Mark Stephens, remembered by his friends
Mark was a young Steward in ANTELOPE who was liked by everyone on board the ship. He was only 17 and was one of the youngest lads on board; I was a stoker on board but would go ashore with the chefs and stewards quite a lot. Usually we went to a pub called the Old Chapel to listen to the music, join in the music quiz nights and even watch the football. Mark was very popular with the girls in the pub because he was so young looking, and I think they liked to mother him!
During an air raid while in San Carlos Water our ship was hit by two 1000lb bombs, neither of which exploded. Mark was seriously injured by metal splinters when one of the bombs hit the Senior Rates mess where he was based as a member of the First Aid party. He was taken to the after First Aid station where, sadly, he died due of his head injuries. I will always remember that moment we were told over the ships Tannoy that Mark had been killed.
Later on, the ship blew up as they tried to defuse the bombs. On my return to Plymouth I had to tell the girls in the Old Chapel of Mark's death and they were shocked and upset - like all of us.
I always wanted my pay my own tribute to Mark in a personal way and this I did in August 1989 when my wife and I named our second son after him.
Simon Bloomfield
Contributing to the Garden of Remembrance
© South Atlantic Medal Association 82
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