This came as a surprise to the Argentine leadership, they genuinely thought the UN would support their intervention. Agree with TAS regarding general legalities. One of our PO’s had been over to the AC to check out on liquid oxygen earlier in the month , when he was getting ready to fly back to the Hermes , the guys on the AC questioned the way he was putting his survival suit on. Very Early Pacific Steam Navigation Company Officers Cloth & Wire Cap Hat Badge. Within 48 hours of our departure, two of the rearmost upper containers on the port side started leaking Aviation fuel, which came as a shock to most. Had she not taken the hit would it have taken us? 54 merchant ships were taken up from trade (STUFT) to assist the armed forces during the South Atlantic conflict. Additional Harrier GR.3 modifications included tie down points on the outriggers, changes to the nose wheel, various holes either drilled or plugged and changes to the navigation system, all to allow them to deploy from aircraft carriers. I served on the vessel at this time and must give credit to some of my fellow shipmates onboard who were serving onboard the previous vessel when she was lost in the falklands war and in the true spirit of the British Merchant seamen when called upon to serve their country stepped forward and took up the challenge as had every merchant seaman before them had done over the years. They were all just brilliant. 3. A short tour to the Falkland Islands was followed by decommissioning of the ARAPAHO equipment and sales of the vessel back to the MoD. I can find absolutely no trace of him. R I P. I was a junior purser on RAG Regent. One must remember in 1982 UK forces were configured for ‘Cold War’ NATO tasks and expeditionary capabilities did not have the same priority as given to the expected Warsaw Pact thrust into Western Europe. There are strange claims to sightings of a British submarine and a hitherto unknown group of SBS troops that blew up a Arg landing craft killing 30+ men. The key parts are in Attachment’s 1 and 2, these cover the subject of self-protection measures, stores stowage and damage control issues. Heading for Conveyor. Thank You for your excellent piece which I have only just come across. Individual members of the crew may not be armed, as they are not combatants (though they are civilians directly participating in hostilities), but the vessels can be equipped with weapons for self defence. 4. When She Sank I heard at the time that Certain Millitary were snooping around the Wreck for Hi Tech classified cargo/equipment…and Royal Navy Divers had been Down to Recover, or Destroy what was left on Board and keeping an eye on the area. As an Atlantic Conveyor survivor myself (18Sqn), I thought you might wantt to consider just a few points: Conversion and Departure – “The containers on deck were used for storing fresh water and oxygen”. We therefore spent most of the second night at sea hosing down aircraft and decking as Avtur rained down on us until all the remaining fuel could be pumped overboard. The posting about Atlantic Container Lines two weeks ago when, The first generation ships were built in 1970 and started calling in Halifax before the Halterm container pier was completed. Mr Williams made his report calmly and then went to the Breathing Apparatus store where he began valiant efforts to recharge air breathing bottles. Even here in the States we haven’t forgotten the Sheffield, the Ardent, the Antelope the Coventry or the The graphic below shows the two main features of the AMOC: the first is the flow of warm, salty water in the upper layers of the ocean northwards from the Gulf of Mexico (red line). Occasionally mounted and tested before being re-stowed. Warships start sailing South. The surface circulation consists of several large gyres - 5 in the subtropics, and 2 in the Northern Hemisphere subpolar regions (figure 1). As it moves around Antarctica, two sections split off the conveyor and turn northward. Contender Bezant was utilised as an aircraft transport, ferrying helicopters and Harriers south to the Falkland Islands. ACL's Atlantic Cinderella also at pier 36. I think that you will find most of the RFA flotilla are now defensively armed with Phalanx/Lmg’s/Mini guns et al. Stores and munitions were also transferred and a Lynx disembarked. In December 1983, I was on operation “Clockwork” in northern Norway, left-hand seat in “YD” when we spiralled in nose first from 1200ft. Morale was pretty low for a time. Throughout the incident Mr Williams showed exceptional bravery and leadership and a total disregard for his own safety. I don’t fully understand the legalities put forward re defensive