SOUTH ATLANTIC MEDAL
(& Rosette)
(Falklands War)
1982.
(HMS INTREPID).
To:
AB (R) D. BENNETT. D171208T. HMS INTREPID
(Able Seaman Bennett served as a Radar Operator in this most important ship.)
Intrepid was undergoing decommissioning in 1982 at the outbreak of the Falklands War. After decommissioning, the Royal Navy were due to sell Intrepid to Argentina.[1] However, Intrepid was brought back into commission, with her ship's company recalled by Commander Bryn Telfer (the Executive Officer), and Malcolm MacLeod, the crew gladly returned to form part of the task group committed to Operation Corporate, the British effort to recapture the islands. Intrepid was commanded by Captain Peter Dingemans.
With elements of 3 Commando Brigade embarked, Intrepid took part in the amphibious landings at San Carlos Water. HMS Intrepid was under attack in San Carlos Water on 25 May 1982, with a few fatalities, mainly Royal Marines. The Nordic Ferry was also under attack. She came under heavy air attack once again during the operation, and was the main participant in the landings at Bluff Cove on 6 June. Margaret Thatcher and Sandy Woodward commended the efforts of the ships involved in the San Carlos attacks. She Intrepid would be the last ship to arrive, the last piece in the jigsaw, and so all the timings depended on her.[2]
As well as being one of the warships used for imprisoning the Argentinian prisoners of war, the surrender ending the Falklands conflict was signed on Intrepid's deck.[1]
THIS IS A MOST IMPORTANT & SUPERB MEDAL (A REAL 'ONE OFF' RARITY)
TO A SERIOUSLY IMPORTANT SHIP.
SOLD