Quote Hms Ardent....Two Skyhawks attacked together, dropping 500lb bombs on her aft section, she was on fire and making smoke, with her aft Sea cat launcher,and 4.5 in gun out of action, there was little more Ardent could do,except steam away to the protection of San Carlos waters. Her crew were not yet finished!! A group of 5 led by LT/CDR John Sephton grabbed small arms,and bolted machine guns to the rails. They were hit again by Skyhawks and Sephton was killed, three Skyhawks come in over the stern and placed a trio of 500lbs bombs causing more severe damage. One small gun remained in action manned by the civilian NAAFI manager 33 year old John Leake. By the end of the day, he was credited with one confirmed kill (Mirage) and one probable
Last edited by david parry; 8th Nov 2012 at 08:12.