City remembers HMS Sheffield

Former crew of HMS Sheffield gathered in the city to remember those who died when the ship was blasted by a missile during the Falklands War.
By The Newsroom
Published 8th May 2016, 16:14 BST
Updated 8th May 2016, 17:20 BST
HMS Sheffield memorial service for HMS Sheffield that sank killing 20 sailors Picture Dean AtkinsHMS Sheffield memorial service for HMS Sheffield that sank killing 20 sailors Picture Dean Atkins
HMS Sheffield memorial service for HMS Sheffield that sank killing 20 sailors Picture Dean Atkins

Personnel from the ship – nicknamed the Shiny Sheff – held a memorial at the Cathedral in the city centre on Sunday.

On May 4, 1982, at the height of the conflict, the Royal Navy warship named after our city was blasted by a missile, killing 20 personnel and injuring 24 others.

FALKANDS HMS Sheffield was victorious during the second world war- but a later destroyer of the sam name fared worse when she was hit by an Exocet missile during the 1982 falklands warFALKANDS HMS Sheffield was victorious during the second world war- but a later destroyer of the sam name fared worse when she was hit by an Exocet missile during the 1982 falklands war
FALKANDS HMS Sheffield was victorious during the second world war- but a later destroyer of the sam name fared worse when she was hit by an Exocet missile during the 1982 falklands war
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

This weekend’s event was organised by the HMS Sheffield Association, a group of veterans dedicated to keeping alive the memory of the ship lost in the conflict between Britain and Argentina, and two other ships with the same name.

A ceremony was held outside the Cathedral and a wreath was laid by a plaque dedicated to those who lost their lives on the ship.

A memorial service was then held inside the Cathedral.

Veterans travelled from cities across the country including Portsmouth and Manchester to attend.

FALKANDS HMS Sheffield was victorious during the second world war- but a later destroyer of the sam name fared worse when she was hit by an Exocet missile during the 1982 falklands warFALKANDS HMS Sheffield was victorious during the second world war- but a later destroyer of the sam name fared worse when she was hit by an Exocet missile during the 1982 falklands war
FALKANDS HMS Sheffield was victorious during the second world war- but a later destroyer of the sam name fared worse when she was hit by an Exocet missile during the 1982 falklands war

Stephen Iacovou, who served on HMS Sheffield and attends the service every year, said: “Sheffield is the ship’s spiritual home. It’s always nice to see everyone. Our time in the service leaves an imprint. Unless you have been in the service you wouldn’t necessarily understand. There has been a big loss and it’s good to come back together and talk about it. It’s humbling to see so many people turn up.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Shaun Lee, who also served on the ship, said: We need to remember the people that served and were lost. It’s good for everyone who was on the ship to come back together. Some of us see each other on and off but it’s nice to have such a big reunion and have this service.”

Related topics:Cathedral