narrow part of the sound. BROADSWORD's Lynx it up
on her radar and we then closed. We chased it round to the south of
east island where we illuminated it with starshell. After refusing
to stop when asked we fired several warning shots across her bows.
In her panic to evade capture she ran aground. They then abandoned
ship. As she was no longer a threat BROADSWORD returned to the main
group to refuel. This left us all alone to make it back to the
relative safety of San Carlos Water in the remaining few hours of
darkness. We did a 28 knots passage back to San Carlos Water and
only just made it as the dawn was breaking. We were given the
Northern part of the water to protect again along with BRILLIANT and
ANTELOPE who had just arrived about 5 mins before us. There were 3
air raids during the dogs by skyhawks and mirages. BRILLIANT downed
one with her Sea Wolf but not before it had dropped its bombs on
ANTELOPE, both bombs did not explode on impact, also pieces of the
skyhawk had hit the top of ANTELOPE's mast. After dusk we left to
refuel just outside the sound. As we left there were several
explosions seen from ANTELOPE.
Monday May 24th
INVASION DAY + 3
We returned to the San Carlos Water just before daybreak. On
entering the water we proceeded to take up our normal place at the
Northern end of the Water, but PLYMOUTH decided that she would have
a go at the Northern end so we were sent to the Southern end. During
this manoeuvre we came under another attack. As the Southern end of
the water was unguarded we rang on revolutions for 20 knots and
stormed up the channel with a total of 20 weapons firing, this
included SLR's that people had up on the flight deck. This dash down
the channel was made all the more difficult by the ships that were
anchored there, all in all it was more like a slalom course. There
was a total of 14 aircraft attacked us in 3 waves. We hit 2 mirages
with cannon and machine gun fire, CAP stations got 3 and the Rapier
sites took out another 3. We don't know how many will get back as
some undoubtedly were hit by machine gun fire and will therefore
have punctured fuel tanks and as they are at the extreme range of
their endurance it is likely that they will not make it back to
Argentina. 2 of the LCL's were hit by 1000lb bombs that failed to
explode. The crews were taken off and then the ammunition that they
were carrying had to be unloaded to enable the bomb disposal guys to
get at the bombs. During the dogs an LCM came alongside to take off
the gash and described our antics as 'F------ magic! I've never seen
anything like it in my life. It was just like a scene in the war
films with an incredible amount of s--- in the air'. During the
evening we embarked 4 SBS guys with all their gear for a covert
operation in the Port Salvador area tonight. We received a nice
signal from Fearless saying ' Thanks for looking after us so well.'
Tuesday May 25th
INVASION DAY + 4
The SBS raid on Port Salvador had to be cancelled due to duff gear.
Their engines on the seariders refused to co-operate. So we headed
back to San Carlos Water and at daybreak we took up our usual
station at the Southern end of the water. SBS boat has gone back to
INTREPID for repair. Possibly try again tonight. We can still see
the bow section of ANTELOPE just pointing above the waterline. The 2
LCL's that were hit yesterday are still OK and the disposal experts
are going in today. We got a mention on the world service this
morning. Brian Hanrahan who is in one of the RFA's here was
describing yesterdays raid. He said that a frigate dashed up the
water at high speed firing all her guns. We heard this morning that
there were only 3 casualties onboard ANTELOPE, One killed when the
bomb entered, the disposal expert when the bomb went off and one guy
who lost an arm. The rest of the crew were evacuated successfully.
We now have another 3 machine guns on the upper deck - the SBS have
positioned themselves around the ship with their equipment. One of
the SBS has positioned himself up the mast. At 1530 we were bounced
without any warning. 4 skyhawks came from the South over the hills
and up the valley. They attacked in pairs. The first pair were past
before anyone knew about them but the second pair weren't so lucky.
