HMS Arrow

Arrow had the dual distinction of being both the first British warship to fire on the enemy (whilst firing on land forces at Port Stanley), and the first British warship to be hit by enemy fire, after being straffed by an Argentine Air Force fighter. On 4 May 1982 she assisted in extinguishing the fires and evacuating the crew of the Type 42 destroyer Sheffield, which had been struck by an Exocet missile. The crew showed conspicuous bravery in this rescue effort, saving 225 of the crew of HMS Sheffield, and Arrow's captain, Commander (later Captain) Paul Bootherstone was subsequently awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for gallantry during the action. Arrow also helped extinguish the fires on the Rothesay class frigate Plymouth, on 8 June 1982. Arrow also supported troops of the Second Battalion the Parachute Regiment (2 Para) in the successful landing at Goose Green, which eventually led to the recapture of Port Stanley from the enemy