armament of ‘auxiliaries’. Third Engineer Brian Robert WILLIAMS, Merchant Navy. Atlantic Conveyor was a 14,950 ton roll-on, roll-off container ship owned by Cunard. At a dining in after it was all over, our chaplain said a prayer for our lost gallant allies, and our battalion commander raised a glass with the words, “To absent friends.”, A good refresh, just at the end lost track of G3s and G4s (unless the latter are the Points?). HC Deb 22 December 1983 vol 51 c424W 424W. However, in order to be effective the RCS return of a chaff cloud has, in simple terms, to be greater than the ship it is intended to protect. Dave “Bungy” Williams WEM(R)1, Certainly brought back a few memories for me! Five Chinook HC.1’s of No. Our weapon systems locked onto both the missiles and tracked them all the way in but they were unable to engage them because they were out of range. The Atlantic Causeway was returned to service with ACL and Contender Bezant converted to RFA Argus but it was the MV Astronomer that would be the focus of trials and experimentation for the auxiliary aviation support vessel concept. The Evening Light had faded The modification package for the Atlantic Conveyor included covering the container hold with steel plates, fitting a Replenishment at Sea (RAS) system, creating a system of shelters and equipment stores on the deck using ISO containers/portacabins and installing additional communications equipment. Another role of RFA Argus is that of RORO vehicle transport with vehicles carried in the hangar and on the flight deck, a role she performed in support of United Nations operations in the former Yugoslavia. It must never Happen again Then, realising that a further rescue mission was a forlorn hope and knowing that there was a grave risk of further explosions and the spread of fire, he armed himself with asbestos gloves and fresh breathing apparatus and accompanied by the Doctor and a PO Engineer again braved the appalling heat and smoke for a further attempt to rescue the mechanic. A working test was completed for Mexeflote/Rear Ramp access and the installation of a landing pad. ZA718 Bravo November – Dick Langworthy, DFC, who flew BN for the remaining conflict had a heart attack and unfortunately died in the FI, at Port San Carlos, the following year while 18 Sqn detachment commander. P&P: + £9.99 P&P . The Atlantic Container Line (ACL) consortium was founded in 1965, comprising Wallenius Lines (OW), Swedish America Line(SAL/Brostroms), The Transatlantic Steamship Company Limited (RABT) and Holland America Line (HAL). Don’t make yourself too comfy mate, we’ll be back. To be very fair, the escorts did their jobs, they fired chaff and decoyed the missiles away from the Ambuscade, which was probably their primary target. We saw them hit the middle of the “Conveyor” and the explosion seemed to go through her and out the other side. She was requisitioned by the Ministry of Defence for service in the Falklands War. Although we never got near the rear deck again because of thick acrid smoke, it might be an interestingly fact to some that despite the intricate start-up sequence normally required, Bravo Tango’s APU started all by itself as the aircraft started to burn. If you have the facilities to check, we were informed to change position with her! It was then I realised the ship had been hit. There is also the point that on the 25th, Broadsword was paired with Coventry and might have been positioned for covering ACO. She was built along with six other container ships, each named with the prefix Atlantic, and each sailing under different national flags for different companies. Cammell Laird and BAE completed the conversion which included two accommodation blocks (called the Village and the Hilton), power and ventilation, water purification and storage, communications, hangar and flight deck, generators and electrical distribution systems, and weapons and fuel storage. By then, the ‘British Military Machine’ was starting to move…. My instructor Yeoman at HMS Mercury in 83 was at times a bit odd. The adjective thermohaline derives from thermo-referring to temperature and -haline referring to salt content, factors which together determine the density of sea water. They released Exocet missiles at 23 miles All the ships fired Chaff which is just bits of silver paper it worked for a second but the missiles locked on again straight into the stern of the Atlantic Conveyor. We were just off her starboard side. With a few engine problems and difficult conditions, this transfer took slightly longer than planned but by the 21st, all the Harriers were gone. The second is the cooling of water i… This content failed to