Auction Catalogue

31 March 2010

Starting at 10:00 AM

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British and World Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Washington Mayfair Hotel  London  W1J 5HE

Lot

№ 271

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31 March 2010

Hammer Price:
£580

South Atlantic 1982, with rosette (MEM(M)2 A W Archer D191654F HMS Antrim) with original named card box of issue, nearly extremely fine £550-650

H.M.S. Antrim, a County Class Guided Missile Destroyer, was commanded by Captain B. G. Young, D.S.O. As part of the advance-guard sent South, she played a prominent role in the recapture of South Georgia and assisted in the movement of S.A.S. troops. Between 20-21 May she led the Naval Forces in the Falkland Sound during the amphibious landings. At this time she was hit by a 1000lb bomb delivered by a Dagger fighter-bomber. The bomb struck the flight deck, gashed two missiles in the magazine and came to rest in the Seaman’s After Heads, without exploding. In further attacks by Daggers she was sprayed with 30mm. shells causing two serious casualties. After 10 fraught hours the unexploded bomb was dealt with by C.P.O. Michael Fellows of the Fleet Clearance Diving Team; an action that was to earn him the D.S.C. As a result of the damage sustained the Antrim reverted to escort duties for the remainder of the campaign.