A prized possession of the former commander of HMS Coventry is a commemorative naval officer's sword presented to him after the Falklands war.

It bears the following inscription `Presented to Captain David Hart-Dyke with the respect and admiration of the ship's company, HMS Coventry, Falkland Islands, 1982.'

It was initially intended to replace the naval officers sword passed down to him by his late father Eric, who joined the Royal Navy at the age of 13. This had been in his cabin when the Portsmouth-based Type 42 Destroyer was bombed and sunk on May 25, 1982.

`After the war, when Royal Navy divers went down to make the missiles safe and recover certain sensitive material, I happened to mention this, and they not only recovered the sword but also my father's navy telescope and candlesticks which I had kept in my desk drawer,' said Captain Hart-Dyke.

Heroism in the face of adversity

It is for his ship's company that Captain David Hart-Dyke reserves his highest praise. Memories of their teamwork, high morale, good discipline and heroism in the face of adversity are etched upon his memory.

He recalls that the loss of their sister ship, HMS Sheffield, was a shuddering blow. `People became more measured and more determined. Young sailors suddenly matured and became battle hardened, as it were.'

Captain Hart-Dyke added `I will never forget my ship's company. Coventry was a wonderful ship with wonderful people. It was an extremely close company, and I will never forget those who were lost.'

Memories
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