Less than a year after the announcement of the Dockyard's closure the Falklands Crisis erupted. Once again Chatham Dockyard was called upon to support the Royal Navy in time of war.
Whilst national attention turned to Portsmouth and emotional farewells to ships leaving to join the Task Force, the Chatham workforce turned their attention to the ships under refit or in reserve. Ships were hurriedly prepared and re-commissioned - sailing to fill the gaps left in NATO's defences by the hurried departure of the task force.
24 Hour Working Returns
For many dockyard workers the Falklands meant a return to 24 hour working as refits were finished ahead of programme, ships were brought out of reserve and structures made to be fitted at Portsmouth and Plymouth to merchant ships requisitioned for naval duty.
had her post-refit trials cut short whilst the Colour Loft was fully employed once again making White Ensigns and other flags required for the fleet.
HMS Warspite leaving dry dock to complete her refit in February 1982 Courtesy, Chatham Dockyard Historical Society.