As they over flew the LCL that was about 200 yards away from us they
dropped their bombs. The 20mm gun crew had fired at them just as
they came over the LCL and one was smoking as it flew past and the
pilot ejected as he passed our quarterdeck. The bombs that they had
dropped bounced and landed 50 yards away from our port side and
exploded. Again we were the only vigilant ship. Out of that raid we
splashed one and sent another away smoking, and COVENTRY who was out
on picket duty to the North of the Islands splashed another with her
Sea Dart. During the last dog 3 air raids closed from the West. They
took on BROADSWORD and COVENTRY. COVENTRY has taken a bomb onboard
and it has blown a hole in the bottom of her. She now has a 70
degree list 15 mins later BROADSWORD was also hit by a bomb but this
passed through her flight deck and out the other side without
exploding. BROADSWORD is now taking the survivors off now. We are
also told that the ATLANTIC CONVEYOR was hit by 2 Exocet missiles
and was abandoned burning. SBS left us this morning and their plans
had been changed. They were pretty sad to go and reckoned that they
had had a great time onboard and had never enjoyed themselves so
much. They were a little disappointed however that they had missed
that air attack where we had shot down the aircraft as they were
down below at the time.
Wednesday May 26th
INVASION DAY + 5
Refuelled from TIDEPOOL at about 0330. On completion we returned to
San Carlos Water (Bomb Alley) escorting Europic Ferry in with us.
Took up the usual position at the Southern end of the water. From
the information now received from BROADSWORD it seems that they were
attacked by 4 skyhawks. None of these aircraft were splashed,
BROADSWORDS seawolf system had tripped out twice. There are 20
missing on COVENTRY which is now floating upside down. In ATLANTIC
CONVEYOR there are 12 missing. It seems as though the big push has
started ashore as a tremendous amount of gear has gone ashore and
there are a lot of helicopters of various shapes and sizes flying
constantly overhead. There were no air raids today but there were
several false alarms. Still better safe than sorry. We may be
required to do some NGS tonight.
Thursday May 27th
INVASION DAY + 6
We are back in Bomb Alley. We did not get the chance to do NGS last
night never mind I'm sure our turn will come. Apparently the
communications with the spotters ashore refused to co-operate. We
have been told that the Para's took goose green last night. This
means that we have effectively cut the East island in two. We now
have a problem with the starboard screw. The divers went down this
morning to investigate and found that there was a large chip in the
trailing edge and a hole big enough to put their fist in in the
cone. There are only 4 ships left to guard now. INTREPID, FEARLESS,
SIR LANCELOT, and SIR GALAHAD. ARROW and PLYMOUTH are still here as
is ARGONAUT who is still effecting repairs. She had a small fire as
a result of welding but it wasn't too serious. The weather has
deteriorated somewhat. Since the invasion it has been clear and
relatively warm but now it is turning windy and cloudy. We got 2
more machine guns from GLASGOW today as she is returning home after
being repaired. The troops ashore have now named us the 'Crazy Y'.
Whenever there is an air raid they keep their heads down. 1930 air
raid. Two pairs of skyhawks came in low with no warning. They tried
a different tactic this time. One pair came in from the South-West
and went for the Brigade HQ and attacked it with parachute bombs. We
opened up with all our guns and Sea Cats but the range was too
great. Their bombs missed and was taken out by the rapiers. The
other pair came in low over skyhawk pass and went for ammunition
dumps in Ajax Bay. We opened up with the machine guns and hit both
of them. One went trailing smoke and the other was seen to be
loosing fuel. One then crashed in the sound and the other was
finished off by the Rapier sites. One bomb that the skyhawks had
dropped landed in the dump and exploded. This set off some of the
ammunition and set fire to one of the buildings. We took on two
sections of SBS and NGS spotters tonight. We are to go and do some
NGS on Port Howard tonight.
