Almost 25 years ago, three friends agreed to meet up for a pint. However, between those three friends and their pints was a very long walk. The three friends were Paul Denning, Andy Shaw and John Davies, all Royal Marine Troop Commanders in Yankee Company, 45 Commando Group; the location for their pint was Port Stanley and the very long walk was the 75 mile march past Two Sisters Mountain from Ajax Bay, with around 15,000 Argentine soldiers between them and Port Stanley. Of the three, only Andy Shaw made it to Port Stanley, Paul Denning and John Davies were both injured in some of the fiercest fighting of the conflict and did not make it past Two Sisters Mountain. Royal Marine Commandos remember their promises and the three have gone back to have their pint, 25 years later. Colonel Paul Denning (Commanding Officer, Fleet Protection Group, Royal Marines, HM Naval Base Clyde), Lieutenant Colonel John Davies (Commanding Officer, Royal Marines Reserves, Merseyside) and Andy Shaw (who now lives on a boat in Ibiza) departed RAF Brize Norton on 2nd November to return to the Falklands to complete their 75 mile “yomp” and have their pint. The group have been sponsored by Babcock Naval Services, HM Naval Base Clyde’s industrial partner, and will raise money for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Children’s Fund. The three are looking forward to seeing the Falklands again and suspect they may end up having more than just a pint! Col Denning said “It seems a lifetime away and a lot happened. It will be quite an experience to go back again.”

RFA Sir Lancelot had an interesting sojourn in San Carlos Water. Having entered on the 21st May, she uniquely remained until the 25th June. Following damage from a UXB on 24th May , the ship's company went walkabout via Red Beach and various other ships before eventually being reunited to continue their contribution to the campaign. Following the cessation of hostilities and temporary repairs, as the rest of the Task Group sailed home in triumph , we were obliged to remain to carry out essential tasks such as bringing in the wool crop. We finally made it back to Portsmouth in late August. For the full Sir Lancelot story see www.rfaaplymouth.org/lancelotreunion . For more images of the RFA experience see www.rfaaplymouth.org/GGMindex.htm

Here are 2 photos The first one was taken outside Oxford Station in 1982, we had flown back to the UK as the advance leave party from HMS HERMES. L-R Ian Winter(me), Ronnie Thirwell & Paul(fred)Farrand. At that time the Trains were on strike, Fred & I managed to get a lift up to his home town of Bradwell a small village nr Sheffield. We were met outside the village by a Brass Band & marched along the main st, a memory that will always stay with me. Over the years I lost touch with the other 2 then out of the blue I received an invitation to Freds 40th Birthday, sadly a couple of weeks later, he was killed in a motor bike accident.

I was a young steward on the QE2 ships company down South. I wear my medal in memory of the mates I lost down South especially those on the Ardent. When I remember the lads in 5 Brigade cross decking to the Canberra I feel a fraud for accepting my medal. We were just a glorified taxi and I feel that the South Atlantic medal should only have been issued to those who earnt it by actually taking part in the fighting. I am now serving in the MPGS and will hopefully be indulging down South next June to lay a wreath.

I was a member of the frigate HMS Ardent during the Falkland Island War. We were the first ship into San Carlos water and were told we had to keep a close watch as lookouts for mines! When we asked what mine detecting eqiupment we had on board the answer was the mark one eye ball! luckily we never hit any mines but went on to play a full part in protecting the troops as they landed. It is now nearly 25 years later and I work on the ferries at Sydney harbour but every time I climb on board a boat I still remember the lads we left down south and thank my lucky stars I made it this far.

I served with 40Cdo during the operation but was detached to join 45Cdo. It is the image of me that is world famous, that of carrying the union flag from my radio arial during the final march into Port Stanley. Picture credit Imperial War Museum ref. 002028

I was the Second Bridge Watchkeeping Officer in RFA SIR TRISTRAM in 1982. We had left the UK earlier in the year to conduct a British Army tasking to Prince Rupert in Canada and were in Belize when we were diverted to Ascension Island (with no charts). After a frantic period of weapon fitting and embarkation of Royal Marines (29 Cdo and MAWC)and RN MCD Teams we deployed South with the Task Force. The landings in San Carlos saw the ship under continual air attack. Our luck eventually run out on the 8th June when we were attacked in Fitzroy (Bluff Cove) along with the SIR GALAHAD. After serious loss of life (RFA & Welsh Gurads) both ships were eventually abandoned. I returned to the UK via FEARLESS, ATLANTIC CAUSEWAY, BRITIS TRENT and RAF VC-10 from Ascension Island. SIR TRISTRAM was rebuilt and remained in service until 2005 while a new SIR GALAHAD was built which has now left service. Photos of SIR TRISTRAM's final entry to Portsmouth and our Commanding Officer Captain R Green DSC.

As a photographer on the flagship, HMS Hermes, I, along with the other happy snappers, Shiner Wrightson & Mitch Mitchell had a very busy time 'down south'.

A couple of memories come instantly to mind. .

After the first wave of Harriers had launched for Stanley, I was standing on deck awaiting their return. ("I counted them all out and counted them all back again") I recall the alarm and 'Air raid warning Red!' broadcast being made and, like most others, started scanning the horizon. I heard a sudden, very loud 'whhooosh' and hit the deck with my hands over my head as waited for the explosion from the exocet. As I lay there, I realised that what I had actually heard was our own 3 inch rockets being fired with chaff! Feeling VERY VERY stupid, I slowly opened my eyes and raised my head waiting for the inevitable abuse I would get from my colleagues in the flight deck crew. However, seeing everyone else in exactly the same position, I quickly stood up and shouted "Get up you xxxxxxxs, it's only the 3 inch rockets" and slowly strolled away. .

After we had received a report from a radio ham that an unexploded bomb had been found in peat near Goose Green, I along with a number of others, flew to the small community on East Island. On arrival we discovered several craters from our own bombs and the furniture from several cluster bombs. Harriers had bombed the grass strip to stop the Argentinians from using it. Tracking the scars in the peat we traced the path of the bomb through the side of a large goose shed, over the farmhouse, skidmarks in the next field and finally the 1000 pond bomb itself. Eager for a good picture, I gave the camera to the aircrewman, placed one boot on the bomb and, with arms folded, took up a heroic pose for the photo. From a distance a shout came up from the Commander, " What the bloody hell are you doing?". " Just having a quick photo sir!" I replied. " If that bloody thing goes off, I will be very annoyed with you." " Not as ****ing annoyed as I'll be sir!!!" .

Another incident followed the arrival of a photographer who I will call 'Ben'. He flew on after the start of hostilities feeling more than a little nervous about being onboard the flagship that, he thought, would attract most attention from missiles and aircraft. He therefore asked to be moved to another ship. Before hitching a ride in a chopper, he bade us farewell, left contact details in case anything happened to him and flew off to a safer home. .