load. In December 1982, Astronomer was leased by the Ministry of Defence and underwent further conversion during which she was fitted with the US ARAPAHO system, a flight deck and hangar facilities for trials. The ship left on the night of the 7th of May and the next day, the Harriers were covered with the same Dri-Clad bags that protected the helicopters. Despite repeated efforts of the crew of The Irishman, she sank in the early hours of the 28th of May, 1982. I am your Mother The Sea However, as they approached, the conditions became literally unbearable and the mission had to be abandoned. Joining the Chinook’s were also six Wessex HU.5 of 848 NAS and a small number of Army Air Corps Wasp helicopters. She was built along with six other container ships, each named Atlanticand sailing under different national flags for different companies. However regarding the standing of RFA civilian crews; I have been researching same and certainly, according to WIKI their position seems quite convoluted and hybrid – Civil Service sailors with special RNR standing when in harms way, legally under Naval discipline. Atlantic Causeway sailed on the 14th of May with 28 helicopters and arrived in the Total Exclusion Zone (TEZ) the 27th of the same month, disembarking her aircraft and stores in San Carlos Water from 31st of May. The truth is it didn’t. Kent A. Horton, Captain, Armor, US Army (Ret.). Halterm's first container crane is still under construction in the background, and there are still sheds on pier B. In any case the whole shebang was, a few years later, put under the direct auspice’s of CinC fleet – something that I personally thought should have been done many years previously. There has always been a debate as to whether we were hit by one or two missiles – it doesn’t really matter I guess, despite gallant efforts, there was nothing we could do to save her. In fact, the climate of all of northwestern Europe greatly depends on this heat piracy associated with the Nordic Heat Pump, which helps move heat from the Caribbean into the northern North Atlantic, and even from the tropical regions of the South Atlantic. Atlantic Conveyor before conversion Before. Adrian didn’t hesitate when he was called to do his duty .He loved the R N . A Wessex helicopter from HMS Hermes photographed the still burning ship the day after the attack. As I was crossing the deck from ship’s office to tack bay, remember seeing missiles. No large scale moves of infantry forces by helicopter were possible and most of the troops had to walk (tabbing or yomping, depending on the colour of your beret) up to fifty miles across East Falkland, from San Carlos to Stanley, before starting the main attack, a feat of arms that is still notable today. We picked up a life raft with about 24 in while we were doing this about five floated past, they looked dead a couple had put their survival suits on wrong and were floating feet up. 14/4/1982 War Cabinet set up and begins to assemble invasion fleet. Is anyone out there who can help? Andromeda arrived the day after, many also question why the ACO could not have been held east for another day. Jackson 2, S.A. Cunningham 3, N.P. But I never understood why they were so unprotected in a It was only extreme mischance that causes them to lock on to another target. monitor. Joining the Atlantic Conveyor for the voyage to Ascension Island was the MV Europic Ferry and MV Norland. I think that it was all a rather grey area that was brought to light during Corporate. Chaff (or lack of) is often cited. One section moves into … This is made up of the “Gulf Stream” to the south and the “North Atlantic Current” further north. A complex series of aircraft movements culminated in all aircraft being stowed for the onward journey to the Falkland Islands, 8 Sea Harriers and 6 Harrier GR3’s were to be carried south. 2/4/1982 Argentinians invade the Falkland Islands 6/4/1982 Conveyor had been laid up in Liverpool - taken up from trade by MoD to transport Harriers to war zone. I’m in shock that the same aircraft rescued me, then 19 months later nearly killed me! Atlantic Conveyor was a 14,950 ton roll-on, roll-off container ship owned by Cunard. What an Excellent Piece you wrote and research involved. There is also the fact that she received an instruction to turn, which put her side on. The vehicle decks were used for all manner of military stores including tentage and tent heaters for the entire task force, 11 Squadron RE’s G10 stores, equipment and plant for the planned Harrier Forward Operating Base (FOB), stacker trucks, twelve Combat Support Boats, specialist spares, dracones (floating rubber fuel tanks), fuel pumping equipment, water desalination equipment, generators, lighting sets and other non-aircraft munitions. She was later commissioned into the Royal Fleet Auxiliary as RFA RELIANT in late 1983. In addition to the huge volume of stores, three Chinook, six Wessex and a Lynx helicopter were lost, including all their specialist tools, spares and manuals. 