MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Supply ship Sir Galahad bows out

One of the most famous names in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary will disappear this Thursday when the supply ship Sir Galahad makes her final voyage.

The 20-year-old veteran will steam from Marchwood military port, near Southampton, to Portsmouth naval base for decommissioning.

Officially designated a 'landing ship logistic', she was built to replace a similar ship of the same name which was sunk in the Falklands war with the loss of dozens of troops.

Captain Rob Dorey, the current ship's commanding officer, said: "She has seen service throughout the world and made a valued contribution to many operations, including the supply of humanitarian relief to people in desperate need".

"Many associations originating from the Falklands campaign still hold the name of Sir Galahad dear to their hearts and this was evident during our farewell visit to south Wales, where a number of veterans from the Galahad Association and the Welsh Guards were hosted onboard".

"The ship means a lot to the RFA and her departure is inevitably tinged with sadness.'

Sir Galahad- which is due past Round Tower soon after 11.45am on Thursday - will be replaced by one of the much bigger Bay class landing ships".