Friday May 28th
INVASION DAY + 7
SBS were landed near Port Howard late last night and took up their
spotting positions. In the early hours of the morning we set up the
gun line and then under their direction we proceeded to do NGS. We
fired a total of 296 rounds destroying Supply dumps, Troop
enhancements and Radar installations. We then took the SBS guys back
onboard and returned to Bomb Alley just before sunrise. We then took
up our normal position in Ajax Bay. There are now just INTREPID, SIR
GALAHAD, SIR LANCELOT and ARGONAUT to --- and there are still the
three escorts. One bomb has been removed from ARGONAUT, they are
going to try the one that is still in SIR GALAHAD later today. Told
that the Pucaras are now attacking the troops at Goose Green.
Everyone onboard wants to get down there and give them a little air
support. Captain F6 and staff paid us a visit today. Have just heard
that the Para's have now just taken the Darwin settlement area.
There was no air raids on the force today.
Saturday May 29th
INVASION DAY + 8
We were sent to give NGS to the troops at Goose Green and Darwin
Settlement but weren't needed. We went to action stations at 0500 as
we were over flown by two aircraft but no attack materialised.
Sunrise saw us again in Ajax Bay. It had been announced that Goose
Green and Darwin Settlement now have the Union Flag flying over
them. There are approximately 1000 prisoners, including 6 VIP's. Not
a bad little haul for some 500 Paras. Air raid closed but did not
attack, one Skyhawk was shot down by the Rapier sites.
Sunday May 30th
INVASION DAY + 9
Last night we left the sound and RV'd with British Elk. Escorted her
back into San Carlos Water to unload her cargo. Back in the old
familiar spot' again. We have heard that the troops have now taken
Teal Inlet and Douglas as well now. News from the main body is that
they have had to sink the ATLANTIC CONVEYOR after taking as much
undamaged stores as possible from her it now means that we are
unable to operate the Harriers from shore at the moment as she had
all the shore support facilities on board her. Have heard that
AVENGER was attacked by Exocet and Skyhawks. It seems that se has
shot down one of the Exocets with her 4.5 inch gun. No air raids
today. Another covert operation tonight. We are to go and pick up
some Paras from Great Island tonight.
Monday May 31st
INVASION DAY + 10
We picked up the Paras using our sea boat during the early hours. A
heavy swell had dropped the sea-boat on to the rocks and had holed
it but it returned OK. Another 26 knot passage back to Bomb Alley
before sunrise. We are becoming the local experts at these high
speed dashes. Lots of activity ashore at the moment. Landing craft
and Barges are ferrying gear up to Port San Carlos. Perhaps this
means the long awaited push on Stanley is in the air. No air raids
today.
Tuesday June 1st
INVASION DAY + 11
We did a RAS with TIDEPOOL during the middle and returned to Bomb
Alley with MINERVA, BLUE ROVER, BALTIC FERRY, ATLANTIC CAUSEWAY, and
NORLAND. We set up the usual ASW patrol in the sound until just
before daybreak. Went to air raid warning red a few times during the
afternoon but nothing transpired. CAP shot down a C130 that had been
doing long range bombing by rolling the bombs out of the back. We
found out they had in fact hit an American Tanker. We left the sound
with MINERVA and BLUE ROVER to join up with the main group. We will
stock up with essentials and then proceed to the TRALA (temporary
repair and logistics area). Here we will have a few days rest and
carry out important repairs and maintenance. It will be a break from
a very tiring routine that we have become accustomed to.
Wednesday June 2nd
INVASION DAY + 12
We joined up with the main group on the Eastern edge of the TEZ.
During the Afternoon, dogs and first we carried out Vertrep with
Regent and Fort Austin. We took on stores and more ammunition. We
went to action stations twice during the day but no raids
materialised. Vertrep complete and then RAS with tanker.
Thursday June 3rd
INVASION DAY + 13
Moved in to TRALA this morning and RV'd with Stena Seaspread, the
repair ship. She is quite an unusual ship to look at. We
transferred various stores and then brought on the FMG to help with
the defect repairs. ARGONAUT was also there and will start her trip
back home shortly when her repairs are complete.
