Staff Sergeant James Prescott
Details
Falklands Conflict Staff Sergeant J. Prescott and WO II J. Phillips had on the 21st May 1982 removed a damaged fuze aboard HMS Argonaut a Leander Class Frigate as they were the most readily available team with the necessary equipment.
On the 23rd May 1982 both men were tasked with two bombs aboard HMS Antelope a Type 21 Frigate, which had been bombed in Saint Carlos Waters whilst providing anti aircraft cover for the amphibious force. The bomb was not accessible till extensive debris was removed. The second bomb was seen to have a damaged fuze and being in the most dangerous condition. Both men attempted three times to remotely remove the fuze unsuccessfully. On their fourth attempt using different equipment, the bomb exploded. Although a blast route of open doors and hatches had been prepared, a fully fastened door at the forward end of the passageway where they stood was completely blown of. Staff Sergeant J. Prescott died instantly and WO II J. Phillips was seriously injured.
Following the detonation of the bomb and other ensuing explosions, HMS Antelope was torn apart, the ship abandoned and it finally sank on the 24th May 1982.
Staff Sergeant J. Prescott was posthumously awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal. The CGM is a very rare naval award, given to Petty Officers and men of the Royal Navy and Sergeants and men of the Royal Marines it may also be awarded to equivalent ranks in the Army and Royal Air Force. WO II J. Philips was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.
Details extracted from Designed to Kill. Major. A. Hogben.Personal Details
- 23834301 Staff Sergeant
- James Prescott
- 49 EOD Squadron
- 33 Engineer Regiment. EOD
James Prescott.
Conspicuous Gallantry Medal.
49 EOD Squadron.
33 Engineer Regiment. EOD
Photos taken by Guido Webb
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Whilst walking along the Kelvin Way between Glasgow and Milngavie I crossed the river via the “Jim Prescott Memorial Bridge”. His name will not be forgotten because of the generous and fitting tribute paid to him by his friends. The bridge is a practical and helpful way to assist walkers on their journey and an appropriate memorial to a brave member of the RE. Thank you, Jim and friends.
I used to play cards with Jim in boundary Hall , a really nice man.
Jim Prescott was my father. It would be lovely to hear of how you knew him.
He was my mentor . I had his training manual for over 30 years and posted it back to the then Sergeant Major before moving abroad in 2015 . A great soldier and a gentleman . RIP SIR.
Hello Angela – My name is Paul Devonport and I had the task of putting both men on the Stern of the Antelope to carry out their task. They both new what was in front of them. As they left my Raiding craft’ they both looked back at me with that stare only men in War can give. Very brave… they went about their business and the final result of the explosion. I was serving in 1st Raiding Squadron at the time of the conflict – hence with the boats we could move personnel about. What is more ironic my own son is in the Royal Engineers and in the bomb disposal unit, serving now in Northern Ireland effectively on active service. I was the last man to see them both disappear into the ‘Antelope’,
I will never forget this day. I will never forget this brave man and think of his family often. Wondering how they are doing. My father had just passed and Jim’s wife was so comforting. We had coffee and chatted about the events and the families future. As a military wife I have to say I’ve always felt looked after and the Engineers will always be my family.
My Grandson has just passed his training and is now a Royal Marine Commando. I’m so proud of all our service men and women. 😘.
HI Rose,
I am Angela, the youngest daughter of Staff Sgt James Prescott. It was comforting to see your comment about my mum, who comforted you when your father passed, she was also taken too soon, passe 7 1/2 years ago in 2013. I would love to hear from you and how you knew my lovely mum- Theresa.