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Old 7th Nov 2012, 10:10
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November4
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
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Lt Cdr John Sephton DSC - not forgotten

Just seen this on the Book of Face. A lady posted a photo and text on the CWGC pages.

A lonely memorial next to a local cricket pitch has all but been forgotten. Remembering a very courageous pilot.

In 2007 I made a concious effort to look after it once a year. This year, 2012, it is so waterlogged that I am unable to trim it.
As the photo is large and messes up the screen, click here to see the plaque

Extracted from the London Gazette 8 October 1982

The QUEEN has been graciously pleased to approve the Posthumous award of the Distinguished Service Cross to the undermentioned in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during the operations in the South Atlantic:

Distinguished Service Cross

Lieutenant Commander John Murray SEPHTON, Royal Navy.

On 21st May 1982, HMS ARDENT on station in San Carlos Water came under heavy attack from the Argentine Air Force and sustained many bomb hits, causing great damage and loss of life. After the loss of the Seacat missile system, Lieutenant Commander Sephton, the Flight Commander organised the use of small arms by the Flight as a last ditch defence against the concentrated and severe enemy attacks. In a dangerous and desperate situation he was last seen directing fire on the exposed Flight Deck, shooting a sub machine gun vertically up into an A4 Skyhawk the instant before, it dropped the bombs that killed him. Three other Flight members were also killed. Lieutenant Commander Sephton's extreme valour and self-sacrifice was an example and inspiration to all the Ship's Company and undoubtedly deterred the enemy from making even more attacks.

Last edited by November4; 7th Nov 2012 at 10:11.
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