The James Fox Collection of Naval Awards

South Atlantic 1982, with rosette (MEM(M)1 L Pearce D171866B HMS Ardent) in its named card box of issue, good very fine £1,600-£2,000

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

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H.M.S. Ardent sustained serious damage from enemy air attack on 21 May 1982, and sank off North West Island in Falkland Sound during the following evening, her casualties amounting to 22 killed and 37 wounded. The ship’s fate is summarised in the citation for the D.S.C. awarded to her captain, Commander A. J. West, R.N., as per the following announcement in the London Gazette of 8 October 1982:

‘On 21 May 1982, H.M.S. Ardent, commanded by Commander West, was deployed to Grantham Sound to conduct Naval Gunfire Support during the amphibious landings in San Carlos Water; in particular to cover the withdrawal of an S.A.S. diversionary patrol. Isolated there, H.M.S. Ardent was subject to heavy air attack (at one stage eleven aircraft were involved). Despite these overwhelming odds, Commander West covered the S.A.S. withdrawal and supported 2 Para establishing themselves on Sussex Mountain. He fought his ship bravely, shooting down one Pucara, and continued to bring fire to bear on enemy aircraft despite the progressive loss of the ship’s propulsion, Seacat system and 4.5-inch gun. Eventually, after being hit by no less than nine bombs and several rockets, and with no hope of saving the ship, he ordered her to be abandoned. The utmost credit should go to Commander West for continuing to fight his ship in the face of extreme adversity and in particular for the well organised manner in which she was abandoned. Without his calm courage and personal direction in the face of overwhelming odds far greater loss of life might have occurred.’

In addition to Commander A. J. West, Lieutenant-Commander John Sephton was also awarded the D.S.C., a posthumous award stemming from a V.C. recommendation; Petty Officer John Leake was awarded the D.S.M. (see Dix Noonan Webb, 23 September 2011, Lot 958); Able Seaman John Edward Dillon the G.M., and M.E.A. 1 K. Enticknapp the Q.G.M., another down-graded recommendation.