Last Falklands warship given send-off by veterans

Veterans and members of the public have turned out to give a final farewell to a former Royal Navy flagship that played a "vital role" in the Falklands conflict.

HMS Bristol was towed out of Portsmouth Harbour on Wednesday, almost five years after it was decommissioned.

The warship, which was the last ship serving from the Falklands War, is being taken to a Turkish scrapyard.

Chris Howe, from the South Atlantic Medal Association 1982, said the vessel had a "remarkable and unique legacy".

The Type 82 destroyer was commissioned in March 1973 but having been designed to defend a class of aircraft carriers which was never built, it was the only warship of its class to enter service.

The vessel led a group of two destroyers, five frigates and an RFA supply ship providing reinforcements in the Falklands, and later joined the carrier battle task group as an air defence destroyer.

In 1987 it became a training ship before an explosion in its boiler led to it being used as a harbour training vessel - until it was decommissioned in October 2020, after almost 48 years of service.

Members of the public and veterans congregated on Old Portsmouth's Round Tower to wave off HMS Bristol, which was visually rust-stained, as it left the Hampshire naval base.

"As HMS Bristol embarks on its final voyage to the scrapyard in Turkey, we pause to reflect on its remarkable and unique legacy," Mr Howe said.

"For many veterans, Bristol was more than a vessel - it was a home, a place of camaraderie, and a symbol of resilience.

"Its departure marks the end of an era, but its contributions to our history and the memories of those who served aboard will endure."

"We honour all who sailed in her and bid HMS Bristol a respectful farewell."

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