THE calm of a Poole morning was punctuated by the Last Post yesterday during a poignant ceremony commemorating Falklands War victim Stephen Ford and his fallen comrades.

Stephen and 21 shipmates were killed when HMS Ardent was bombed by Argentine forces during the bitter struggle for the islands three decades ago.

The Royal Navy frigate sank exactly 30 years ago today, so around 60 people – including Stephen’s father Charles – convened for the remembrance service at Stephen’s memorial at Constitution Hill View Point, Parkstone.

Stephen, a former St Edward’s School pupil, had just turned 18 when he died.

In fact, days before his 18th birthday, as the task force steamed towards the South Atlantic, his commander offered him the opportunity to disembark because of his age.

Stephen bravely declined, insisting he’d stand shoulder-to-shoulder with his shipmates.

Ashley Clayton-Jones, chairman of Poole Ex-Servicemen’s War Memorial Royal British Legion Club, delivered the service. He said: “Ardent was operating alone, outsider the protection of the other British ships and combat aircraft and it was inevitable that in this task the Ardent would become a target for the Argentine air force.”

As a child Stephen would play at the View Point, where a bench in memory of his brother, Andy, who died of meningitis aged 36, is also sited.

During the service, attended by Poole Mayor Carol Evans, wreaths were laid and the Naval Prayer was read out.

A particular poignant moment was when Stephen’s father knelt at his son’s memorial to place a wreath of red poppies in the shape of an anchor.

It simply stated: “In loving memory of my son and his 21 comrades.”