John David Stroud

John was born on May 11th, 1962. He had a sister, Susan, and was the only son of John and Sheila Stroud. He grew up in Lancashire and in a happy childhood was a member of Chorley Sea Cadets (TSS Invincible). This formation had the distinction of forming a Guard of Honour at the launch of the present-day HMS Invincible at Barrow. Throughout his life he loved swimming and aquatic activities. He had his own canoe, and in his final school year spent time at HMS Indefatigable in Anglesey, which included a week of sailing in TS Royalist.

After leaving school, he joined the Merchant Navy, and sailed on a Palm Line ship to West Africa. What he perceived as a lack of discipline in the Merchant Navy caused his transfer to Royal Navy service as a Steward. After training in this skill he was drafted, by happy coincidence, to HMS Invincible after her fitting out at Barrow. He was one of the first of the ship’s company to embark and helped to bring her down to Portsmouth.

John was married at 18, and because he injured his knee while dancing on his wedding night, an injury which needed hospital admission, he missed Invincible sailing and stayed in Portsmouth Barracks. Then, in October 1981, he was invited to join HMS Glamorgan. On June 12th, 1982, Glamorgan was struck by a land launched Exocet missile as she withdrew from bombarding positions near Port Stanley. John and twelve of his friends and colleagues were buried at sea the next day. His mother, Sheila, died in 1990; his widow remarried.

John was a super young man who was full of fun. He played rugby, loved rock and roll, and played the guitar as well. His love of ships came from his father and grandfather, and he is much missed.

Sunset on the 12th June 1982, at position 51° 50.5’S 053° 31.2’W

I remember you John. I  was a Chorley Sea Cadet with you although you were a few years older, I thank you for your actions. I don’t even think that you knew what was going on the day you died, I find it incredible that your ship was providing artillery support for my brothers unit 45 commando attacking two sisters on the Falklands, when the Glamorgan was hit, can’t believe two Chorley lads were were so close even though they were 8000 miles from home and fighting for the freedom of an island nation! 

Alan Chadwick

Family and friends are encouraged to contribute.

We will add information to this memorial as we receive it.

If you have a photo, an anecdote, or simply to say you remember him, we will be very pleased to hear from you, so please contact the sama office at [email protected]