Pair: Petty Officer D. Taylor, Royal Navy, who was on board H.M.S. Ardent when she was sunk by enemy aircraft during the Falklands War

South Atlantic 1982, with rosette (PO(M) D Taylor D088549V HMS Ardent); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., E.II.R., 2nd issue (PO(M) D Taylor D088549V HMS Raleigh) nearly extremely fine (2) £1400-1600

David Taylor was born in Nelson, Lancashire on 28 July 1947. A Weaver by occupation, he enlisted into the Royal Navy, as an Ordinary Seaman, in March 1965. He was advanced to Able Seaman in June 1966 when on Bulwark and to Leading Seaman in January 1976 when on Galatea. He served on the Ardent for the first time during the period September 1977-January 1979, being promoted to Acting Petty Officer in October 1978. Serving at Raleigh, October 1979-May 1980, he was awarded the Royal Navy L.S. & G.C. on 30 March 1980. Having been confirmed in the rank of Petty Officer, he served for a second time on Ardent, from May 1980 until her loss during the Falklands War in May 1982.

The frigate 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 best 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 a 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.’

Surviving the action, Taylor went on to serve until April 1987 when he was pensioned. With copied Royal Navy Certificate of Service and a postcard photograph of H.M.S. Ardent.