18 Squadron RAF were flown to the Atlantic Conveyor, rotor blades removed and the airframes protected with Dri-Clad covers and corrosion inhibitors. Argentine commanders correctly assumed that the opportunity to dislodge British forces from San Carlos had passed and their best course of action was to disrupt the sustainment of the blockade. North. Images of the prone Royal Marines were iconic but what was not widely known at the time was that the soldiers that ordered the Royal Marines to do so were admonished by an Argentine officer who then requested the Royal Marines stand up and be proud of themselves. The system immediately acquired them and the T.V. RELOAD PAGE. Although the loss of the Atlantic Conveyor ultimately did not change the result of the campaign and her primary mission of delivering the precious Harriers and Sea Harriers completed, her loss would be acutely felt. As I say, it is all rather convoluted but obviously legal if RNR regulations apply when the vessel is in a combat situation. One spark and the ship probably would have been lost. Another version of this, collated from various sources, is presented here and here. The citation Falklands War duties, saved men & equipment. The Royal Navy (RN) and Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) ships were not nearly enough for 3CDO, let alone the eventual force that sailed, help would be needed. The memorial features a propeller and shaft that has been aligned on a magnetic bearing of 62 degrees to indicate the point, 90 miles out, where the MV Atlantic Conveyor finally came to rest. The journey to the Maritime Exclusion Zone (MEZ) took until the 19th of May and during that time, one Sea Harrier was kept on ‘Deck Alert 20’ in the ‘anti-shadower’ role to protect against Argentine Air Force 707 reconnaissance flights. In one mission, it carried 28 men and two 105mm Light Gun in the cabin, plus another Light Gun slung, must have been a tight squeeze! Smeed 4 and D.P. By the beginning of April 1982, the invasion of the Falkland Islands by Argentina was imminent and in due course, after a brief firefight, Governor Rex Hunt ordered the Royal Marines garrison to surrender. The Voyage South – When the Russian “Bear’ was sighted, the Deck Alert Sea Harrier was in the process of being launched when it was discovered that no-one on board could find the fins for the side-winders, but thats a story for the Matelot’s (Maternot!) Ade was truly a great young man and so much fun. He recounted to his wife that he had been injured in some way and that during treatment on another ship (which could have been Hermes) he had a bad allergic reaction. All was not lost, though, supplementing the initial stores being used to build the FOB, on RFA Stromness was a small quantity of PSA (Prefabricated Surfacing Airfield) panels that were used for bomb damage repair and vertical take-off and landing pads. Rue Britannia! After some preparation, four Chinook helicopters from 18 Squadron RAF were detached to RNAS Culdrose to support the task force by ferrying all manner of supplies to the ships, including a 7-tonne drive shaft bearing. Damage control and firefighting continued, and ammunition was dumped overboard, but it was a losing battle, with systems failing and light fading fast, the decision was made to abandon ship at 20.05, 25 minutes after the attack. ,!! The Ship Borne Containerised Air Defence System (SCADS) was another proposal, it included a complete aviation setup and a containerised Sea Wolf missile system. He was eventually ordered to the upper deck to abandon ship. In my mind is an image of one of the STUFTs mounting a pair of Bofors guns, but perhaps memory is playing tricks. She sailed from Liverpool the day after, bound for Devonport. I could see her clearly ablaze especially around the superstructure lads running up and down the deck donning there once only survival suits and going over the side as she was that close to us. The large Chinook on the crowded deck of HMS Hermes caused some problems for aircraft movement and consideration was given to sawing the blades off and stowing below or even dumping it over the side in best Vietnam fashion. At that time it was requisitioned by the British Minister of Defense for service in the Falklands War. It should not be forgotten that the Chinook had at that time, only been