The Bishop takes charge of the cross of nails. With him are (from left), Capt

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The Bishop takes charge of the cross of nails. With him are (from left), Capt

The Bishop takes charge of the cross of nails. With him are (from left), Capt. Hart-Dyke, Provost Semper and the Lord Mayor, Cllr Eddie Weaver.
The cross of nails miraculously recovered from the sea grave of HMS Coventry is back home in Coventry.
It was returned personally by the ships captain, David Hart-Dyke in a brief but touching ceremony at the cathedral last night.
The captain carried it proudly to the steps of the alter where he presented it to the Bishop of Coventry, the Rt Rev. John Gibbs.
He was watched by members of the crew and by men from the diving team who had found the cross in the ships wreck 300ft down.
Captain Hart-Dyke told the congregation of about 200 how the cross had become a symbol of hope and survival to the ships company during the Falklands conflict.
He said he was asked by a young sailor to let the cross remain where it was in a central part of a ship when all other trophies were pub away in a safe place.
" And so it remained, defiant, for all to see as we went into action."
It was discovered by chance seven months after the HMS Coventry was sunk on May 25th. Divers retrieving confidential documents and equipment, spotted it glinting in a corner, said the captain. And he added: " Here is this same indestructible cross with a remarkable story to tell. Please keep it safely, here in your cathedral, until it is given to the next HMS Coventry."
After the ceremony he said he had been thrilled at news of the crosss recovery and it was important to him personally to return it as it would keep alive the ships memory and strengthen its bond with the city and cathedral.
Provost Colin Semper paid tribute to the ship and its crew, 19 of whom died when it was sunk.
The cross has been placed in the navy room in the cathedral undercroft as part of a permanent memorial to HMS Coventry and crew.
19th March 1983

Coventry Telegraph Archive
Mirrorpix
England

Media ID 21254607

© Mirrorpix

Cathedral Coventry Falklands War Sinking Sunk

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