Friday June 4th
INVASION DAY + 14
A very peaceful day. Repairs continuing as we drift in the vicinity
of Stena Seaspread. All the repairs were completed by 2000 and the
FMG men were disembarked. Sgt. Fisk had gone across to Stena
Seaspread to give a quick sitrep on how things were going as they
weren't being informed of these things.
Saturday June 5th
INVASION DAY + 15
We left the TRALA during the early hours of the morning and joined
up with the main group at 1000. At midday we RAS'd with Olna and
took on Avcat. During the afternoon we carried out various Vertreps.
At 2000 we collected a spare part for the 4.5 inch gun and
dispatched at great speed for Port Stanley in company with CARDIFF.
We will be carrying out NGS during the morning.
Sunday June 6th
INVASION DAY + 16
We arrived at the Gun-Line at about 0330. Hands to Emergency
stations was piped at about 0300 as there was a suspected fire in
the boiler room uptake. We went to action stations at 0330 to pass
through the Exocet zone. The gun-line was set up to the south of
Port Stanley near Fitzroy and opened fire even though we were being
illuminated by a fire-control radar. We eventually fired 151 rounds
and left at great speed. On the way out we picked up 4 unidentified
contacts on Radar. We closed them and CARDIFF fired Starshell to
illuminate them. They were the identified as 4 of our own landing
craft. We then returned to the main body and stayed on the Eastern
edge of the TEZ.
Monday June 7th
INVASION DAY + 17
We eventually finished the RAS at 0030. We then did a RAS with
Olmeda. After completion of all RAS's we rejoined the main group. We
carried out more Vertreps during the forenoon, afternoon and first
dog. Tonight we should head back to the islands to do some more NGS.
Tuesday June 8th
INVASION DAY + 18
Moved in towards Bluff Cove again tonight, South-West of Stanley.
Took up our position along with CARDIFF. We both opened up but after
a short while CARDIFF's gun decided that it had had enough so we had
to fire another 80 rounds to make up for CARDIFF. We fired 181
rounds in total. As before we were illuminated by the fire control
radar but this time we came under shore fire. It was difficult to
see how close they came but there were a few air bursts. No damage
was done. We then steamed back to the main group at 27 knots. Went
to action stations at 1715 as an air raid was thought to be closing
the force. It did not close us but attacked the San Carlos Area
gain. Possibly 3 or 4 Pucaras were splashed. Plymouth was hit but no
details as to the extent of her damage as of yet. During the
afternoon we took on more ammunition and fuel ready for the new
nightly dash into the Islands for NGS. at 1800 we detached and went
into the Bluff Cove area again. This time though we were doing it
all ourselves. The earlier raid on San Carlos was made by 3 mirages,
one, possibly two, were splashed. PLYMOUTH was damaged but still no
details. In a later raid of 9 mirages we believe that 5 were
splashed and possibly the other 4 as well.
Wednesday June 9th
INVASION DAY + 19
We went to action stations at 0200 and moved into the gun line. We
fired 124 rounds as quickly as possible then headed back towards the
main group again. During the NGS we again came under shore fire but
still avoided damage. On our way out we came across an abandoned
LCVP and also a requisitioned coaster. Guess who it was, the MV
Monsunen, the same one that we attacked not so very long ago. She
had been trying to tow the damaged LCVP back but had a hawser round
her prop. Our divers then went down and managed to clear it. We then
carried on back to the main group arriving there at about 1200. We
now have the full information on all yesterdays air raids around the
Islands. 4 Mirages attacked SIR GALAHAD and SIR TRISTRAN. SIR
TRISTRAN had unloaded the majority of her troops and store but SIR
GALAHAD had not been so lucky. She was hit and a fireball swept
through the ship killing about 50 men. The 4 Mirages were bounced by
two of our harriers that were on a training flight, all 4 were
splashed. PLYMOUTH was quite badly damaged in the raid on her. Two
bombs went through the mortar handling room without exploding, a
rocket went through her funnel and cannon fire damaged her 4.5 inch
turret and blew up a depth charge that was on her deck causing a 6
foot hole and a fire. Two aircraft were splashed, one by PLYMOUTHS
Sea Cat. Out of total of 12 aircraft over San Carlos throughout the
day, 7 were splashed with another 2 possibles. We spent another
uneventful day with the main group topping up with ammunition and
fuel. We then detached again to head for the Islands for the nightly
NGS.