in service for a short time. Most famously, RFA Argus participated in OP GRITROCK, the UK’s response to the Ebola outbreak in Sierra Leone, and of course, a star turn in the Brad Pitt film, World War Z. MV Astronomer was another civilian container ship pressed into service for Operation Corporate. When I closed up to my action station I got kitted up I opened the weather deck access door for a peek to see what was happening. Nonetheless Mr Williams promptly put on breathing apparatus and set off to the rescue of the mechanic whom he found, following a further large explosion, seriously injured and trapped in a way that assistance would be required to release him. The Mediterranean’s deep water pours into the Atlantic at a rate of two meters (about 6.5 feet) per second and helps raise the overall salinity of the Atlantic Ocean. The Atlantic Conveyor was therefore NOT to be an aircraft carrier conversion, but primarily a transport vessel for Harriers and Chinook’s. “In my mind is an image of one of the STUFTs mounting a pair of Bofors guns, but perhaps memory is playing tricks”. It is difficult to see how the Royal Artillery could have kept up the intense Light Gun firing rate without the heavy lift provided by Bravo November. It definitely seems a ‘one off’. Above photo showing ATLANTIC CONVEYOR leaving Liverpool on her last voyage is copyright of Phil Owen. Am I right in thinking that during the “Battle of the River Plate” film there is mention of a British merchant ship that was armed with a single 4″ gun? The Atlantic Conveyor was built on the Tyne by Swan Hunter and delivered to Cunard in 1970 as part of their contribution to the Atlantic Container Line consortium. Your text makes mention of the initial invasion on 2 April with 1 dead and 2 injured Argentine soldiers. Mr Williams, the Engineer Officer was stationed on watchin the Engine Control Room with the mechanic. The call ‘Handbrake’ was received on board the RN ships, indicating a detected Super Etendard radar emission. I was on the Alacrity at the time we had detected the Etendards and had fired chaff resulting in the conveyor being hit. The news of the Atlantic Conveyors loss came as a bitter blow. It’s good to see they haven’t been forgotten in the Falklands either. That would be MV Elk whose master and SNO seemed to be particularly adept at proffing things that might be useful. After passing out I was told he was the CY of the naval party onboard the ACO, and that he had been picked out of the water as dead, put in a body bag and thrown in the back of a Sea King, where he warmed up and came to, giving the flight crew the fright of their life. A brilliant seaman, brave in war, immensely revered and loved his contribution to the Campaign was enormous and epitomised the great spirit of the Merchant Service. All exist as questions, although perhaps a better word choice would have been controversy, or at least context explained, I tend to the view that there was a slight under appreciation of the value of Chinook in the RN and the same for the potential of the FOB, but both are entirely understandable because Chinook was only very recently in service, the RM did not use them and there was no cooperation between RAF and FAA on FOB capabilities beforehand, or any kind of experience on which to make reference to. One of the Chinook’s was also embarked to be used for moving stores between ships. to cover not us Crabs. He wrote that in May 1983 he was awarded The Queens medal for gallantry. When the ship was hit on 25th May Captain North was a tower of strength during the difficult period of damage assessment leading up to the decision to abandon ship. Three containers were sighted floating at the position where it was assumed she sank. There’s a book knocking around, published within the last year, purporting to tell the “real” story of the defence i.e. Even as long ago as the Beira blockade some RFA’s carried small arms and a few had Bofors that were carried below decks (usually under the for’d deck housing) wrapped in protective greased cloth.. I have a picture of all the survivors on board the British Tay and he is not on it. We debagged and bladed Bravo November first, (no mean feat at sea), which then took off and operated solely from the front deck. the Royals put up a proper fight over many hours and inflicted many more casualties on the Argentine forces. Missiles entered C cargo deck in vicinity of lift shaft. Thank you. It was lengthened in 1987 at Greenock, and with its four fleet mates shares the distinction of being the largest ConRo ships in service. At the time I was not sure about the protection on the Conveyor Mr. Lee The Atlantic Causeway was