Orders, Decorations and Medals

SOUTH ATLANTIC 1982, with Rosette (Lt. N. Sethia, R.N., H.M.S. Conqueror) together with remains of card box of issue, extremely fine and rare

In the early hours of 2nd May 1982 H.M.S. Conqueror, with Commander Wreford-Brown in Command, began surveillance of the Argentine cruiser General Belgrano whilst assisting in the enforcement of the Total Exclusion Zone around the Falkland Islands. In total compliance with the authority given later in the day, Commander Wreford-Brown took H.M.S. Conqueror into a classic attack, hitting the cruiser with two torpedos from a range of 1200 yards. H.M.S. Conqueror then withdrew after successfully evading a depth charge attack by two escorting destroyers. The General Belgrano subsequently sank. Following this action, H.M.S. Conqueror continued to play a full part in the operation, including periods spent close inshore in shallow water. On one occasion, for example, she penetrated into Gulf San Marias in rough weather conditions in water only 27 fathoms deep. She was continuously at sea for longer than any other Royal Navy Submarine. After the sinking of the General Belgrano, the Argentine Navy withdrew to remain within their twelve mile limit for the remainder of the campaign. H.M.S. Conqueror's action was instrumental in proving the efficiency of the submarine blockade which, firmly deterring any action by enemy surface forces, allowed the Task Force Commander to concentrate his surface units against the air threat, thereby minimising damage and casualties to our own forces.