Our 44th Service of Remembrance and reunion has just completed, and overall, it was a very enjoyable event.

A special edition of Ardlines has been sent to all members and placed in our Facebook Group. Various images of the event are in the 2026 Reunion Report.

On the 44th anniversary of the loss of HMS Ardent and 22 members of her crew during the Falklands Conflict on 21 May 1982, the HMS Ardent Association held a memorial service at the Falklands Maritime Memorial in Belvedere Gardens on Plymouth Hoe.

The HMS Ardent Association is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Commodore Tony Morton DSC, former Commanding Officer of HMS Yarmouth, who died on 5 February 2026, aged 84, after a long and brave battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Representing the HMS Ardent Association, Richie Gough delivered a well-received presentation to 1710 Naval Air Squadron on Ardent’s actions in 1982. The visit highlighted the continued relevance of the ship’s legacy to the Royal Navy of today.

Members of the HMS Ardent Association joined the UK to remember our 22 fallen shipmates and to commemorate the men and women who sacrificed their lives in wars around the world.

This month at HMS Collingwood, a quiet but poignant ceremony took place—a tree planting that not only marks environmental renewal but also stands as a living tribute to three young Electronic Warfare sailors who trained there before deploying to war and making the ultimate sacrifice, in particular AB(EW) Stephen Heyes on HMS Ardent.

Members of the HMS Ardent Association gathered in Plymouth for a powerful and poignant reunion weekend, marked by remembrance, camaraderie, and reflection.

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.

Wacker and Pauline Payne were fortunate to attend the official VE Day 80th Anniversary concert at Horse Guards Parade on Thursday 8th May. A spectacular and moving tribute to those who endured and triumphed through the Second World War.

On 9 May 1975, HMS Ardent (F184) was launched with ceremony and pride at Yarrow Shipbuilders on the River Clyde. Her bow was christened by HRH The Duchess of Gloucester. Sleek, modern, and full of promise, ARDENT was the seventh of the Royal Navy’s new Type 21 frigates destined for global service.

This photograph captures HMS Ardent (F184) departing HMNB Devonport on 19 April 1982, bound for the South Atlantic as part of the UK’s Task Force responding to the Argentine invasion of the Falkland Islands. It was the ship’s final departure.

ARDENTs around the UK attended Remembrance Day events making sure the memories of our 22 fallen shipmates are kept alive as well as honouring the sacrifices made by those who served in the armed forces and acknowledges the profound impact of war on the country and its communities.