Thursday June 10th
INVASION DAY + 20
We now have been at sea for 9 weeks with no end to it in prospect.
However we are near Stanley now and it is only a matter of time
before we take it. The NGS went very well last night. The spotter
reported that we had been very accurate and had taken out enemy
batteries, tents, vehicles, stores, and ammunition and causing quite
a few casualties in the process. On the way out again we had to go
and investigate a contact that was in the Exocet zone. Guess who it
was - yes our old friend the MV Monsunen. She was looking for the
damaged LCU. We then left her and sailed back to the main group
arriving at 1300. At 1400 we commenced a RAS (S) with Resourse. The
rest of the day was very quiet.
Friday June 11th
INVASION DAY + 21
It's now 3 weeks since we re-invaded. Reasonably quiet day today. We
did a RAS (A) with Fort Grange to top up with 4.5 ammunition. Then
we headed once again to the gun line. ARROW and GLAMORGAN were in
company, ARROW was going to the Northern gun line and ourselves and
GLAMORGAN were heading for the Southern gun line where we were to
meet up with AVENGER. We did the trip at 28 knots all the way so as
to get there as soon as possible to give the guys ashore the best
opportunities to get as far as possible. Each ship is programmed to
fire approximately 300 rounds each. We have been informed that there
are 6 of our batteries of 5 150mm set up ashore and they will fire
about 1000 - 2000 rounds per battery, consequently I would not like
to be an Argentinean tonight. If everything goes well Port Stanley
should be ours in a few days.
Saturday June 12th
INVASION DAY + 22
Went to action stations at 0001 and within 30 minutes we were in
position on the gun line waiting for our spotter. We eventually got
the call for fire at 0119 and continued to fire for some time at
various targets selected for us by our spotter. All in all we fired
264 rounds before having to leave at 0610. Once again the 4.5 mark 8
gun had problems and GLAMORGAN did not seem to fire many rounds as
usual. Again it was left to us to prove the Navy's worth in shore
support. We were told by our spotter that our fire was very accurate
again. We took out various targets such as machine gun posts, troop
concentrations, small ammo dumps, and various vehicles. This was
supported by the fact that through out the night there were several
larger explosions when our shells were landing that could only be
attributed to the fact that other things were exploding as well. The
spotter came over the net again and said that the troops would be
very glad to have us back tomorrow night for some more supportive
work. At 0615 we headed back out to sea and to rejoin the carrier
group, being told to follow GLAMORGAN this we did till she decided
to cut through the Exocet zone. We came up on the radio to inform
them that they were going through the Exocet zone but they replied
that they knew that they were going through the Exocet zone but they
had been through it recently and had not been threatened so they did
not think that there was any cause for alarm. The famous last words.
