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John "Sandy" Woodward
John "Sandy" Woodward
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John Woodward Obituary
Adm. John "Sandy" Woodward, who led the Royal Navy task force during the 1982 Falklands War, has died. He was 81. In announcing his death on Monday, Britain's defense ministry did not give a cause. But the BBC said Woodward died after a long illness.
Prime Minister David Cameron said Woodward "was a truly courageous and decisive leader."
"We are indebted to him for his many years of service and the vital role he played to ensure that the people of the Falkland Islands can still today live in peace and freedom," Cameron said.
A career sailor who joined the navy at 13 and rose to command submarines, Woodward was in charge of the naval force dispatched by then-Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher after Argentina seized the South Atlantic islands, home to some 2,000 British residents, in April 1982.
Britain retook the territory 10 weeks later, after a war that killed 649 Argentines, 255 British troops and three islanders.
One of Woodward's most contentious decisions was the sinking of the Argentine warship General Belgrano, killing 323 of its crew. It was a turning point in the war, but the attack was controversial because the ship appeared to be leaving the British exclusion zone when it was sunk. Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II after the war, Woodward later published a book about the conflict, "One Hundred Days."
He had recently spoken out against cuts to Britain's armed forces, which he said would make it impossible for Britain to recapture the Falklands if they were invaded again. First Sea Lord Adm. George Zambellas said Woodward had been "undaunted by the challenge of fighting a capable enemy over 8,000 miles from the U.K., in the most demanding and extreme of weather conditions, and against uncertain odds." Woodward was later deputy chief of the defense staff before taking up a ceremonial post as flag aide-de camp to Queen Elizabeth II.
Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
49 Entries
Tom Coleman
August 23, 2013
A man for all seasons....RIP.
Bob Cleary
August 11, 2013
As a young WEM(R) on board HMS Hermes I had the privilege of serving with Admiral Woodward. Admiral Woodward was the perfect embodiment of that somewhat over used tag line 'He led by his example' A leader sets direction, demands loyalty, provides inspiration and above all inspires confidence, I for one was inspired in way that would shape me for the rest of my life. My sincerest condolences to Admiral Woodward's family, as he sails 'up channel' this one last time may past comrades light the way and for God to take back the soul of this true Sailor
Wiggy Bennett (RN)
August 11, 2013
The wind that blows, the ship that goes and the lass who loves a Sailor. RIP.
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Scouse Hoyland
August 11, 2013
Best Skipper I ever served under. Sleep Tight Boss - God Bless.
Keith Jones
August 11, 2013
A true & great leader. A fantastic Commanding Officer, privilege to have served under him.
R.W. Sellars
August 11, 2013
R.I.P. Sir. Fair winds and follow seas.
'From the sea Freedom.'
HMS Sheffield D80
August 10, 2013
Robert Millar
August 10, 2013
You were truly am inspirational leader R.I.P
August 10, 2013
Sir may you rest in peace
Reg Cornall
August 10, 2013
Rip Sir, a born leader and a great person.
Jeff Allan
August 10, 2013
Good egg
Mike Cox
August 10, 2013
To the greatest maritime commander of the Royal navy since the second world war.He came he conquered and won.Sir you will be missed.God bless you sir.
Alan Pickthorne
August 10, 2013
Didn't have the pleasure of meeting you, but you were a leader and an inspiration to many. Stand easy ......
Sergio Manente
August 10, 2013
Rest in Peace Sir
Rest in Peace Admiral
John Butt
August 10, 2013
RIP Sir enjoy your rest
colin Heeley
August 10, 2013
We met at a briefing on the flight deck of Hms Arrow ,on route to a conflict imprinted forever in my head. You pulled no punches, and told it as it was. ..Sir, i salute you. ...R.IP
Neil Cummins
August 10, 2013
Had the pleasure to serve under you in the Task Force of 1982. RIP Sir.
Jeff Allan
August 10, 2013
Rip sir
Tony Manning
August 10, 2013
RIP Sir. You made me the man that I am as part of the Task Force back in 82. God bless and condolences to your family
Alan Carpenter
August 10, 2013
Sir in 1982 you were the right man at the right time in the right place, without your skill a lot more of us would not have made it home, Thank you, RIP
Rattler Morgan
August 10, 2013
Have a TOT in hand To you sir RIP regardless of rank You are a matlot and a gent
Roger Weale
August 10, 2013
RIP Sir pleasure to have served with you HMS Brilliant 1982
Nicholas Wilkin
August 10, 2013
Sir, you were one of my Captains aboard HMS Sheffield 1977. Come the Falklands you were the right man for the task, a gentleman and one of Nelson's finest. Fair seas and a following breeze. It was a pleasure to have served with you and for you. RIP
August 10, 2013
Served with him on the Sheffield. A great captain
Antony Chambers
August 10, 2013
Honoured to have been lead by you to free the British Falkland Islanders in '82, sir. Now is the time to stand easy and catch up with old shipmates and the 'Brothers in Arms' that remain on patrol down South. RIP !
Tug Wilson
August 10, 2013
R.I.P. Sir. Thank you for your leadership in 1982. It was an honour and privilege to serve with you.
Chas Wakeman
August 10, 2013
RIP Sandy, you led from the front.
HMS Sheffield Association
August 10, 2013
“It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived"
Michael Diskett
August 10, 2013
In memory of a great Skipper and gentleman.I had the privilege of serving under him on HMS Sheffield 1975 to 1977.Rest In Peace
Terry Beck
August 10, 2013
God Bless Sir, RIP
Micheal D'aubney
August 10, 2013
The best Captain i ever served with. A Gentleman who took the time to "know" his men , an Admiral who "knew" the Navy.RIP Sir.
George Irving
August 10, 2013
An honour to have served under you in 1982 Sir. Rest In Peace and may God bless your family.
Hermes Association
August 9, 2013
From all shipmates HMS Hermes association
August 9, 2013
Sandy, I was your first 'fifth hand' in Tireless and asked by you to join. You also asked my future wife's brother (Bob Cullwick, 'jim' of Seraph) to bring any nice young ladies to his Christmas cocktail party. The rest is history, as Evelyn & I are still together after 50 years. May you rest in peace and rise in glory........
As ever, Don & Evelyn Soppitt
Tanzy Lee
August 7, 2013
God Bless you Skipper, HMS Sheffield D80 1976 - 1978
Mary Meredith
August 6, 2013
God Bless you. May you now RIP.....................
James Willner
August 6, 2013
May the eternal light shine upon him.....
Donal francis Nickel
August 6, 2013
8/4/2013
Ed
August 5, 2013
My condolences to the Woodward family. May you find solace in prayer. Psalms 65:2
Angela
August 5, 2013
May the promise at Revelaton 21:3,4 bring you hope and comfort at this hard time.
August 5, 2013
my condolence to the family of john woodward. he will be missed.
mark woodward
August 5, 2013
gone but never forgotten
Harry Simpson
August 5, 2013
Fair winds and following seas sailor.
Thank you for your service to your nation.
Mike Casey
August 5, 2013
Fair Winds And Following Seas sir.
G. Freeman
August 5, 2013
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
August 5, 2013
May the God of all comfort be with you at this time of grief, may all his memories stay close to your heart. Psalms 46:1 Joanna
August 5, 2013
Best skipper I served with, R.I.P. ex Warspite crew member.
Dwayne Bickham
August 5, 2013
in God's care rest in peace
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