The following day, after it had been detoured by the chaff of several ships', an incoming Exocet struck the 'Atlantic Conveyor' - the very same ship 'Ben' had just joined! Finding himself in unfamiliar surroundings, he had to almost feel his way up to the upper deck when the order to abandon ship was given. Donning his survival suit he launched himself over the ship's side but was unable to climb into a life raft as it was full. His survival suit then melted to the ship's side and ripped when he forced himself away causing it to take on water and drag him below the surface. After going down a number of times he gave up the fight and resigned himself to a watery grave. Fortunately he was seen by an aircrewman who jumped in from his aircraft and somehow managed to pull him up and get him hoisted to the helicopter where he regained concsiousness. .

The upshot of the story was that we didn't know any of this had happened and thought it ironic that he had left us to be safer. The next time we saw him was on Hermes' return to Portsmouth when his full head of balck hair had turned completely white!!.

I have attached a photo from a few years later as it's the only one I've got left of me in uniform!!

I was 11 years old when the Falklands Conflict occurred. I had a newspaper route and at the outset of hostilities, I remember the front page had a picture of the HMS Illustrious sailing out of port with the headline "Britain Goes to War". I grew up in perhaps the most militarily concentrated area in the United States and home to the world's largest naval base. Everyone paid attention to armed conflicts around the world. Especially ones that were fought at sea. For whatever reason, I followed the events of the war on a daily basis and read as much information as was availible. As a young military aviation fan, the Sea Harrier sparked my interest and has remained my favorite aircraft to this day. Later that year, the maritime association that my father belonged to had a Royal Navy Sea Harrier Pilot speak at their annual banquet. Also included was a complete presentation on aerial combat tactics by the Shar pilots and video footage. Great Stuff. I am sorry I cannot remember that pilot's name. I would like to take this oppurtunity to salute all of the servicemen taking part in this conflict. Your heroism and sacrifice is appreciated.

I was a leading cook serving on board the Ardent, I remember we were at action stations when we got a shout to hit the deck, the next thing I remember was coming to and seeing the smoke and the flames and finding 3 of my ship mates dead, not realising I was seriously injured at the time as the adrenaline had taken over and thoughts of my family were getting me the hell out of there, until the MEO told me I was badly hurt.
Once I got on the upper scuper, I gave myself a quick all over pat to see how badly I was hurt when I put my hands on my butt cheeks and looked at my hands which were saturated in blood. I said out loud "oh s@*t". I even had a quick check of the wedding package.
I was then transferred to the Yarmouth and then helo-transferred to the great white Whale (SS Canbara) where I underwent the first of my life saving operations on my lower back.
Once fit enough, I was transferred to the QE2 in South Georgia which had on board all the surviving injured men of the ships and the land units.
Of my time on board both the Ardent and the QE2, I made some true friends, some we left behind but never forgotten.
I stayed in the Navy after the war and completed my 22 but the call of the comradery could not be left uncalled so I joined back up 2003 after an absence of 8 years. I am now the oldest serving leading chef in the Royal Navy on board the type 22 friget HMS Campbletown.
I was as proud 25 years ago to my job as I would do it again today. All our thoughts to our lads doing their jobs in the Middle East.

I joined HMS Antrim as an LMEM(M) at around easter 1982 for a "three week jolly" out to the Med. Unfortunately nearly 4 months later we got back having been diverted to the Falkland Islands via Ascension Island. We had some good times down 3Q stokers mess worked hard and played hard. Great times on the "Grey Ghost"

My memories of the fearless, the crew that where on her and the professionalism of all who went down south will never fade from my mind. The loss of F4 and the memory of those who were killed will never leave me. I am 44 now and can still remember the good times, the laughs and the saddness from being part of a great crew and great comradeship.I have never since felt part of a big family.I hope to see most of you guys again in 2007. Take care

Being 1 of 40 nurses on board the SS Uganda during the crisis I have many stories to tell.
On watch one night in what was the cocktail bar, being used as our 'dirty area' for the operating theatre. A very high ranked officer passed through and observed nurses rolling bandages and packaging sawbas. He commented on the fact that where were the TSSU (theatre sterile supplies unit) staff whose duty this should be. You can imagine the replies we wanted to give? Polite as ever we kept our heads down and carried on.
Susan Float nee Offen celebrated her 21st birthday on board ship.
The day we had the children onboard from the Islands for a party.
I have many more memories stored in the attic. Will finish with a phrase coined by a nurse 'well he had his boots on' apparantly not much else!

Hi, this is general to any member of naval party 1830 who served on board SS Uganda during the crisis.
Remember leaving Oxfordshire to fly to Gib?
Refitting the SS Uganda out and sailing south?
Crossing the equator and having such fun?
Films supplied to watch called the Green Berets and Stripes was that meant to humour?
The nurses having to fight to wear 8's as they were 4's now i beleive?
Our first casualty was the captain of the ship.
Remember the times we played brag for our tinnies and sometimes our clothes???
The times the marines bandsman entertained us?
The times the nurses entertained the sailors????
Times when we were timed in and out of the showers due to water shortage?
The fantastic food that the crew laid on at every meal time?
Thanks to all the red cross parcels, some of the stuff was out of this world and can't be mentioned.
Times the helecoptors kept bringing the injured for us to deal with.
The lives we saved and the ones unfortunately lost.
The love and support from all at home.
The chaplins on board always at hand.
This could go on for ever.
May be you out there can add your own memories?
Sue, remember the time when on shore we were escorted by? off to? and then flown back to the Uganda?

I was third Officer on RFA PEARLEAF (freighting tanker) en route from Invergordon to Gibraltar when diverted in Portsmouth as the campaign gathered way. We sailed a week later with INVINCIBLE and HERMES to an un-forgetable departure. On arrival at Ascension, we replenished several ships including MV BRITISH TAMAR. It later transpired that this was the longest RAS in history (52 hours 40 minutes) covering over 600 nm. We were empty and needed to take a full cargo from the BP ship! We went south with the LSL Group initially close to South Georgia and then to the Falklands, making as much fresh water as possible. The Armada that gathered together the day before D Day was a memorable sight. Many more.......

In 82 I was a helicopter aircrewman with 846 Squadron flying from Hermes. Following the devastating strike on Sheffield, when we thought it might blow up and the order to abandon was given, I winched Captain Salt and the last few men from the flight deck. I had lifted all but the Captain and was putting the strop around him to lift him off as last man, when a head appeared from a hatch on the flight deck and a young lad in a fearnought suit appeared. Captain Salt passed the strop to him and I took him first, then eventually took the Captain off. I have always wondered what that lad's story was and, what would have happened if he had been a few minutes later coming up!

I served on HM Submarine Spartan during the Falklands conflict, Not only did we perfom escort duties for various ships coming into the warzone we also ended up carrying out picket duties off Argentine airbases giving air raid warnings as well as our usual stuff, but that would be telling wouldn't it :)

I remember the seas being very rough heading south as you can see from this photo. I was always suffering from sea sickness. I never did get my sea legs aboard HMS Antrim. Many of my mates would forever tease me about my sea sikness and on occasion they would stick their heads over the head cubicles (Toilets) to do this!! Especially Smudge Smith from 3D Mess as that was my mess too. The other photo was taken on our 2nd tour of the Falklands which came much too quickly. We returned in November of 1982 for Christmas which didn't go down well with any of the ships company. This was taken on Christmas day. Trigger Rogers Kevin Catchpole, Quasimodo and a few other from 3D mess.

