The James Fox Collection of Naval Awards

South Atlantic 1982, with rosette (AB (R) A J L Harding D173004F HMS Penelope) nearly extremely fine £500-£700

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

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H.M.S. Penelope, a Leander-class Frigate launched in 1962, served during the Falklands War as a close-escort ship, and early on 14 June had a close encounter: ‘Several enemy aircraft, including Exocet carrying Super Etendards, attacked our troops surrounding Stanley and harrassed British shipping. As they opened to the north east they spotted Penelope with a merchantman in company. A missile was launched from the air and most of those on the upper deck saw its menacing red glow as it descended from the launch aircraft and skimmed at wavetop height towards the ship. The ship avoided the missile by violent high speed manoeuvring. It was a most sobering experience. The merchantman, unaware of the dire danger, observed Penelope’s dramatic missile firing actions and signalled, “I enjoyed the firework display”.’