The James Fox Collection of Naval Awards

Pair: Petty Officer S. W. White, Royal Navy

South Atlantic 1982, with rosette (LS (R) S W White D153915P HMS Argonaut) with named card box of issue; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., E.II.R., 2nd issue (PO (R) S W White D153915P RN) mounted as worn, good very fine (2) £600-£800

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The James Fox Collection of Naval Awards.

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The frigate H.M.S. Argonaut, which was commanded by Captain C. H. Layman, M.V.O., R.N., who was awarded the D.S.O., had an eventful war. Entering San Carlos Bay as escort to the amphibian force on 21 May 1982, she came under sustained enemy attack, her first two casualties being caused by cannon fire and rockets launched by an Argentinian Navy Macchi MB339. Later in the day she had the misfortune to attract the attention of six Argentinian Skyhawks which swept in low over the bay, dropping several bombs. Those that missed her exploded in the sea harmlessly, yet the two which failed to detonate caused serious damage, one hitting forward and lodging deep in the forward magazine, where two Seacat missiles detonated, and the other in the boiler room - two men were killed and several more wounded. Yet for the next nine days, during which she witnessed directly the fate of the Ardent and Antelope as the battle raged around her, the Argonaut remained on station and acted as air-defence co-ordinator, in addition to providing valuable support from her weapon systems. Eventually she returned home under her own steam, Lieutenant-Commander B. Dutton, Q.G.M., having successfully dealt with one of the UXBs and won himself a D.S.O. in the process; the other was rendered safe by Sergeant J. Prescott, R.E., who was awarded a unique C.G.M. following his death aboard the Antelope in a subsequent UXB incident.