HMS Sheffield survivor pays tribute to former shipmates on anniversary of tragedy

It is 38 years since an Exocet missile crashed into the destroyer on May 4, 1982, during the Falklands War, and the city will never forget those who lost their lives that day.

This year’s memorial service at Sheffield Cathedral had to be cancelled due to the coronavirus crisis but that has not stopped people paying their respects.

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Andy Stephenson, who grew up in Batemoor, was a teenager serving on HMS Sheffield when the missile struck.

Writing on the anniversary of the disaster, he said: “(I was) born and raised in Sheffield and (am) proud and privileged to have served onboard HMS Sheffield.

“Today is always a difficult day and to the many of us who were fortunate and returned home 38 years ago, many were less fortunate and remain on patrol. To our 20 shipmates who sadly lost their lives and to those who have since crossed the bar, you remain in our thoughts and prayers.”

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As well as those who died in the attack, 26 of the crew were badly injured, suffering burns, smoke inhalation or shock. The ship sank six days later, while it was being towed.

The tragedy sent shockwaves throughout Sheffield, where it continues to resonate.

Kevin Jebson wrote: “I was on the 98 bus from town to Chapeltown and the driver stopped in Grenoside and shouted down the bus ‘they’ve sank Sheffield’. Everyone was completely dumbfounded and shocked. It felt like a very personal attack on us and hurt. RIP HMS Sheffield and those who died.”

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Andrew Kenyon wrote: “This sad anniversary comes around once again. RIP to the lost souls and a shout out to the brave survivors, always linked to the steel city and always in my thoughts.”

The HMS Sheffield which sank during the Falklands War was the second of three ships to bear the city’s name. In 2018, following a campaign by The Star and partners, it was announced a fourth HMS Sheffield would be built.