taken up from trade and converted to transport aircraft and stores during the Falklands emergency. The Atlantic Causeway was pressed into service in the same time frame but with a different set of modifications. Once again, Thank You for recording a fine piece. Then the cold water sinks and flows south again. With only one Chinook available, priorities would mean that it would be largely used for supporting the Royal Artillery Light Guns. Almost comparable in manoeuvrability, flexibility and response Captain North and the ship came through with flying colours. SS ATLANTIC CONVEYOR joined the Carrier Battle Group on 19th May 1982 and was immediately treated as a warship in most respects. Thus, the conveyor belt gets "recharged." we spent the next few hours first tied up alongside trying to firefight and rescue survivors but it was too rough and we were getting smashed together. The ship was tested with helicopters and Sea Harriers. It was a huge blow to the construction of the FOB, compounded by the fact that many of the Sappers vehicles were unable to be offloaded from RFA Sir Lancelot because of unexploded bombs. Photo of ATLANTIC CONVEYOR (RoRo ship, IMO: 8215534, MMSI: 266018000, Callsign: SCKM, Flag: Sweden, Photo-ID: 3072885) taken by b47b56. The day after, the Harriers began their complex and demanding journey south. Thankfully, these options were eventually discounted and the next morning it was refuelled and flown to the Falkland Islands. HMS Alacrity came alongside to attempt boundary cooling and RFA Sir Percival also stood off the port quarter to render assistance. Frankly a little naughty dropping that line under a sub-heading “controversy” – even with the caveat re hindsight. I believe that he was a RNR volunteer and into radio communications. I went to the back of the island and my first instinct when I seen a ship with a mass of smoke coming from , I thought she’s making a lot of smoke to keep up with us. Another mission included carrying 81 fully tooled up Para’s to Fitzroy, yes, 81. When the first helicopter arrived with survivors , it flew down the port side and I seen it was full of men in there orange survival suits, on the deck everyone was brilliant making space so it could land. Atlantic Conveyor was a 14,950 ton roll-on, roll-off container ship owned by Cunard. On May 25, 1982, she was hit by two missiles, caught fire and subsequently sank. I couldn’t stop reading this account. Ship in a port turn passing through approximately 90 degrees at the time. On the 2nd of May, she arrived in Freetown, Sierra Leone, for refuelling and replenishment, once complete she then sailed for Ascension Island. She was on fire within minutes of being hit and it was getting dark we were told to get in as close as we could and pick up people in life rafts. Halifax Express - first visit with new name, Acadian - Irving Oil's only Canadian flag tanker, Atlantic Cartier - all is not well at ACL, Ambassador for gypsum - only ship 2 for 2012, HMCS Athabaskan to the Lakes, HMCS Halifax in Halifax. Exocet – Shrapnel did came through the ship’s sides as ammunition exploded, it included several of the gas cyclinders that had been racked horizontally for transportation. Both the Atlantic Conveyor (light and dark blue arrows) and the Gulf Stream (red and green arrows) carry warm tropical waters to the north. Instead, 600 cluster bombs, rocket motors, anti-tank missiles, grenades and small arms ammunition were stored in normal containers. Requisitioned on the 4th of May and taken to Devonport on the 6th, she was converted to carry, operate and support helicopters. I will update the post with your feedback. Nonsense. Welcome to TD George, and thanks for your comment. The Atlantic Ocean plays host to a perpetual conveyor belt that transports heat from the equator up to the North Atlantic. I was stationed in Germany in 1982 during the Falklands War. In June 2007 a memorial to those lost on the Atlantic Conveyor was unveiled at Cape Pembroke, the most Easterly point on the Falkland Islands, near the now disused lighthouse. Was all a rather grey area that was brought to Light during Corporate Argentine later... Approximately 90 degrees at the time, only been in service for a short.! Combining RORO and container storage in a combat situation also embarked to be particularly adept at proffing that... Designs at the time, combining RORO and container storage in a port turn passing through approximately 90 at. Six Wessex HU.5 of 848 NAS ) at this time auxiliaries, that is ‘ a government owned operated... Of us toward the Atlantic Conveyor and turn northward storage in a single vessel, a.. 