Tenby's former lifeboat, the RFA Sir Galahad, was launched for the last time on Sunday during a commemoration ceremony to mark the town's long Sir Galahad connection.
A plaque was unveiled at the new lifeboat station to commemorate the association between the brave craft which share the name RFA Sir Galahad - the old Tenby lifeboat, the Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship lost during the Falklands War and her successor.
The unveiling ceremony was performed by the commanding officer of the original RFA Sir Galahad, Captain Philip Roberts DSO, who has now retired. He has been a frequent visitor to Tenby over the years, assisting at the annual lifeboat flag day. The plaque was also blessed by Father Charles Howard, RFA chaplain.
The plaque was in remembrance and commemoration of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary Sir Galahad, attacked and destroyed by Argentine aircraft, during the Falklands War, June 8,1982, when 50 lives were lost, and the Royal National Lifeboat RFA Sir Galahad stationed at Tenby for 20 years, during which it was launched 364 times, saving 73 lives.
"Despite the weather, there was a good crowd at the lifeboat station for the ceremony, which was both poignant and memorable," said Ray Poole, of Tenby, treasurer of the Falklands Families Association, who organised the event. Mr. Poole's son Gareth was among the 32 Welsh Guardsmen who lost their lives on the original Sir Galahad at Fitzroy, and he decided to make his home in Tenby after attending the naming ceremony of the lifeboat in 1986.
Representatives of the Falklands Families Association and the South Atlantic Medal Association were also in attendance.
Last weekend also saw the current RFA Sir Galahad arriving in Pembroke Dock for her final visit before retiring later this year.