Cenotaph Falklands 40
Survivors of HMS Ardent return to London to march at the Cenotaph as a crew just like in 2007 at the Falklands 25th Parade.
The HMS Ardent Association is probably the oldest of the Falkland Conflict Associations and has met every year for the past 40 years. It not only represents the survivors but the families of the fallen and all those who served on her previously. It was felt that to mark the 40th anniversary of the Falkland Conflict and the formation of our own Association it would be a fitting tribute to our fallen shipmates to have a dedicated platoon at this years London Cenotaph march past on Remembrance Sunday .
29 members of the HMS Association, representing survivors and family members of our fallen shipmates , will join other Veterans at the Cenotaph on Sunday 13 November 2022. The Association’s wreath will be carried by Mr Peter Brierley, as the current Secretary of the Association.
At this stage, it is not envisaged that this will be an annual event but a one off to mark the anniversary. For future years our members may wish to revert to marching with SAMA 82 or the Type 21 club as they desire..
Notes to Editors:
HMS Ardent was a Royal Navy Type 21 frigate. Built by Yarrow Shipbuilders Ltd, Glasgow, Scotland and launched by the Duchess of Gloucester 9 May 1975.
On 19 April 1982, HMS Ardent sailed from Devonport, Plymouth for the Falkland Islands. On route, she escorted taskforce ships that had left late, on their way to Ascension Island, arriving on 3 May and sailing on the morning of the 7 May as part as the amphibious task force. On 21 May 1982, whilst lying in Falkland Sound and supporting Operation Sutton by bombarding the Argentine airstrip at Goose Green, Ardent was attacked by at least three waves of Argentine aircraft. The air strikes resulted in the sinking of Ardent the next day and the loss of 22 members from the 199 crew who later abandoned ship onto the frigate HMS Yarmouth.
The HMS Ardent association was set up immediately after the 1982 Falklands War in a hope to foster and promote the name HMS Ardent and provide a focal point to remember fallen crewmates. The Association president is Admiral the Lord West of Spithead who was First Sea Lord and Commander in Chief of the Royal Navy from 2002 until 2006 and the Commanding officer of HMS Ardent in the 1982 Falklands Conflict. Lord West was the last to leave the sinking ship and was subsequently awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) for his leadership.
