MCAULAY Allan

Additional information on the memorial: C.P.O. R.N.

HMS Ardent was launched in May 1975. In 1982 she was part of a military operation engaged in removing the invading Argentine forces from the Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic. During the early hours of 21st May she led the Amphibious Task Force into Falkland Sound and then moved into Gun Line position to provide gunfire support to Royal Marines advancing towards Goose Green. During the afternoon HMS Ardent came under attack from enemy aircraft (A-4 Skyhawks) and was hit by nine 500lb bombs, three of which exploded blowing up a hangar and smashing the aft Auxiliary Room. CPO McAulay, along with two other crew members, was killed instantly. Although the ship was on fire she was still able to sail for San Carlos Water. A further attack minutes after the first resulted in no further hits. However, the next attack twenty minutes later resulted in two more 500lb bombs hitting the ship’s port stern. With the fires spreading out of control she stopped in the shallow waters of Grantham Sound where she finally sank the following morning. Twenty two crew members lost their lives during the attacks.

HMS Ardent Association:  http://www.hmsardent.org

The grave photograph available shows Allan McAulay’s name on the Armed Forces Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas, England.