I also joined HMS Antrim just before Easter 1982 to be part of the "3 week jolly" to the med and shared 3q mess. We shared some good, sad and frightening times....especially when we had an unwelcome visitor in the heads (in the form of a 1000lb bomb!). Fortunately for us it failed to explode! Would be good to read of other peoples experiences on the grey ghost. Cheers to everyone who helped me celebrate my 18th on there too. Stef Harris

6th Assault Sqn RM Intrepid Fond memories landing at San Carlos,then onto Teal inlet. Capt Eugene O kane, Lt Jeff Mason,and sgt Major Sam McLaughlin, who led the Sqn, remember the SOS? when our Rigid Raider engine failed, ended up drifting out to open sea. Hope all of the Squadron are alive and kicking, and we meet up in June.

I was a cook on the ferry Norland, i will never forget that first day, seeing 2 para going ashore and never forget the lads who never come back. I had my 21st birthday down there, hopefully will meet some old friends in London on June 17th.

I was only 6 when the Falklands war started. The memory that sticks out most, is visiting my Dad at Seaton Barracks in Plymouth. I remember walking into the Sick Bay and all I could see was crates being packed with medical supplies. I didn't understand why there were so many serious faces, but when dad came home and said he was going to the Falklands Islands it started to sink in. My Dad went to the Falklands on the Canberra, I recieved a very nice postcard of the ship from him on his way down to the islands.

I was serving on HMS FEARLESS but got sent over to NORLAND to help with the Water Purifyer (Reverse Osmosis?) with Danny Burns & Johnno Johnstone. Danny went back after a couple of days, Johnno left a few days before we went in to San Carlos but I stayed there for approx 12 days. The night the fleet entered the bay I asked the Senior Naval Officer on Norland if he wanted me to close up in the engine room but he said I should go to bed, adding 'If anything happens you will soon know'. So I was tucked up asleep on a car ferry when the fleet entered San Carlos, surely the only person not closed up at Action Stations! Also I will never forget F4, I went through the South Shields refit with MEA1 Jesse James & knew LMEM Dusty Miller as well.

I was a Naval Airman on board H.M.S. Hermes during the Falklands war and I've loads of memories from those far off days (can it really be 25 years?).

I remember we nearly lost a tractor and helicopter (and Taff Jones) over the rounddown one foggy night, this is from my diary on Friday 4th June 1982:

"It was so foggy we couldn't see the ramp and side lift from the after lift, then at about 10.40pm while moving a helo onto 9 spot the tractor got stuck and started sliding down the rounddown. We put one lashing onto it and just as Taff Jones jumped off, it went down with a crash and was caught in the net. The rest of the watch was spent trying to get it back up. Quite a hairy business!"

Also when on watch one day we were given the "quarters stand too" order which warned of impending attack and I remember hunkering down under the catwalk of the forward waste........ directly under about 10 500lb bombs, sidewinders and ammo! not the best place to hide!

Anyway also included is a photo of a party we held for the P.R.O. (second from the left) on 28.6.82.

If you're still out there somewhere and you recognise youself in the photos then here's to you guys and happy days.

I was servng with the 1st battalion Welsh Guards during the Conflict. We were at San Carlos at the time the Sir Galahad was attacked, it was a case of 'there for but the grace of god go I?' it was, and still is a very sad day for our regiment, i personally lost many friends during the attack. Today I am the fundraising coordinator for SAMA82(Wales branch),and during my time with SAMA I have made good friends with other veterans from all arms of he services. The spirit of 82 lives on through the Comradeship within SAMA82.

I served with T Battery 12 Air Defence Regiment on the Rapier air defence systems in 82. I think of the Falklands everyday as I am sure most do who where down there. I can recall very vividly my feelings and fear on the morning we landed and the very first air attack. The noise, the smell even the crackle of the radio warning us of “AIR RAID RED” I remember the uncertainty of what the next day would bring. I think of the lads who never came back and what it did to those who did come back. Was it worth it? I think it was despite the high price of death and misery. The people of the Falklands are British subjects and they had and have every right to be defended. You people out there, my brothers in arms I salute you all.

The pic of me was taken some months after Op Corp, whilst the other is one I took of a captured Argie gunboat or something, as it carried out a sail-by. I think it was renamed 'Tiger Bay'

I was a stoker on the HERMES and remember that Friday 2nd April, the day the invasion was announced by the XO at a 'clear lower deck'. It was 4 days after my wedding!

I remember the apprehension we all felt, the confusion at 'discovering' these islands existed, the toil and graft we had to endure to get this hulk ready for war by repairing boilers, clearing the porta-cabins & scaffolding off the flight deck, the never ending storing ship; night & day.

I remember that first initial cheer at sinking the G. BELGRANO; then the sudden silence at the realisation at what we had done, soon followed by the SHEFFIELD. I felt this whole thing seemed to be getting out of hand...

There were some amusing moments like racing 'crabs' on top of a fridge; trying to steel food from your oppo's plate during action stations in the dining hall; after an excocet attack, seeing the MEO emerge wearing an S6...'just in case!'

The really tormenting things though were trying to find somewhere to sleep (deck 5 was out of bounds as accommodation in case of torpedo attack); the constant hunger and cold; always craving for mail, Brian Hanrahan's freshly shaven face and, worst of all, the sheer helplessness at seeing the ATLANTIC CONVEYOR burn; the pitifull sight of the survivors we took from the SHEFFIELD and the death roll posted on the ships notice board every few days.

Then of course there was the homecoming, this was something else!

25 years later I still look back and think, I wouldn't have missed it for the world!!

As a very young Seaman serving on board HMS Alacrity back in 1982 my memories are still as vivid as the events developed 25 years ago, i took an active part in the rescue of crew members from the stricken Atlantic Conveyor, these events still haunt me 25 years on, i am sure many of you will suffer in this way as well, i have taken great comfort from friends and family to help me cope when times get hard and the nightmares reocure as they still do. So i would just like to take this oppertunity to pass on my thanks to you all, and to anyone out there in the same situation DONT SUFFER IN SILENCE.

I joined HMS Fearless 2 weeks out of training on 3rd April 1982 as junior radio operator augmentee for the conflict. I will always remember my first run ashore in the Navy - filling sandbags on the beach at Ascension Island for protection around the Bridge!

Memories of the conflict are endless but the ones that stand out are;

The night entry into San Carlos Water, watching the tracer fire and explosions around Fanning Head as the Special Forces took on the Argentine position there;

Watching the Antelope explosion light up the night sky and thinking that could be us next, and the Captain of that ship thanking his crew for all their efforts over the ship's tannoy system once they had all been brought aboard;

Taking receipt of the message telling of the Coventry sinking, and the silence in the office as I read it out.

The one memory that will always be with me is the sounds of action; the running commentary from the Ops room and the Bridge as the raids came in, followed by the "whoosh" of the seacats launching, the repetitive thud-thud of the bofors followed quickly by the Gpmg's opening up as the aircraft roared by, closely followed by the dull sounding thump of bombs exploding in the water and reverberating off the ships hull.

