Falklands War RFA Sir Galahad (1966)

sir galahad active during falklands war, sailing hmnb devonport on 6 april 350 royal marines , entering san carlos water on 21 may. on 24 may 1982 in san carlos water attacked a-4 skyhawks of argentine air force s iv brigada aérea , hit 1000 pound bomb dropped lt. luis alberto tucu cervera s a-4, (which did not detonate) strafed dagger fighter bombers. after removal of unexploded bomb, carried out supply runs teal inlet along rfa sir percivale.

on 8 june 1982 while preparing unload soldiers welsh guards in port pleasant, off fitzroy, rfa sir tristram, sir galahad attacked 3 a-4 skyhawks argentine air force s v brigada aérea, each loaded 3 500 lb retarding tail bombs. @ approximately 14:00 local time rfa sir galahad hit 2 or 3 bombs , set alight. total of 48 soldiers , crewman killed in explosions , subsequent fire.

her captain, philip roberts waited until last minute abandon ship , last leave. subsequently awarded dso leadership , courage. chiu yiu-nam, seaman on rfa sir galahad, awarded george medal rescuing ten men trapped in fire in bowels of ship.

bbc television cameras recorded images of royal navy helicopters hovering in thick smoke winch survivors burning landing ships. these images seen around world.

other units affected include 3 troop (of 20 field squadron, 36 engineer regiment) temporarily attached 9 independent parachute squadron royal engineers , being transported on galahad provide engineering support following landings. engineers feature prominently in contemporary footage showing 2 lifeboats landing survivors. 16 field ambulance (ramc) on board , assisted treatment , evacuation of many casualties.