Falklands War: Veteran recalls horror of fires on ship after Argentine Exocet missile attack

During the final phase of the Falklands War, British land forces were ordered to seize several mountain features held by Argentinian forces near the capital, Stanley. 

Off the coast, Royal Navy ships provided naval gunfire in support.

HMS Glamorgan had just completed her bombardment and was sailing to safety when she was hit by an Argentine Exocet missile.

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Andy Gatherer was serving on board and recalls the immediate aftermath of the attack and his desperate attempts to help stem the fires.

He recalled entering the aircraft hangar, which had a "huge hole" in it and seeing a helicopter that had "completely been blown apart".

He added: "There was high-pressure air cylinders in the corner that could have exploded.

"There was just a lot of noise, there was a lot of debris everywhere, there was smoke, flames, we walked straight into this.

"We got to the end of the hose where the guys were at and there was no nozzle on the end of the hose."

The brave actions of the crew saved the ship from sinking, but 14 sailors died in the attack.

If you have been affected by any of the subjects in this interview, advice and support is available here.

In 2022, we created a page dedicated to the 40th anniversary of the Falklands War. There you can find our memorial wall, as well as more Falklands stories, videos and podcasts.