An interesting and substantial Falklands collection including Pair: South Atlantic Medal, 1982, with rosette for combat zone service (Lt. D.R. Clarke RN HMS Fearless); GSM 1 clasp Northern Ireland (Lt Cdr D R Clarke RN) GVF, mounted as worn. Accompanying these are the following items from the recipient’s personal archive from the Falklands conflict where he was the Command Planning and Naval Intelligence Officer. Operation and Intelligence hand written shorthand type daily briefing notebook giving movement details of various Argentine vessels, e.g. “14th Apr. Santa Fe (Guppy) suggested as patrolling Arg. exclusion zone or on its way to UK exclusion zone... Santissima Trinidad thought to be type 42 sailed P. Belgrano, Hercules also poss at sea”, 15th April “Irizar prob dep Comodoro Rivaderia may be taking more equipment to Falks.”, “Arg. submarines 3 at sea, San Luis patrolling area N/NE of Falks. Salta shallow water in vic of MEZ, Sante Fe unloc. thought to be further away, unlikely to have travelled towards Asc, nevertheless possible” undated April “after Sante Fe hit directive signalled to SNs San Luis & Sante Fe, pos. means only other sub deployed is San Luis posn unknown, S.Tr (Santissima Trinidad) prob close inshore approx 40nm south of P. Belgr.” undated April “San Luis ordered to depart posn in vicinity area Enriqueta (4630s 5701w) with orders to sink war/airships recog. as enemy (any submarine contact is enemy)”; undated “Arg. fishing vessels/warships and other non naval vessels deployed for surveillance. Poss these have radar enhancement for use in deception role.”; “ Royal Navy Diver’s Log” covering period July 1981 to June 1990, mainly training and drill entries but including “25th May 1982, San Carlos Water, Falklands - night dive (op awkward) on RFA Stromness after reported underwater attack/mining...”; framed print “San Carlos Water, Falkland Islands: May 1982” by D.R.G.M Gardner showing HMS Fearless centre stage surrounded by various other craft including HMS Argonaut, Intrepid, RFA Stromness, Sir Lancelot and MV Norland, the border signed by over 40 dignitaries etc. including Margaret Thatcher, Sir Rex Hunt- Governor of the Falkland Islands, Adm. Sir Sandy Woodward Cdr Task Force, General Sir Michael Rose (then CO 22 SAS), Admirals Fieldhouse, Leach, West, Larken, Dingemans, Generals Thompson, Vaux etc., (all signatures are identified/ listed on the reverse); a display frame of 9 relevant photos including view of HMS Fearless narrowly avoiding an air strike in “Bomb Alley”; an Argentine poster showing 2 jets over bay, the reverse printing translates as “Tribute to the Patriotic Deed of April 2 1982”; an Argentine Nautical Almanac for 1982, the cover marked “Yehuin” which was an oil rig support vessel requisitioned by the Argentine forces in April 1982 for work in the Falkland Islands. She surrendered to the Royal Navy in June 1982 and was commandeered by a crew of 13 from HMS Fearless in June 1982. From that date until 2nd July she operated in and around Port Stanley and Port William flying the white ensign, Lt Clarke being on board until 22nd June; many black and white and other photographs are present including 2 showing an Argentine pilot shot down and recovered aboard HMS Fearless with Michael Rose; a number of San Carlos Anniversary dinner menu invitations, memorial programmes, cuttings, and other books and ephemera including “Falklands 82 HMS Fearless at war, 100 days in the life of an Assault Ship” 44 page booklet listing crew, etc. including Lt Clarke in the Diving Section; a selection of Cdr Clarke’s uniform, an Argentine soldier’s helmet; and an Argentinian Naval greatcoat adapted for use by Cdr Clarke along with many other mementos including personal letters from senior officers and others and later senior briefings. An interesting collection of more than 150 items including newscuttings, photos etc, a full list of items in this lot is available upon request. Plate 1 £1,500-1,600
