08/06/2026
Today we remember Royal Marine and former Sheffield Sea Cadet Drum Major - Robert Griffin. Killed in action on this day in 1982 on Foxtrot Four - The Falkland Islands.
Robert Don Griffin was born in Southampton in 1960 to Pamela and Don Griffin who had three more children: Mandy, Joanne, and Lee. Don, the father, served in the Royal Navy and was involved in the Korean war at the age of only sixteen.
Robert attended King Edward VII School (Sheffield) and it was during this time he became an enthusiastic member of Sheffield Sea Cadets, serving as a Drum Major. He attended the Indefatigable (Indefatigable OBA) again attaining the position of Drum Major.
He applied to be a Royal Marine Commando, working only a short time before being called up for training. Robert successfully completed training at Lympstone and the whole family proudly attended his passing out parade.
Robert made many friends as a Marine, many of whom keep in touch with the family. He served in various countries including Norway and Northern Ireland and was returning home from the West Indies when he was told his unit would be going to the Falklands.
Robert served aboard HMS Fearless and was ferrying troops ashore on landing craft Foxtrot Four on June 8th when it was attacked by an Argentine aircraft. A bomb struck Foxtrot Four killing Robert and five colleagues and wounding other members of the crew. The landing craft was taken in tow but sank before reaching shore.
Robert is therefore buried at sea, and has a memorial within Sheffield Sea Cadets' Unit. We will remember him...
Some of the images are from a service held at St Matthews Church on Carver Street in 2022 to commemorate Robert.