The saddest memory will be seeing the names on the casualty lists and the loss of our own Landing Craft, Foxtrot Four.

I grew up a lot during the conflict, realising that war is not a game or anything like I used to read in comics I read as a boy and I think that what I learnt stood me in good stead for the rest of my 22 years in the Navy.

25 Years, good god! I served in HMS Cardiff and sailed South with the Bristol Group. My 19th Birthday was the same day the Sheffield was hit. Compared to other units we were very fortunate, we had our scrapes yes, but overall we were bloody lucky. My most vivid memory was when I was sent ashore in Ajax Bay to deliver some Rum and I came across the makeshift cemetery.......it was just too much to take in and I kept thinking I was seeing some WW1 footage......look at the picture I took and you'll know what I mean.

Throughout our time down there we all, officers and men alike, just 'clicked' and we went about our business with dogged determination to win. This year is a special celebration and I will be remembering Able Seaman (Radar) Iain Boldy, a lad I knew KIA onboard HMS Argonaught and Pilot Chris Griffin, Observer Simon Cockton, Joe Baker, Mike Forge who were flying in a 656 Squadron Army Air Corps Gazelle when it was shot down by Cardiff.

I've been in civvy street for for twelve years now and I look back at my time in the 'Andrew' with great pride and have fond memories of the lads I worked, lived and went to war with. God bless you all...........Griff.

THE RECOVERY OF THE FALKLAND ISLANDS FLAG 1982

I was a young Stoker serving onboard HMS ACTIVE. The ship was returning from a Gulf deployment approaching Gibraltar when we received the news that Argentina had invaded the Falkland Islands. Geography not being my strong point, the news left me confused as to why Argentina was in the slightest bit interested in the small group of islands located off the tip of Scotland! We were in company with HMS SHEFFIELD and arrangements were being made for her to receive 4.5” gun ammunition from us prior to her departing at speed for the South Atlantic. A defective engine clutch meant that we had to return to the UK for repairs before chasing the QE2 back South. It was during these few weeks back in the UK that a night out in one of Plymouth’s many clubs was cut short by a DJ announcing the loss of HMS SHEFFIELD to an Argentinean Exocet missile. That really hit home, this was for real, the gloves were off and the crew of the ACTIVE were anxious to do their bit, as no doubt were all servicemen. We sailed for the South Atlantic, we lost friends and comrades, we “did our bit” and much has been written about the conflict since then.

Two days after the Argentinean surrender the ACTIVE was anchored in Port William, a sea inlet adjacent to Port Stanley, with many of the ships that had been involved it the conflict. Volunteers were sought from our crew to proceed ashore to sort mail in an improvised sorting office (little mail had been received from the UK up to that date) or provide a gash collection party. I considered the best chance of having a look around lay with gash collection so I duly put my name forward. I soon found myself moving from ship to ship in a captured landing craft having cargo nets of gash lowered into the craft. It was cold, the smell was pretty bad and every ship we visited seemed to be keen on sinking us. I was thankful for the set of pussers blue foulies I was wearing.

Once full the craft made its way to the jetty at Stanley where we unloaded our cargo onto a captured lorry and accompanied it to the dump for offloading. Once the lorry was emptied we were given five minutes to skirmish through the “Spoils of war” and soon I found myself walking over piles of ammunition, discarded kit and dismantled weapons. I discovered a rucksack on a pile of kit and on closer inspection found personal effects, rosily beads, pictures and letters and beneath a flag. The flag appeared to be a union jack and once unrolled a crest appeared in the centre. I first I thought it was a regimental flag but on asking a nearby Army captain was told it was the Falkland Islands flag. The offer of £20 and a 4.5 pistol in exchange for the flag was quickly turned down and off I went with my prize.

I have since discovered that the flag, which measures 4ft X 6ft, was used for ceremonial purposes and was most likely stolen from the Drawing room sideboard of Government House in Stanley shortly after the Argentine occupation. How the flag arrived on the dump? I believe that the surrendering forces abandoned their kit on the streets of Stanley and this was bulldozed by the British forces eventually ending up on the dump at Stanley. I still have the flag and several people have commented on its probable value. For me the true value or more importantly "Cost" could never be calculated and to that end the flags is destined to be passed down my family line with my memories of 1982.

Mick Procter
Jan 07

THE LAST TEA BAG

A Middle watch in early June and everything was very quiet as we were in fast transit back to U.K. for weapons up dates and then return South.

Due to our very quick departure in late March from Faslane and the organised panic of storing for war our coffee and tea stock had been woefully low and even after careful issue and warnings of low stocks we had finally ran out.

Soapy walked into the mess and slowly laid out on the table a very battered and badly cared for tea bag, the last tea bag. With all due reverence as knowing it was the end of the line and extinction for the tea bag race the boiler was turned up to maximum temperature. All present members in the mess found a tea cup and the bag was carefully dunked into nine cups until we had brown water and a white tea bag.

The cuppa tasted like nectar and the memory lingers on so best wishes to all the other late night tea drinkers.

I was an 18 year old LCPL serving in the Royal Army Pay Corps attached to 2nd Bn Scots Guards, part of 5 Brigade.

The journey South was a blur of training as we tried to cram in as much as possible and eventually we cross decked to the Canberra in South Georgia ready for the final leg to the Falklands. The constant smell of aviation fuel, helicopters buzzing around, the ships of the Royal Navy surging through mountainous seas and the constant stream of news over the BBC World Service made for a heady atmosphere and by the time we arrived in Falkland Sound and started being loaded into the landing craft we were very fired up.

Three days after landing we were moved over night to Bluff Cove in HMS Fearless where after a horrendous 8 hours spent bobbing up and down in an open landing craft we eventually made it to dry land and were able to take over the positions of 2 Para who had been flown in earlier. It seemed appropriate that we should wade ashore on June 6th.

There then followed a week in which the noose around Port Stanley was tightened and the British forces moved troops around in preparation for the final push. It was during this time that the two ships Sir Galahad and Sir Tristram were bombed and our sister battalion of the Welsh Guards was hit. At the time we had no idea of the horrors of what we witnessed as our attention was firmly fixed on trying to shoot down the Argentine jets that flew over our positions. However later that evening some of the events drifted back to us as elements of the Scots Guards had helped with the rescuing of troops from the doomed ships. A couple of weeks later I walked over to Fitzroy and looked at the ships as they had been run aground on the shore. They had had huge holes in their superstructure and had literally melted. On the night on June 11th 3 Para assaulted Mount Longdon which we could clearly see from Bluff Cove. The night sky lit up with tracer and flares and the ground quivered with the aftershock of artillery, mortars and shells from ships offshore. All we could think of was that we were next though just what this meant we had no real idea.

Two days later it was our turn.

The Battalion was lined up in sticks of 8 and as the helicopters landed we leapt aboard and were whisked up to Goat Ridge. The Argentine forces had heard the movement of troops but had no direct line of sight as by this time they had lost their observation posts on the mountains around us. However shells landed amongst us all day but as they weren’t directed their effect was random. We suffered our first casualty which in typical Army humor was laughed off as it involved one of the tough sergeants getting shrapnel in the buttocks.

