South Atlantic 1982, with rosette (AB(M) P. M. Orr, D181887X H.M.S. Plymouth) mounted court style as worn, extremely fine £1200-1500

H.M.S. Plymouth was a ‘Rothesay’ Class type 12 anti-submarine frigate of 2,800 tons, launched at Devonport in 1959 and commissioned in 1961. Heavily involved in the Falklands War, she sailed with tanker R.F.A. Tidepool and destroyer H.M.S. Antrim to South Georgia with Royal Marines and S.A.S. aboard. She then provided cover for the aircraft carriers and amphibious vessels and was one of the first Royal Navy ships to enter San Carlos Water. On 21 May 1982 she went to the assistance of the frigate H.M.S. Argonaut that had suffered bomb damage. On 8 June she was attacked by five Mirage aircraft. In the ensuing action she managed to destroy two and damage two others but was hit by four bombs and numerous shells; five men were injured in the attack. After emergency repairs she returned to the fleet and was able to provide gunfire support to the land forces. She returned home on 21 June. During the course of the Falklands War she had steamed 34,000 miles, fired 900+ 4.5 inch shells and destroyed five aircraft. H.M.S. Plymouth was decommissioned on 28 April 1988 and was preserved, being open to the public at Birkenhead since 1992.

Able Seaman Orr received a Commendation from the Commander of Task Force 317:

‘Able Seaman (M) Orr was the Aimer of the GWS 20 action Sea Cat aimer crew. From 21 May to 8 June 82, they displayed good teamwork and skill against frequent enemy attacks, operating from their exposed position aft. They successfully shot down several enemy aircraft and damaged others. Target presentation was minimal owing to the close proximity of land and very low level attacks. Able Seaman Orr contributed greatly to the air defence of H.M.S. Plymouth, and I commend him for his courageous performance throughout the period of operations’.

Sold with copied Certificate of Commendation and ship history.