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May 4, 1982 in the waters of the Falkland Islands the HMS Sheffield D-80 became the first war loss in the Falkland's War and the first British warship lost in action since World War II. The Type 42 Guided Missile Destroyer was launched by Vickers at Barrow in 1971. Sheffield was hit by an Exocet Missile fired from an Argentine Navy Dassault Super Étendard piloted by Captain Augusto Bedacarratz. Because of an older type radar and because the missiles were fired from less than six miles away, their launch had not been detected by the Sheffield and therefore evasive maneuvers were not made. Thus the missile impacted amidships on the Sheffield killing 20 crewmen. There has been some dispute as to whether the missile actually detonated or not but, just the impact and fuel onboard the missile was enough to cause massive fires which could not be controlled. The HMS Arrow F-173 came alongside and removed the crew and the Sheffield continued to burn until she was nothing but a burned out hulk. She was taken in tow but finally scuttled on May 10th due to bad weather. |
© 2008 Michael W. Pocock MaritimeQuest.com |
Roll of Honour |
In memory of those who lost their lives in HMS Sheffield D-80 "As long as we embrace them in our memory, their spirit will always be with us" |
Name |
Rank/Rate |
Notes |
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Balfour, David I. |
Lt. Commander |
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Briggs, D.S.M., David R. |
Petty Officer Marine Mechanic |
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Cope, Darryl M. |
Catering Assistant |
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Eggington, Anthony C. A. |
Weapon Engineering Artificer |
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Emly, Richard C. |
Sub-Lieutenant |
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Fagan, Robert |
Petty Officer Cook |
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Goodall, Neil A. |
Cook |
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Keung, Lai Chi |
Unclassified |
Chinese national |
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Knowles, Allan J. |
Leading Marine Engineering Mechanic |
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Marshall, Tony |
Leading Cook |
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Norman, Anthony R. |
Petty Officer Weapon Engineering Mechanic |
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Osborne, David E. |
Cook |
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Sullivan, Kevin R. F. |
Weapon Electronics Artificer 1st Class |
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Swallow, Andrew C. |
Cook |
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Till, Michael E. G. |
Chief Weapons Mechanic |
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Wallis, Barry J. |
Weapon Engineering Mechanic |
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Wellstead, Adrian K. |
Leading Cook |
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Welsh, Brian |
Master at Arms |
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Williams, Kevin J. |
Cook |
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Woodhead, D.S.C., John S. |
Lt. Commander |
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HMS Sheffield D-80 with HMS Arrow F-173 alongside. |