Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 21002 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 162

Three: Petty Officer (SEA) E. Lake, Royal Navy

General Service 1962-2007, 2 clasps, South Arabia, Northern Ireland (AB E Lake D178508L RN), unofficial rivets between clasps; South Atlantic 1982, with rosette (PO(SEA) E Lake D178508L HMS Antelope); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., E.II.R. (PO(SEA) E Lake D178508L HMS Alert), official correction to number on first, good very fine (3)

On 23 May 1982, while on air defence duty at the entrance to San Carlos Water, protecting the beachhead established two days before, H.M.S. Antelope came under attack by four Argentine A-4B Skyhawks. The first pair attacked from astern, with the flight leader breaking off his attack after one of Antelope's Sea Cats exploded under the port wing of his aircraft, but the second aircraft pressed home its attack and put a 1000lb. bomb in the Antelope's starboard side, killing one crewman. However, the bomb did not explode.

The second pair of Skyhawks then attacked from the starboard quarter, one of them being hit by the ship's 20mm. cannon before crashing through Antelope's main mast. The pilot was killed but his 1000lb. bomb pierced the frigate's hull, also without exploding.

After initial damage control efforts, Antelope proceeded to more sheltered waters so that two bomb disposal technicians from the Royal Engineers could come aboard and attempt to defuse the two unexploded bombs. One of the bombs was inaccessible because of wreckage; the other had been damaged and was thought to be in a particularly dangerous condition. Three attempts by the bomb disposal team to withdraw the fuse of this bomb by remote means failed.

A fourth attempt using a small explosive charge detonated the bomb, killing Staff Sergeant James Prescott instantly and severely injuring Warrant Officer Phillips, the other member of the bomb disposal team. The ship was torn open from waterline to funnel, with the blast starting major fires in both engine rooms, which spread very quickly. The starboard fire main was fractured, the ship lost all electrical power, and the commanding officer, Commander Nick Tobin, gave the order to abandon ship. Tobin was the last person to leave the ship; about five minutes after his departure, the missile magazines began exploding.

Explosions continued throughout the night. The following day Antelope was still afloat, but her keel had broken and her superstructure melted into a heap of twisted metal. Antelope broke in half and sank that day. T.V. and still pictures of her demise became one of the iconic images of the Falklands War.

Edward Lake was born in 1946 and died at Torpoint on 24 February 2015.


Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

Sold for
£1,200

Starting price
£1200