However we still took our normal route out of the area. At 0635 the
OOW saw a bright light that he took to be a flare but then he
realised that it was moving at a great speed towards GLAMORGAN. She
fired a sea cat missile which caused the Exocet missile rise as if
taking avoiding action seconds later the missile struck. At first
there were several loud explosions and a large fire coming from her
aft end. She slowed down but continued to make way out of the Exocet
area. At this point a similar type of 'flare' was spotted and it
looked as though it was heading towards us. All of our Chaff rockets
were fired at once and a round of Chaff from the gun. Fortunately it
was a false alarm, but I don't mind admitting that I have never felt
so frightened in my life and I don't think that I will ever be as
frightened again. GLAMORGAN had now got the fire under some
semblance of control and had managed to get her speed up to 22 knots
and so we headed out to rejoin the main group. During the forenoon
our Dcc went across to assist. There were a total of 12 dead or
missing and a number seriously injured. The missile had apparently
struck the port waist and had bounced up through the hanger door
where it exploded taking fully fuelled Wessex III. The majority of
the blast had funnelled downwards and the tail rotor of the helo was
found 2 decks below. On joining the main group we carried out a RAS
(L) with Tidespring. Our RAS(A) was cancelled. We were programmed to
go back in tonight but the troops ashore had progressed further than
expected and there was no need for harassing fire from the sea as
they were busy consolidating their positions.
Sunday June 13th
INVASION DAY + 23
We spent a reasonably quiet day. Topped up with 4.5 ammunition and
at 1600 we detached with AVENGER to go to the Northern gun-line.
Tonight we will sit in Berkely sound and give supporting fire to the
Scots Guards. They will try to take Tumbledown Hill tonight. The
barrels of our gun have become very worn and the possibility is that
we may have to limit our NGS tonight. at 1855 we went into action
stations as there was an air raid closing, it turned out that the
air raid attacked positions ashore. Just as we set off AVENGER
developed problems with one of her shafts. She sent down divers to
investigate and found that she had lost a blade so we stayed with
her until dark then headed in towards the sound by ourselves.
AVENGER is locking one shaft and then following at best speed. We
went to action stations at 2355 ready to open fire when called upon.
Again we are the only ship on the gun-line on time.
Monday June 14th
INVASION DAY + 24
The NGS went very well this morning. We fired 244 rounds and our
fire was extremely accurate. AVENGER and AMBUSCADE eventually
arrived to give us a hand, ACTIVE was down on the Southern gun-line.
We fell out from action stations at 0715 and headed out to sea with
ACTIVE and AMBUSCADE, AVENGER made best speed back to San Carlos
Water. On rejoining the main group we carried out a RAS(L) we should
have followed that with a RAS(A) but the rig on the supply ship
broke. At 1600 we detached with PLYMOUTH to go back to Berkely Sound
for more NGS. As we were on our way we heard that there was
supposedly temporary cease fire ashore. The commander of the
Argentinean forces had asked to see our commander at 1600. As yet no
news of the situation so plan is still to head to the sound and take
up our usual spot just in case. We have had previous experience as
to how the Argentineans treat the white flag.
Tuesday June 15th
INVASION DAY + 25
Went to action stations at 0010 as we approached the sound. Still no
news from ashore yet. At 0100 we heard that the Argentinean troops
ashore had surrendered. We waited on the gun-line until 0330 then we
headed back out to the main group. By now it had become quite rough
and without our stabilisers it was rather unpleasant. During the
morning we had to slow down as there was quite a bit of damage done
to the ship. At 0800 we heard the plans for us for the next few
days. We are to proceed to the South Sandwich Islands to remove some
Argentinean troops that have been on Southern Thule for 5 years.
Wednesday June 16th
INVASION DAY + 26
We detached at 1500 with Olmeda and proceeded to South Georgia. It
was worked out that all in all we had discharged 31 tons of HE.
Sunday June 20th
INVASION DAY + 30
Arrived at Southern Thule during the morning and took on maps and
charts by heaving line transfer from the tug Salvageman. Landed the
NGLO and a marine on Cook Island. Went to action stations at 1215
and was in position on the gun-line at 1230. Fell out at 1245 as the
Argentinean troops didn't want to play.
Friday June 25th
INVASION DAY + 35
Took the prisoners from Southern Thule into Port Stanley.
Wednesday July 7th
INVASION DAY + 47
HOME JAMES
Many thanks to George Hubbard for the original material and Duncan
MacGregor for hours of transcribing
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