As dark fell we moved up to the start line in battle order, literally a white tape pinned to the ground, like the start of a race.

I carried a stretcher, a rifle, 100 rounds of ammunition for my rifle and 1000 rounds for our machine gun. Shell dressings were in every pocket and pouch and I carried a sleeping bag, not for sleeping but to keep wounded warm. My designated role was once the fighting started I was to look after the walking wounded.

We moved onto Tumbledown sometime after 10pm on the night of June 13th in the middle of a snow storm. It was a silent approach, as in there was no pre bombardment to warn the defenses, and the first objective was seized with no fighting. As the second objective was approached the attack went “noisy” as the Argentine 5th Marine battalion at last realized they were under attack. War has distinct sounds and smells that stay with me today, the smell of cordite, blood on wet grass and human excrement. The deafening thump of mortars, artillery, naval bombardment, hand grenades, machine guns and the shouted commands as men worked their way through the rocks towards the enemy. It was all very confusing and all you could do was hug the ground and make yourself as small as possible in the hope that somehow this would improve your chances of not being hit. Sometime later I was called to the head of the company and along with a few of my comrades we went forward into no-man’s land to recover some wounded. However we never did find them in the darkness as our movements attracted the attention of some snipers who pinned us down for what seemed hours. To add to our discomfort our own troops hadn’t been told that we had gone forward so they mistook us for enemy so they also started firing on us. The bullets zipped all around me and I could feel the air ripple, these weren´t random rounds but deliberately aimed and I just knew that I was being targeted. I just froze and hugged the ground playing dead hoping the sniper would lose interest which after a minute or so he did. Next thing I knew mortar bombs starting to land around us and we were all showered with bits of gravel and hot shrapnel, luckily none of us were hit but it was very disconcerting as the rounds were landing no more than 4 to 5 meters away at times. All that was saving us was the soft ground as the mortars buried themselves deep before exploding.

Dawn started to approach and still the objective for my company hadn’t been taken. We had to attack and quickly otherwise daylight would see us exposed on the side of the mountain in full sight of Argentinean forces in Stanley. The company moved into assault positions, weapons were readied, bayonets fixed and ammunition for the machine guns piled up. Just then there was a big bang no more than 3 meters to my left. In the silence that followed the desperate cries of one of my comrades could be heard. He had had part of his leg blown off and was crawling around in the dark moaning and crying out looking for his leg. The effects on the rest of us waiting to attack wasn’t good so an officer yelled for him to shut up, something I don’t think anybody would have been capable of doing. In the end he was given morphine and volunteers were called for to carry him off the mountain. I raised my hand but as we were about to go into the assault I was turned down. Later I heard that the stretcher party received a direct hit from a mortar that killed him, plus two of the guys carrying him and blew the legs off the other two.

Dawn came and into the half light we launched our assault. It was utter mayhem and the noise was deafening and in what seemed no time at all the Argentines were thrown out of their last positions. All I remember of that final assault were the frantic commands being yelled and of myself crawling around collecting ammunition for our machine gun. Our gunner hammered away until the barrel glowed red hot and had to switch to a new one. My job of being in charge of walking wounded was no longer needed as we realized that anybody wounded tonight wasn’t going to walk off this mountain. Our company casualties were relatively light with nobody killed though some were horrendously wounded. Men in my company were awarded gallantry medals for their actions and it is often repeated in many histories of the Falklands that the Scots Guards on Tumbledown fought the best troops the Argentines had to offer and that victory was the hardest one, but it hadn’t been cheap for as a battalion we lost 8 dead and 41 wounded.

There is hardly a day that goes by that I don't think about the Falklands.

Falklands Reminising

The 25th Anniversary is very poignant for me and my family. My wife, Kathy, and I met through the war, we were pen-pals. Phil (Manny) Birley, one of the cooks in my mess, 1G1 Mess HMS Antrim, wrote to the Nottingham Evening Post asking for Pen Pals.

At the time we were on our way to Assencion Island. We believed that the, mostly, conscript Argentinian forces would turn and run when they saw us sailing over the horizon (which we now know they didn't) so spirits were high, almost flippant.

Kathy's was one of thousands of letters that arrived in the rare mail drops we received. We had decided that all letters would get a reply and so, I was helping sort the mail one day (after we had re-taken South Georgia) when one of the letters I opened was hers. I was instantly attracted to it - it was 5 pages long (4 more than most of the others), didn't mention the war once and was very witty and bright.

I decided to write back. I got her reply at Assencion Island when we were one of the last ships to be on our way home having been one of the first down there!

Kathy lived with her Mum in Clifton, Nottingham and my Mum & Dad lived 10 miles away in Castle Donington so I suggested we meet for a drink which we eventually arranged. So on 21st July, 4 days after our return, my brother, Billy, drove me over, I was a bag of nerves!

We got on well and agreed to meet again. I only had a few days leave and had to return to the ship but would return in a couple of weeks for 10 more days leave. During this leave, having known each other for less than a month, I proposed and (thankfully) Kathy accepted.

We have had a fantastic life together and celebrate our Silver wedding Anniversary on St. Georges Day 2008 along with our 3 sons, all named after the war: Alex Nigel Timothy Ross Ithnan Marriott (ANTRIM (my ship)) Shaun Andrew Marriott (SAM - South Atlantic Medal) Lewis Charles Anthony Marriott (LCA - Leading Catering Accountant (my rank at the time))

We believe we were right to eject the Argentinians from the Falklands, the Task Force paid a heavy price - I lost 2 freinds, but in the end we were victorious and I and my family owe our very exsistence to the war. We are all looking forward to the 25th Anniversary when we will remeber those that didn't return and hopefully meet up with some old shipmates, but the five of us will be proud and happy.

I just wanted to tell you about my Grandad, Reg PRITCHARD 21/09/1927 - 13/02/1996

I have a South Atlantic Medal, it belongs to him, but he died 10 years ago, it still belongs to him, I am just proud to be looking after it for him!

He was a Merchant Seaman for 33 years retiring a couple of years after the Falklands Conflict due to ill health.

He was a PO(M) onboard the ATLANTIC CAUSEWAY and served during the entire conflict in the South Atlantic. As a merchant seaman he was ill prepared for war let alone being in the 'danger zone' needless to say his ship was one of the first to assist the stricken Royal Marines bombed on the Sir Galahad. He was even more aghast to find that many of these man stretchered onto his ship were part of 42 Commado which was my Dads company of Royal Marines. My Father was medically retired the previous year having lost his leg in a motorbike accident after 10 years service. However, we were close to many of the families closely affected by the war as we lived in Plymouth and my Grandad knew some of those young men. All our neighbours at that time had Dads, Brothers etc either as Sailors or Royal Marines nearly ALL of them were at war.

My Grandad also had to deal with the harrowing loss of the crew aboard The Atlantic Conveyor (His sister ship) as some had been 'borrowed' from his ship and some that died were his friends! Throughout the campaign he and his crew worked tirelessly and came home very battered and bruised. They were also there in San Carlos water hours after liberation. They helped transport home some 'relics' from the Argentine Army and also, I understand many casualties of war in the hundreds of coffins they had transported down there and had to work between for months.

