On Sunday 5 May the Ship’s Company from HMS ALACRITY’s celebrated their 25th Anniversary of the Falklands' War. As before this was combined with the crew from the container ship ATLANTIC CONVEYOR that was sunk by an Exocet missile with the loss of 12 of their ship’s company. Over 70 survivors were picked up by HMS ALACRITY while the ship burnt.
It appears to be a popular time for reunions and I confess to having mixed feelings about them. HMS ALACRITY’s reunion however stands separate from all others as it is a ships’ company that saw war together and, thankfully all returned safely.
As can be seen in the pictures 25 years has seen changes in some of us. For every member of HMS ALACRITY any such gathering is made by the presence of the charismatic and much loved Captain, Commodore Chris Craig CB DSC who continues to recover steadily from his long draw out illness. On balance the Ship’s Company have now all forgiven him for his over eagerness to volunteer the ship for every piece of action around.
An extract from a period during the Falklands War is copied below which illustrates the extent of the action:
In the build-up to the landings at San Carlos, Admiral Woodward's destroyers and frigates continue to wear down the invaders and D Sqdn SAS makes an important contribution with its Pebble Island raid.
On Monday 10th, as submarine "San Luis" makes her last reported and equally unsuccessful attack on ships of the Task Force and "Sheffield" finally sinks. "
Glasgow" (Sea Dart) and "Brilliant" (Sea Wolf) have taken over as type 42/22 combination from "Coventry" and "Broadsword" and continue their radar picket and bombardment duties off Stanley. That night as "Arrow" moves to the north end of Falkland Sound, sister ship "Alacrity" prepares to sail right through from the south for the first time to flush out any supply ships. As she passes up the Sound, "Alacrity" detects a ship apparently heading for Port Howard, and using her single 4.5 inch, illuminates with star shell. Refusing to stop, the target is engaged in the only surface action of the war and after a number of hits, explodes and sinks with heavy casualties. Reportedly there are only two survivors from what turns out to be the naval transport "ISLA DE LOS ESTADOS" carrying fuel and military supplies. "Alacrity" carries on through to meet "Arrow", and now in to Tuesday morning, both ships head back to the carriers.
It appears to be a popular time for reunions and I confess to having mixed feelings about them. HMS ALACRITY’s reunion however stands separate from all others as it is a ships’ company that saw war together and, thankfully all returned safely.
As can be seen in the pictures 25 years has seen changes in some of us. For every member of HMS ALACRITY any such gathering is made by the presence of the charismatic and much loved Captain, Commodore Chris Craig CB DSC who continues to recover steadily from his long draw out illness. On balance the Ship’s Company have now all forgiven him for his over eagerness to volunteer the ship for every piece of action around.
An extract from a period during the Falklands War is copied below which illustrates the extent of the action:
In the build-up to the landings at San Carlos, Admiral Woodward's destroyers and frigates continue to wear down the invaders and D Sqdn SAS makes an important contribution with its Pebble Island raid.
On Monday 10th, as submarine "San Luis" makes her last reported and equally unsuccessful attack on ships of the Task Force and "Sheffield" finally sinks. "
Glasgow" (Sea Dart) and "Brilliant" (Sea Wolf) have taken over as type 42/22 combination from "Coventry" and "Broadsword" and continue their radar picket and bombardment duties off Stanley. That night as "Arrow" moves to the north end of Falkland Sound, sister ship "Alacrity" prepares to sail right through from the south for the first time to flush out any supply ships. As she passes up the Sound, "Alacrity" detects a ship apparently heading for Port Howard, and using her single 4.5 inch, illuminates with star shell. Refusing to stop, the target is engaged in the only surface action of the war and after a number of hits, explodes and sinks with heavy casualties. Reportedly there are only two survivors from what turns out to be the naval transport "ISLA DE LOS ESTADOS" carrying fuel and military supplies. "Alacrity" carries on through to meet "Arrow", and now in to Tuesday morning, both ships head back to the carriers.
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