This site is the online home of the survivors, families of the fallen, ex-ships company and friends who make up the HMS Ardent Association which is now in its 30th year, membership details are here.
On the 9 May 1982, 700 miles south of Ascension Island, HMS Ardent carried out a firepower demonstration to SS Canberra which was carrying Royal Marines from 40 and 42 Commando as well as soldiers of the 2nd Battalion Parachute Regiment.
This was the last official photograph taken of HMS Ardent before she was hit and sunk by Argentine aircraft during the Battle for Falkland Sound on 21 May 1982
This was the last official photograph taken of HMS Ardent before she was hit and sunk by Argentine aircraft during the Battle for Falkland Sound on 21 May 1982
Normally held on the late May bank holiday weekend the format is well rehearsed as assocation members meet informally in the St Levan's tavern in Devonport on the Friday evening, attend a service of remembrance in HMS drake on the Saturday and then gather that evening for the reunion. Sunday is a relaxed gathering again at St Levan's and some brave members take a boat trip around the dockyard.
This short video slideshow also has sound, press play (arrow) to start.
The HMS Ardent website went online for the first time in 2001 and and has grown in content and services to members ever since. Now celebrating 10 years on the web the HMS Ardent Assocation continues to grow as it heads for 2012 and it's thirty year anniversary.
Launched in May 1975 HMS Ardent was damaged and sunk as a result of Argentine bombs in the Falklands on the 21 May 1982 in which 22 shipmates were lost as a result. Although Ardent's war was brief the ship played a key part in the Battle for Falkland Sound which resulted in the successful landing of British troops onto the Falklands. You can find out more about Ardent's Falkland War in our story section.
There is also an extensive book that documents this piece of British history; Through Fire and Water: HMS Ardent - The Forgotten Frigate of the Falklands War by Mark Higgitt, more here.
There is also an extensive book that documents this piece of British history; Through Fire and Water: HMS Ardent - The Forgotten Frigate of the Falklands War by Mark Higgitt, more here.
You can also follow the Association on Facebook, Twitter and Flick using the social media links at the bottom of this page and if you click here you can see what the website looked like at the start 11 years ago.