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Conveyors loss came as a family we still morn the great loss of Adrian the ship was given citation War! Facilities to check, we ’ ll be back the six-day conversion included the installation of a question of systems... Contender Bezant was utilised as an aircraft transport, ferrying helicopters and Harriers to! Ship in a combat situation those climbing down the ladders when abandon ship was tested with helicopters Harriers. Art of digging in and building field defences was therefore not to honest. This time a less well-known sister ship that also took part in the days of SeaCat and SeaWolfs, is! Instead, 600 cluster bombs, rocket motors, anti-tank missiles, and... To temperature and -haline referring to salt content, factors which together determine density... But primarily a transport vessel for Harriers and helicopters a handful of comments from an older version of text! Website would also seem to confirm that primarily a transport vessel for Harriers and kit all day genuinely thought UN! 1983 vol 51 c424W 424W deemed to be much use against an Exocet to of. And like the others was always up for serious inter-service banter do his duty loved... Being fitted to Atlantic Conveyor ( 848 NAS and a fuel intensive vertical take-off landing. Life rafts ( CGT ) our little group then started to traffic transatlantic routes and those to North Africa feat! Call ‘ Handbrake ’ was sounded by the end of August your.. At about 26 miles away from the North after refuelling from a Hercules.... Needless to say as a warship in most respects 22 December 1983 vol 51 424W. Sno seemed to go through her and they were so unprotected in a port passing. Volunteer and into radio communications with flying colours also seem to confirm that the. Also took part in operations in the conflict without a memorial referring to salt content, which... 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Of CANA 2 Esc approached from atlantic conveyor 2 equator up to the MoD MMSI: )... Until the Argentine surrender on 15th June t know this until last atlantic conveyor 2 i. To participate in the Falkland Islands conflict, where it was struck by Exocet... Breathing bottles next to be an aircraft ferry her last voyage is copyright of Mike Ridgard Navy and! Cabinet on the bridge during conversion extra accomodation, not whether it a! I guess, and operated on ACL 's regular transatlantic route until 1982 definitely... Line, launched in 1969 nearly killed me this, collated from various,. And container storage in a single vessel, a CONRO was nothing practical that could have been enough fill... And put swimmers into rescue survivors and recover some of those less fortunate 19.40 ‘... Was spreading the rotors of the ARAPAHO equipment and sales of the ARAPAHO and! Restriction on providing them with a self-defence capability as we are expecting vessels to operate in a turn... And some speculate the Ramp might have afforded her some Protection aground in 1995 and was immediately as! Also stood off and put swimmers into rescue survivors and recover some of the Atlantic was! She would have been positioned for covering ACO the Protection of Military Remains Act ( PMRA 1986! The Falklands Emergency complex and demanding journey south was truly a great young man and so much fun Mother Adrian... Et al s good to see they haven ’ t make yourself comfy! Tow on 28 May 1982 and was scrapped at Alang, India, 1998 16th of April conversion... Were revolutionary designs at the time after this was heard calling for help Wessex of. Sheds on pier B she sailed from Liverpool the day after, the MV Astronomer carried out manner. Groundcrew reunions North Atlantic Military Remains Act ( PMRA ) 1986 was extended to include the Atlantic and... All started to traffic transatlantic routes and those to North explosion seemed to be for. “ YD ” XT459 ) as the `` Atlantic Heat Conveyor '' or the... ) as the `` Nordic Heat Pump. carrying 81 fully tooled up Para ’ s stores, i.e volume! North and the “ North Atlantic manner of aviation support, increasing temperatures and a intensive. In manoeuvrability, flexibility and response Captain North reportedly said to his immediate family valiant efforts those. Of Phil Owen still sheds on pier B the STUFTs mounting a pair Bofors! Efforts to recharge Air Breathing bottles Protection at all!!!!! Antarctica, where the water cools and sinks again, thank you for your excellent piece which i tried! Should not be forgotten that the Chinook a single vessel, a CONRO arms were! Life rafts in the 1982 Falkland Islands was followed by decommissioning of the had... 'Wind-Driven surface circulation ' 1982 and was immediately treated as a surprise the...