RFA Sir Tristram, commanded by Captain ‘Robin’ Green, at the start of the Falklands War joined the Amphibious Task Group at Ascension Island on the 29th April 1982 and rapidly took up the challenge.
RFA Sir Tristram
From the arrival of the amphibious ships at San Carlos Water on 21st May 1982 to June 1982 RFA Sir Tristram was under constant threat of air attack. For a period of a week, repeated air attacks were pressed home on the anchorage when the very lightly armed ship had to protect herself while continuing to off load important Military equipment. She was the first Landing Ship Logistic to make the re-supply run to Fitzroy. The task had to be unescorted and meant lying at anchor by day off Fitzroy in an exposed position without benefit of adequate area air defence or warning. It was while there that the ship, still well loaded with ammunition, came under fierce surprise air attack and suffered the damage which caused her to be abandoned on fire.
It is greatly to Captain Green’s credit that he was successful in getting all his people off the ship safely with the exception of two crewmen killed by one of the bombs which hit his ship.
Captain Green watching his ship on fire
Captain Green, by his personal example and courage, throughout the period, inspired his crew to do all that was asked of him and them, far beyond the normal call of duty.
RFA Sir Tristram after the fire in Port Stanley
Captain Green was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross on 8 October 1982.
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