The war was very real to me, and with my Brother still serving in the Royal Navy, down in Guz(RPO tut tut) and my husband ex-navy (899 & 801 SQN 1990-1996) the conflict will always be of great poignance to our family. My Grandad was 55 years old when he went to war and my Nan said he was never the same again. Something to do with that thousand yard stare. He had his followers though, these Marines would turn up out of the blue to see him for a cuppa or a tot and a chat when they were passing through and they seemed to have their own language and understanding. It seems I'll never really know what it was like for him, well he liked to protect us too much I guess!

Anyway, we were living in Plymouth and on many days during the conflict they had to close the school early as no one turned up because another ship had come home or gone South! We welcomed and waved off as many as we could, I was only 11 but remember it vividly standing at the packed quay waving our union flags shouting for all I was worth and I particularly remember Grandad coming home! The ship was wretched the men were weary and a reporter on deck thrust a microphone under his chin and asked what it was like to be back...I'd never heard my Grandad swear...until then! We then went to his cabin for a cup of tea!!

I have to pinch my arm to believe that 25 years ago I watched my husband, Surgeon Lieutenant Townsend, sail out of Plymouth on C.S Iris-Busby's ship - remember that little bird who bounced on the BT adverts. CS Iris had been requisitioned for carrying stores to replenish the task force. It was hard watching every news bulletin and hearing what was happening out in the S.Atlantic. It really brought matters to a head, that the war was for real when HMS Sheffield was hit and the Argentinians were a force to be reckoned with. It was extremely hard time for all wives, girlfriends, mums and family of all our service and civilian personnel waiting at home.

I, like my Commanding Officer at the time, was due to leave HMS ALACRITY to take up a new appontment in the Summer of 1982. The orders the ship received on 2nd April of course changed all that – and ALACRITY quietly slipped her moorings and left for the South Atlantic 3 days later. 2 months previously I had married a QUARNNS officer – and whilst she remained working at RN hospital Stonehouse (she was not permitted to join one of the hospital ships with me already en route south) our married life was put on hold.

ALACRITY’s exploits are well-documented in the book CALL FOR FIRE written some years later by our CO, the first part being a concise diary of ALACRITY’s involvement in the war; a book I would recommend to anyone. I do have my own personal highlights.

As a bridge-watchkeeping officer (watch on/watch off with the Navigating officer during the conflict), I recall watching at first hand many of ALACRITY’s exploits: the frequent RAS serials, invariably undertaken at night in rough seas and under ‘silent’ routine; the times our frigate joined up with one or two other ships on the ‘gunline’ providing gunfire support to the ground forces; the time that ALACRITY was tasked by the Admiral to make a passage through the Falkland Sound at night, ostensibly as a minesweeper to find out whether that stretch of water had been mined (to the relief of all it, fortunately, had not!) – and, during the same mission, picking up on radar and then firing upon a vessel acting suspiciously some miles ahead of us [it was later discovered to have been making frequent trips between West and East Falkland supplying aviation fuel] and bombarding the unseen target with 4.5” shells. It was only a matter of time before the fuel itself was hit - and seeing the two huge fireballs which lit the sky after direct hits was unforgettable.

Another vivid memory was, on hearing that the ATLANTIC CONVEYOR had been hit, being ordered to close the stricken vessel at full speed to assist; the efforts made to run out fire hoses to try to douse the flames: how the captain himself took over control of the con from myself and drove ALACRITY precariously close to the side of the vessel – a brilliant piece of seamanship in appalling sea conditions - to get as close as he safely could in order to reduce the distance those jumping from AC into the sea had to swim. Sadly, not all jumpers survived – and, later, a funeral service at sea on ALACRITY’s flight deck brought home the harsh realities of war – and the sacrifices made. Worthy of mention here are the heroic efforts made by our ships divers and swimmers who entered the sea to try to help rescue those in difficulty. [See Jock Stevenson’s own memory entry]

ALACRITY’s gun barrel eventually wore out and despite the CO’s gallant efforts to persuade the Admiral to allow ALACRITY to remain on station ‘until the end’ we were ordered back home for repairs – and we passed (I think it was) HMS GLAMORGAN en route, limping back to UK after suffering bomb damage. And I think I’m right in saying that we were the first ship to arrive back in Devonport after cessation of the conflict itself, I can also vividly recall, a very large crowd of relatives and friends gathered on the quay side to greet us. Many abiding memories still fresh in my mind after 25 years.

I remember being told to come early from a friends house, my mother said there was an important announcement to be made by the Governor. We listened around the radio, Rex Hunt told us that that we were to be invaded in the morning. We were woken early in the morning to loud bangs, it was distant at first then got closer and closer. There were armoured personnel carriers coming up Davis Street where we lived, it was terrifying. Then we heard a loud bang on the door, my stepfather answered it there were armed Argentinians outside, we were ordered out of the house and a machine gun was pointed at us, my brother was cold so my stepfather gave him some clothes, my mother thought we were going to be shot, it was really frightening. The Argentinians searched the house and let us back in, my stefather was paid a compliment though, the there was a clock with Elvis Presley in uniform on it, they thought it was him, it was hilarious watching him explain to the Argentinians who Elvis Presley was!!!!

The next day we were sent to Goose Green and the rest they say is History.

I read somewhere about a nurse on the SS Uganda, remembering the children having a party on board, I was one of the children, I can remember it being a really cold day, as one of the Nurses had goosebumps on her arms, I think it was in July 1982.

My abiding memories are disbelief that we were a target for someone and that they dared to bomb us(it was very close wasn`t it!!) after all we are English! The night we took some strange Royals ashore and found a Gizzit for the old man (i wonder if he still has that first bit of the Falklands to be liberated??) and the Atlantic Conveyor nightmare. To Jock Stevenson and all the rest of the guys, feelings are difficult and affect us all in different ways. Sorry to hear yours have been unpleasant Jock. Regards to you all and doesn`t 25 years go past quickly.

In 1982 I served onboard HMS Plymouth and my older brother was serving onboard HMS Active, he was Petty Officer (Sonar) Michael Envy and I was Leading Seaman (Radar) George Envy. This photograph was taken onboard HMS Active in San Carlos Water also known as Bomb Alley, HMS Plymouth is in the background. I was offered liquid or solid lunch, there was only babies heads (tinned steak & kidney pudding) on offer so a liquid lunch won.

Hi i have made a website all about the Falklands 25th anniversary and would be happy for any guys to take a look and sign. Many Thanks Andrew Visit My Website

I was a member of an 11 man RAF Bomb Disposal Team who sailed to the Falklands on LSL Bedivere.We arrived in San Carlos Bay to see the prow of HMS Antelope after it was destroyed by a bomb. It was only later I found out my pal Jim Prescott was killed trying to disarm the bomb. A very great shock, he and I did the same EOD course.

Later the Argentine Air Force contrived to place 4 bombs in the building we where in at Ajax Bay!Later we went to Goose Green and finally Stanley clearing ordnance of all types as we went.

