Names of lost Royal Navy sailors and marines who died in Falklands War to be added to Havant War Memorial
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Their sacrifice will be immortalised on the memorial for their families to see
Three naval personnel who lost their lives fighting in the Falklands War will have their names added to Havant War Memorial.
Kenneth Evans, Anthony Charles Eggington and Richard Charles Emly will join the names of their comrades on the memorial in West Street. A short ceremony will be held on July 22 to honour their service.
Mayor of Havant, Councillor Paul Tansom, said "Havant Borough Council is committed to supporting Veterans and the Armed Forces community, and as such it is important that we do not forget that sacrifices continue to be made and lives are still being lost. This is not a thing just of the past but a very real part of the here and now, particularly for the friends and families of those directly impacted.
“Whilst the Falklands was 44 years ago, and it is with sadness that I note that these names are only now being added, it is important that their names are remembered alongside the others that we owe so much to."
Kenneth Evans, of Waterlooville, served as a Corporal in the Royal Marines with 45 Commando. Anthony Eggington, of Purbrook, served as a Weapons Engineering Artificer aboard the Type 42 destroyer HMS Sheffield. Richard Emly, of Havant, was stationed on the same ship as a Sub Lieutenant.
HMS Sheffield was struck on her starboard side by an Argentine Exocet missile in an attack which left 20 personnel dead and another 26 injured. Approximately half of those who died did so on impact, with the remaining victims dying due to smoke inhalation and carbon monoxide poisoning as the fires spread through the ship’s decks.
The crew of destroyer fought for almost four hours to save the ship before Captain James ‘Sam’ Salt ordered them to abandon ship. Flooding caused HMS Sheffield to roll over and sink on May 10, 1982. She was the first British ship to be lost in enemy action since the Second World War, and the first of four British ships sunk by the Argentine air force in the Falklands War.
The memorial ceremony will take place at the site of the memorial at St Faith’s Church next Wednesday at 10am. Cllr Tansom will be involved in the service alongside Honorary Alderman Ms Leah Turner and Conservative MP Alan Mak. Members of the public are welcome to attend.