Gunline Archive

At the start of the Falklands War in 1982 RFA Sir Percivale was among the first to sail with the Amphibious Task Group from England. She operated in the waters immediately around the Falkland Islands from D-Day, 21 May 1982, to the eventual fall of Port Stanley on 14 June 1982.

Throughout the period, Captain Pitt displayed considerable qualities of leadership, cooperation, and courage in commanding a ship which was ever ready to perform a task. RFA Sir Percivale was called to duties far beyond that that would reasonably be expected of her, considering her very light armament and her normal role.During that time the ship came under repeated air attacks while at anchor by day in San Carlos Water and was the first Landing Ships Logistic to make the unescorted ammunition run to the exposed and possible, mined anchorage at Teal Inlet where she had to offload in daylight, initially without the benefit of an area air defence system.

It was through Captain Pitt’s drive, energy, and cheerful enthusiasm that the ship performed all that was asked of her with an efficiency and timeliness which were an example to all. Captain Pitt’s performance in the face of great danger and enemy action was in the highest traditions of the RFA Service.

Captain Pitt was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross on 8 October 1982