Falklands.

23rd May

1982.

23834301 S/Sgt Jim Prescott.

S/Sgt Prescott was a member of the Royal Engineers EOD Team, with the Task Force. He and WOII John Phillips, had dealt with a 1000lb bomb on board HMS Argonaut. This was in the boiler room and had a damaged fuze, which they removed rendering the bomb safe.

They were tasked to HMS Antelope, a Type 21 Frigate, which had two UXB's on board. One bomb was unapproachable due to extensive debris. The second was admidships, this also had a damaged fuze in a dangerous condition. Three attempts were made to withdraw the fuze remotely, returning to the bomb each time. On the fourth attempt, using different equipment the bomb exploded. Despite the precautions taken for blast route, of open doors and hatches up through the ship, a fully fastened steel door, where they were standing was blown of S/Sgt Prescott died and WO II Phillips was severely injured.

Following the detonation of the bomb, the ensuing explosion ripped the ship apart and started uncontrolable fires. The ship was abandoned with minimuim casualties and finally sank following a massive explosion on the 24th May 1982.

S/Sgt J Prescott was awarded posthumously the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal.