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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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EDITORS COMMENTS
The Bishop takes charge of the cross of nails, a powerful symbol of hope and survival. In this poignant moment captured in the photo print, we see (from left) Captain Hart-Dyke, Provost Semper, and the Lord Mayor, Cllr Eddie Weaver standing alongside the Bishop of Coventry, Rt Rev. John Gibbs. The cross of nails holds an extraordinary story as it was miraculously recovered from the sea grave of HMS Coventry. Last night, in a touching ceremony at the cathedral, Captain Hart-Dyke personally returned it to its rightful place. With pride and reverence, he presented it to Bishop Gibbs on the steps of the altar. Watching this solemn occasion were members of the crew who had served aboard HMS Coventry during the Falklands conflict. They knew firsthand how this cross became a beacon of hope amidst adversity. As all other trophies were secured away for safety during battle preparations, one young sailor insisted that this indestructible symbol remain visible for all to see. Discovered by chance seven months after their ship sank beneath 300ft waves on May 25th, divers found it glinting in a corner while retrieving confidential documents and equipment. Now safely back home in Coventry Cathedral's navy room undercroft—a permanent memorial—it will continue to honor those lost onboard HMS Coventry while strengthening our bond with both city and cathedral. This photograph captures not only a historic moment but also serves as a reminder that even amidst tragedy and loss, symbols like these can unite us in strength and resilience.
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