PHOTOS: Navy veterans pay tribute to tragic '˜Sheffield' warship

Veterans of HMS Sheffield paid their respects to former comrades on Sunday in an emotional service at Sheffield Cathedral.
HMS Sheffield D80 Memorial Service held at Sheffield Cathedral on Sunday 6th May 2018. Picture: Chris EtchellsHMS Sheffield D80 Memorial Service held at Sheffield Cathedral on Sunday 6th May 2018. Picture: Chris Etchells
HMS Sheffield D80 Memorial Service held at Sheffield Cathedral on Sunday 6th May 2018. Picture: Chris Etchells

Around 250 veterans, family members and other well-wishers attended the service, with scores more witnessing the parade and wreath-laying outside.

Sailors from the first two HMS Sheffields were present, including many who served on the ‘D80’ ship which was sunk in the Falkands War 36 years ago.

HMS Sheffield D80 Memorial Service held at Sheffield Cathedral on Sunday 6th May 2018. Picture: Chris EtchellsHMS Sheffield D80 Memorial Service held at Sheffield Cathedral on Sunday 6th May 2018. Picture: Chris Etchells
HMS Sheffield D80 Memorial Service held at Sheffield Cathedral on Sunday 6th May 2018. Picture: Chris Etchells
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Shaun Lee, 54, from Cleethorpes, was just 19 years old when the destroyer went down.

He said: “The link between Sheffield and the ship is fantastic.

“When we came back after the Falklands for our reunions the way we were treated was incredible.”

“It is just great to see all the lads again. When we came last year there some that I hadn’t seen for 25 years.

HMS Sheffield D80 Memorial Service held at Sheffield Cathedral on Sunday 6th May 2018. Picture: Chris EtchellsHMS Sheffield D80 Memorial Service held at Sheffield Cathedral on Sunday 6th May 2018. Picture: Chris Etchells
HMS Sheffield D80 Memorial Service held at Sheffield Cathedral on Sunday 6th May 2018. Picture: Chris Etchells
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“But it is like you’ve never been apart. The camaraderie and comradeship is unmatched.”

Stephen Iacovou, 61, from Sale, who was the physical training instructor aboard the ship from 1980 until she went down two years later, agreed.

“The service today was fantastic. Every year it seems to grow in stature and size and momentum,” he said.

Tanzy Lee, 64, from the HMS Sheffield Association, said they strongly supported a campaign - championed by the Star - to build a new HMS Sheffield to join the ranks of its illustrious predecessors.

HMS Sheffield D80 Memorial Service held at Sheffield Cathedral on Sunday 6th May 2018. Picture: Chris EtchellsHMS Sheffield D80 Memorial Service held at Sheffield Cathedral on Sunday 6th May 2018. Picture: Chris Etchells
HMS Sheffield D80 Memorial Service held at Sheffield Cathedral on Sunday 6th May 2018. Picture: Chris Etchells
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He also revealed that the association was hoping to have a Union Jack that flew on the D80 displayed permanently in the Cathedral.

He said they would soon launch an appeal to raise the £5,000 needed and urged the people of Sheffield to get involved in the campaign.

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