It was an amazing experience, one I will never forget. I was also very impressed with the sheer competence and professionalism of all concerned. Pride of service, the best forces in the world.

I joined HMS Antrim for a three month jolly in the med as ships Bugler what a surprise i had, worked in gunbay as first member of RM Band Service to do so for a long time. After recapture of South Georgia I played last post for Argentine sailor killed on submarine Santa Fe, anyone got any photos of this event as he was the first fatality of the conflict. Soon afterwards i left Antrim to escort the Argentine officer Astiz back to Ascension island. Throughly enjoyed my time on HMS Antrim and thanks to all who made me feel welcome especially the RM detachment.

I served as 2nd Officer on the Ocean Salvage Tug 'Yorkshireman' - as far as I know we were around the fifth or sixth ship Merchant Vessel to be 'Taken Up From Trade' as it was know, mobilising in Portsmouth for a couple of days or so before setting out initially for Ascension Island where we stayed for approx two weeks while everything grouped up there before the 'push' down to the Falklands itself...

Along with our sistership (Irishman) we proceeded to the limits of the 200mile exclusion zone via the island of 'Tristan de Cunha' in the South Atlantic where the islanders made us very welcome for the two days...

A few weeks were spent at the exclusion zone area where the Salveage and repair vessel were kept on station - I recall a number of the warships coming to the area with unexploded bombs on board and holes where they had entered...

Collegues on the Salvageman and Irishman were dispatched for the 'Sheffield' and Atlantic Conveyor - which was taken into tow only to sink later. Two of the ABs on the Irishman received MBEs...

At some point during the proceedings we were dispatched down to South Georgia where 42 Commando ('M' Company) had recaptured the Island a few days before. A few weeks were spent here providing R+R excursions to the lads (some good outings were had here!!!) from '42' together with some from 'HMS Endurance' that also spent some time there then. Once the hostilities ceased we then were directed to Port Stanley to assist in matters there before finally flying home on a good old Hercules via Ascension and Dakar...

I hope there are at least a few of 42 Commando that recall the time in South Georgia...

As part of a small RN party on board RFA Sir Bedivere, I was the sole weapon engineer. Recently completed my Tiff's course I was suprised to be pulled out from my local swimming pool by the police whist on easter leave. I was told I was off down south and had to report to Marchwood the next day - I had never heard of Marchwood let alone the Falklands.

Trip south went well and the Falklands seemed a long way off as we crossed the line. We went into bomb alley for the offload and had a bunch of Royal's to disgorge ashore. As we went to air raid warning red for the first time I found myself next to a big ruffy-tuffy Colour Sgt RM. As we were straffed from the Argies, he turned to me, picked me off my feet shook me and said "Oh for f****'s sake no one told me they would be shooting back" now if that didn't fill me with confidence on Royal nothing did!!! Bedivere stayed south until many of the fatalalities were repatriated. Me and my happy band of men (1 CPO, 2 LH and 4 ABs) remained on board and saw the RCT detatchment go home before us. At the inevitable party prior to departure the small RCT bunch who had been relieved by some 60 strong soldiers, Cpl Jones stood up and said "Never before in the face of human conflict have so few been relieved by so many" !!!

I have been very fortunate in having just returned from visiting the Falklands at the invite of the BBC. The thought of ever going back there had never really appealed to me. However once there and as we were visiting the sites, San Carlos, Two Sisters ans Sappers Hill, I am glad that I did. It bought back many memories, both good and ones of sadness. Good because when you have time to think where you were and what you did, it is certainly an eye opener and to have done what we did over that terrain and in those conditions is something that we should all be proud of, sad when visiting the San Carlos Cemetry and seeing names of oppos still there, don't ever forget their sacrifice.

The Falklands has come a long way since '82, but Stanley has changed very little albeit there are some more houses and the Globe is still there. The islanders are still very proud to be British and are still very grateful for what we achieved in '82. I was given a tremendous hug and kiss by one Islander in The Globe who couldn't thank me enough for what we had all done in '82. The photograph is of Two Sisters, nothing has changed it's just tranquil. The Yomper

I was just visiting your website to try and find some information about events taking place for the 25th Falkland ceommemorations. Whilst looking through your letters page i came across a photo sent in by Mr Tinson, HMS Antrim, 3D mess. The guy with the beard (or should i say boy)was a very young Artie Shaw (me) - SCARY

I have no particular story except my son Stephen (dixie) Dixon died in Goose Green and was on the Norland going out. I just wondered if anyone who knew him or was with him could tell me anything about him at the time. I have looked at different sites on the internet and have only just found this one, because a friend of my son in law Martin Maher who was also in 2nd battalion of the Paras sent him a newspaper with it in. There will be a memorial in my home town of Basildon for Steve on the 17th June of which we are extremely proud and anyone who is near or wants to is more than welcome to come. Obviously it is for all the boys not just Steve. If you have any pictures of Steve I would love copies and am happy to pay for them. Good luck to all of you and I hope life has been kind to you for the last 25 years, it seem like yesterday.

My brother Ricky Ringham served on the aircraft carrier HMS Hermes when it went to the Falklands in 82. It seems so long ago that we, my mum and I went to see the ship come home, how good it was to see his face, its was amazing, it only seems like yesterday, something we shall never forget. Ricky passed away in 1996 aged 32.

See mention of HMS Tiger Bay (formerly of the Argie Navy). Was part of the first crew to take her to sea after capture. She was a mess, and we found after 4 days that the damn thing was booby trapped in the aft ammo locker...from memory we borrowed the former engineer from one of the prison ships to diffuse the lot before she blew. She had a lovely tripod mast during our earlier trips but this was crushed flat by one of the round bottom hospital boats we went alongside, who decided to sit on us when we were alongside her during a big swell. We painted her from bow to stern so she was more like other RN boats, mainly because it stopped people opening up on us with small arms everytime we appeared around headlands. The other vessel conected to this was a stern trawler called the 'Black Pic'.. I have recently lost all my photo memories due to a house fire would appreciate any help to replace..

I worked as a Theatre Sister (Senior Nursing Officer) on The Hospital Ship Uganda during The Falklands War. Forty female Queen Alexandra's Royal Naval Nursing Service Nursing Officers & Naval Nurses joined at Gibraltar, complementing a team of Royal Navy Medical Consultants & RN specialists. The Naval Nurses were the first British female ratings to go to sea..ever. We built the hospital on the way south to Ascension where we heard that HMS Sheffield had been sunk.

Thereafter, we took over 730 patients, including Argentine personnel, & performed more than 500 surgical operations.

Uganda spent the majority of the hostilities in Grantham Sound, a supposedly sheltered bay just south west of San Carlos Water. Casualties from all over the battle zone including the Ajax Bay Field Hospital were transferred to us by helicopter, at one stage queuing up to land on our specially constructed helo-pad astern. We used a lot of Flamazine! As patients recovered, they were transferred to our "Ambulance Ships" Hydra, Herald & Hecla, for onward passage to UK via RAF from Montevideo. Uganda returned as a troopship with 1/7 Gurkhas & 16 Field Ambulance to Southampton on August 9th.

