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HMS Sheffield 40th Anniversary service and parade

HMS Sheffield D80 on the water
HMS Sheffield D80 on the water, image courtesy of HMS Sheffield Association

As National remembrance takes place across the country, Sheffield will come together on Sunday 1 May to mark the 40th Anniversary of HMS Sheffield with a commemorative service and parade.

Timings for the day

  • 9.00am - People start to gather at Cenotaph
  • 9.30am - Sea Cadets parade
  • 10am - March with veterans to the Cathedral, via Leopold street
  • 10.15 - Short ceremony outside Cathedral at the HMS Memorial
  • 11am - Main service inside Cathedral - entry by ticket only

Forty years ago, on 4 May 1982 HMS Sheffield, the Royal Navy warship named after our city, was struck by an Argentine missile, and later sunk on 10 May, during the Falklands war. Of the 268 crew many were taken to safety but 20 were killed and more injured.

The ship was the first British warship to be lost in 37 years, and the first of four lost during the Falklands conflict. The shipwreck is a protected war grave.

People in Sheffield are invited to join in remembrance at the Cenotaph in Barker’s Pool where Sheffield Sea Cadets will take part in a parade at 9.30am.

The Lord Lieutenant and Lord Mayor of Sheffield will be taking the salute accompanied by other senior dignitaries. A wreath laying and short ceremony will then take place at the HMS Memorial at Sheffield Cathedral.

Lord Mayor of Sheffield, Cllr Gail Smith, said:

“We invite all of Sheffield to join as we commemorate the 40th Anniversary of this significant event in our City’s and our Country’s history. As well as losing our prestigious warship, many lives were lost during the conflict in the Falklands and we mustn’t forget the sacrifices made by those who fought, and all those who still do today, to protect our freedom. It is an honour for me to take the salute on behalf of Sheffield, on this very important day of remembrance.”

HMS Sheffield Memorial

As well as the parade and service in Sheffield a new memorial is being unveiled at the National Memorial Arboretum on Wednesday 4 May.

The HMS Sheffield Association Committee commissioned the memorial to celebrate the service of those who served in the 3 ships (Cruiser, Destroyer and Frigate) that bore the name of HMS Sheffield. It is also intended that the memorial acts as a place of remembrance for the 20 members of the Ship’s Company lost in action whilst serving on the Destroyer in 1982 during the Falklands Conflict.

The memorial, which is made of Sheffield stainless steel is engraved with the following words:

‘Shiny Sheff’

For all who served in the three HMS SHEFFIELD ships Cruiser 1937-67, Destroyer 1970-82, Frigate 1986-2002

Unveiled 4th May 2022 40th anniversary of the loss of HMS SHEFFIELD and twenty of the Ship’s Company in The Falklands Conflict

‘Fair Winds and Following Seas’

In November 2018 it was announced that a new warship would be named HMS Sheffield. One of eight anti-submarine vessels to be built, it will be the fourth HMS Sheffield to serve the Royal Navy. The new HMS Sheffield has been commissioned and will be built in the second phase of construction of the new warships.

Details of the parade and service on Sunday 1 May are available on Sheffield Events Facebook page.