Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria to include a Fine Collection of Napoleonic Medals

A rare Falklands War submariner’s pair awarded to Leading Cook P. Preston, Royal Navy, who served in H.M.S. Splendid

South Atlantic 1982, with rosette (L. Ck. P. Preston, D106915U, H.M.S. Splendid); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., E.II.R. (L. Ck. P. Preston, D106915U, R.N.), mounted as worn, good very fine (2) £1100-1300

H.M.S. Splendid, a Swiftsure-class nuclear submarine, was one of the first submarines to reach the Falklands, arriving in mid-April 1982, after sailing from Faslane. Among other tasks, she shadowed the Argentine carrier 25 de Mayo, running within a mile outside the Argentine territorial line, just 12 miles off its Atlantic coast. With the approval of Downing Street to engage with her Mk. 8 torpedoes, her captain came very close indeed to attacking the enemy carrier, but he lost sight of his target through the periscope and was not immediately able to regain contact. Nonetheless, in company with her consorts the Conqueror and Courageous, she proved instrumental in keeping the Argentine Navy largely confined to port.

Sold with the recipient’s H.M.S. Dolphin Station Card, dated 25 March 1974, together with his R.N. Certificate of Thanks and several photographs.