The service was held in Barcelona where the ship is currently docked while on Nato duty.

It's important that they understand the fighting spirit

Cdr Williams Captain, HMS Sheffield

Commander Simon Williams, Captain of HMS Sheffield, said: "It was a brief and very poignant service and we remembered those who had given their lives in the Falklands.

"I looked around at the young faces, many of whom were not even born when the Falklands happened, and it's important that they understand the fighting spirit."

On 4 May 1982, 20 people were killed and 24 injured when the ship was hit as it carried out a scouting mission off Port Stanley.

The Exocet missile reportedly failed to explode, but it penetrated deep into HMS Sheffield's electronic fire control room and the blaze caused a poisonous smoke.

HMS withdrawal

The ship was abandoned within eight hours and her burned-out hulk sank on 10 May.

HMS Sheffield was the first of five British ships to be sunk by the Argentine air force during the conflict.

It also emerged on Saturday that the replacement ship is to be removed from front-line service in November.

A Ministry of Defence spokesman gave no reason but added: "It's part of a prudent programme decision by the Ministry of Defence.

"She will be placed lower down the readiness chain. She will not be immediately ready to go to sea.

"Other ships will be higher up the readiness chain to do various activities."