Andy (Windy) Gale joined the Royal Navy in 1979. After his initial training at HMS Raleigh he was drafted to HMS Pembroke to complete his trade training as an Supply Chain Logistician (Jack Dusty). After which he was drafted to HMS Seahawk.

In 1981 he qualified as a Royal Navy Ships Diver and was drafted to HMS Plymouth where in 1982 he saw action in the Falklands War.

HMS Plymouth was assigned to provide cover for the aircraft carriers and amphibious vessels and was the first vessel to enter San Carlos Water. On May 21st she came to the assistance of the bomb damaged Leander Class Frigate HMS Argonaut. HMS Plymouth was attacked herself on June 8th by five Mirage aircraft. Although she managed to destroy two and damage another two, HMS Plymouth was hit by four bombs and numerous shells. One shell hit her flight deck, detonating a depth charge and starting a fire. Another bomb entered her funnel and failed to explode, whilst the other two destroyed her anti-submarine mortar but also failed to explode. Five men were injured in the attack and HMS Plymouth was assisted  by HMS Avenger. She underwent emergency repairs from the Stena Seaspread before rejoining the fleet.

She then provided naval gunfire bombardment during the retaking of the island. After the surrender of Stanley, HMS Plymouth was the first ship to enter Stanley Harbour and it was in her wardroom that Lieutenant Commander Astiz signed the surrender document on March 20th 1982.

HMS Plymouth left the Falklands with the County Class Destroyer HMS Glamorgan on June 21st, and returned to Rosyth on July 14th where she underwent full repairs. She had steamed 34,000 miles, fired over nine hundred 4.5 inch shells and destroyed five enemy aircraft.

Andy spent his last days with the Royal Navy stationed at HMS Heron with Jenny.
 

Andy and Jenny met HRH The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall in 2007