21 May 2025
Message from the boss to the Association
Ardent Association members, families and friends of the fallen gathered together to remember our 22 fallen shipmates from the 1982 Falklands Conflict. As always Plymouth Hoe was at the centre of the tributes but our shipmates were also honoured and remembered at other events around the country. In the words of Admiral Lord West, ”What was achieved 43 years ago still resonates in our nation’s history.”
Plymouth
The floral tribute at the Plymouth Falklands Memorial
The floral tribute was laid by Lenny Yeatman with the event being organised by Stephen “Wyatt” Earp and Steve Palmer… “Stephen and myself were extremely pleased with the turnout on Plymouth this evening for our annual floral tribute. We were honoured that both Lenny and Tony agreed to be part of the ceremony. It was well attended with over 30 friends and family in attendance.” Guests included Claire Farr Nelson; Gary Nelson’s daughter; and her daughter Poppy seen below chatting to Len. Afterwards there was a chance for refreshments and a chat for an hour or so at The Waterfront opposite the memorial gardens.
Other Events
Braving the rain the Poole Branch of the Royal British Legion hosted a memorial for Stephen Ford and HMS Ardent at the Sea View, Poole memorial. Shipmate Bill Bailey laid a wreath at the ARDENT anchor memorial in the NMA. Flowers were laid at the Havant Memorial for Michael Foote, in Guernsey for Peter Brouard and in Margate for Alistair Leighton. And finally, but not least, shipmate Leigh Slatter raised the Falklands Flag outside his home… “Typical! Not a breath of wind.... RIP Shipmates. You are remembered.”
Of course we can only report on what we know but as always we recognise that many of the Association, and families of the fallen, will have remembered our 22 fallen shipmates in their own way.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
