Peter Fearon tackles Starling Models’ 1/700 scale kit of HMS Glamorgan – the only vessel to survive an Exocet strike during the Falklands conflict in 1982.
HMS Glamorgan was one of eight County-class destroyers built for the British Royal Navy and was launched in July 1964. These vessels were designed around the Seaslug surface-to-air missile system, resulting in their large size. In retrospect, Seaslug was just moderately successful, and the early GWS 1 variant was soon replaced with the improved (but still limited) GWS 2. Glamorgan’s offensive capacity was improved in 1974 when ‘B’ turret was removed and replaced with four MM-38 Exocet anti-ship missile launchers.
The ship came to fame during the 1982 Falklands conflict, during which it conducted shore bombardment and air defence duties for the task force. On June 12 that year, almost at the end of the war, Glamorgan was struck by a Argentinian shore-based Exocet, which hit the hanger area, destroying a Wessex helicopter and killing 14 crew. The ship was returned to the UK for repairs and refit, remaining in Royal Navy service until 1986, before being sold to the Chilean Navy and renamed Almirante Latorre.
Above: Starling supplies an extensive and impressive array of cas…
