In November and December 1970 Sir Galahad was involved in Operation Burlap giving humanitarian assistance to East Pakistan after a cyclone caused extensive damage and flooding.

[2] Sir Galahad was a part of the British task force during the Falklands War, sailing from HMNB Devonport on 6 April 1982, with 350 Royal Marines.

Three days later, on 24 May, Sir Galahad was attacked by a formation of strike aircraft – McDonnell Douglas A-4 Skyhawks and IAI Daggers – of the Argentine Air Force's IV Brigada Aérea.

The Marines organised the launch of life rafts from the bow of the ship, whilst at the same time marshaling helicopters for personnel to be winched clear.

BBC television cameras recorded images of Royal Navy helicopters hovering in thick smoke to winch survivors from the burning landing ships.

Chiu Yiu-Nam, a seaman on Sir Galahad, was later awarded the George Medal for rescuing ten men trapped by a fire in the bowels of the ship.

[9][10] The captain, Philip Roberts, was reportedly the last to leave Sir Galahad, and was subsequently awarded the Distinguished Service Order for his leadership and courage.