I now work as a Voluntary Carer for The South Atlantic Medal Association helping veterans return to The Falklands for return Pilgrimages to The Islands.

I'll be in London on June 17th,& hope we'll all encourage our friends & oppos to join us. We'll be there for those who didn't come back. Also, for those who did, but wear their indelible battle scars with dignity & pride.

My husband Brian was a LWEM(O) on board HMS Antelope. When he set sail for the Falklands in April 82 I was 2 months pregnant with our second child. Living in married quarters at the time I am sure helper as everyone pulled together and shared their ups and downs with one another.

Those of us whose loved ones were in the conflict used to dread the 1 o'clock news, and it was on those news that I heard when HMS Antelope had been hit. Lockily Brian was an uninjured survivor.

When our daughter was born in November she had a birthmark on her bottom which looked just like HMS Antelope exploding!!! She is getting married this year in July and I am so gratedful that her father is here to be able to walk her down the aisle.

I was the Bar Manager in the Petty Officers Mess during the conflict and the one memory that I'll probably never forget is:

As most of you will recall we had a limit of spirits and beer for daily consumption. Anyway we were all sitting in the Mess on the 22nd May when the Captain came on the blower and informed us that the Ardent had been sunk that day protecting the landings in San Carlos bay. And that the next day (23rd May) our ship (HMS ANTELOPE) would be taking her place on picket duty in San Carlos bay. As you can imagine the atmosphere was a little charged at the thought of actually getting into the action. My Mess mates asked if they could have more spirits/beer than they were officially entitled to (purely for nerve calming purposes of course). Me being pretty new to the job and a little afraid of the consequences should a check be carried out, said NO! You can imagine the stick I recieved the next day after we had to abandon ship.........

I was 7 years old in 1982, we lived at Hope Cottage near Douglas Station on East Falkland. Some memories for me from that time:

The day the Marines arrived, seeing them hiding in the grass and pointing their guns at our house until eventually someone came and knocked on the door.
My mum and nan cooking nonstop and giving bags of food to waiting RM's.
Having a tooth pulled out on a stretcher by a dentist wearing camo and washing my mouth from his water bottle!
In the middle of this the surviving chinook from Atlantic Conveyer landed, i remember being convinced for years that it was bigger than all the other chinooks i ever saw!
My grandand fetched him in a landrover and told me that there was an air raid warning while he was on the hill, he jumped out and hid under the landrover..... before realising that it possibly wasnt the safest place!
Being buzzed by a Harrier, so low that it blew me over as i was trying to run away, i had nightmares for a long time after about this.
Hiding my toy guns so the argies wouldnt take them!
Watching the dogfights above San Carlos.

I am hoping to be able to get to London in June and to hopefully get the chance to speak to and thank those of you who were there.

My husband was serving in the Royal Marines on HMS Intrepid. He was looking forward to some very overdue leave to be at home with me and our first daughter, Constance, after a two years at sea.

Unfortunately he was called back onboard at the begining of April 1982. The timimg was not great for us as our second baby was due in May. So on 21 May 1982 I gave birth to Kathryn in Exeter and he was on Intrepid in the thick of it all. Daddy and baby finally got to meet on 12 July when he returned.

Unlike the huge fuss made when the Canberra and others came back poor old Intrepid almost crept back unnoticed. I have always felt very cheated that all the brave people on HMS Intrepid were never welcomed back properly. Kathryn will be 25 this year and to celebrate she will probably be in the Falklands herself, serving in the RAF. The roles have reversed!

I am still aware of the sadness for all those families who lost loved ones. We were very lucky. Hoorah for the Royal Marines!

P.S we never got that overdue leave.

I was a member of 63 Sqn. RAF Regiment, Rapier Missile Sqn. We went ashore at San Carlos from the Norland, then when the surrender came we went to Stanley where we stayed for four months until we were relieved.

My memory is of a bunch of men from the Welsh Guards who were tasked with clearing ice from the runway at Stanley airport while the Harrier aircraft were operating. When the Harriers were taking off or landing the Guardsmen would move to the side of runway, then move out again when it was clear. I drove past them on this day on my way out to the lighthouse where one of my Rapier Detachements was situated to resupply them. I returned about half an hour later to hear that whilst a Harrier aircraft was hovering above the runway it tiltled forward to move off, then tragedy struck, somehow ,accidently, the aircraft fired off a missile which headed straight for the guardsmen who were standing beside the runway. It hit the ground and ploughed through the men causing horrific injuries. Those men of the Welsh Guards had fought the war and were biding the time waiting for a ship to take them home.

Life can be very cruel some times. God Bless you lads and God Bless the men who didn't make it home.

I was on HMS Antrim during the conflict, and have a lot of fond memories, as well as some bad, but i think the good ones out do the bad. I would like to talk to some of the lads from 3D MESS. My mother kept all the newspapers leading upto and including the retaking of South Georgia and the Falklands conflict, I am in the process of finishing a scrap book which was started in 1982. I have only just found them in my parents house while my father was moving 20/2/2007. I also made a diary of what went on it was quite an eye opener for all that went. One of the things I remember is me and QUASIE were chatting away when all we heard was 20mm canon fire raining down towards the ship and me and Quasie hit the deck pretty quick. The next thing I know is we were loading the seacat by hand, I think we all broke the loading record that day. Waz

I served on board HMS Herald, in 1982 we had spent most of our time in the Gulf, on our return to the UK we were looking forward to 3 weeks leave, well not to happen. The week after it started I had a call from the joss saying Pedlar return to ship on sunday. A week later we sailed from Portsmouth, that year 82/83 we spent over 14 months out of the country.

I have lots of memories of serving on the Hermes during the Falklands campaign, like "The Birthday Bag" where peoples birthdays were read out. Queuing for an hour at the naafi for one piece of nutty and one can of goffer. Sleeping in your overalls and action stations every morning at six. The photo attached was taken for the Wallsend weekly newspaper after Nobby Hall (pitured centre with the can of beer) wrote to the paper and enrolled us all in some kids club that they were running. it`s hard to think that it was all 25 years ago.

As a member of HMS Hecla ships company we were at the time in Gib making best preparations for a forthcoming high profile Hydrographic conference in a swanky mediterranean port when we got the call to go South. My wife of 3 years was at home in Somerset in the last stages of pregnancy expecting our second child. Joining the company of the hastily converted HMHS Uganda we started the passage donned in a livery of white with huge Red Crosses. After much training we arrived on station and quicky assumed our role, alas not fit for hospital duties, instead a shuttle run to Montevideo to repatriate the wounded. A day crosspol with Uganda turned into two weeks for me providing support care for Welsh Guards and others. I'll never forget the smell of burnt flesh! So many injured and broken people but strengh of mind came to the fore and teamwork ethic was fantastically proven. The arrival in Guzz in July to a herotic welcome made even sweeter by the first sight of my new son and family. I'm looking forward to seeing some friends on 17 June at the Parade.

When the Conflict began I was 16 years of age and living in the suburbs of Birmingham, England. Each morning before school I listened religiously to the radio reports and watched the TV reports avidly when I got home in the afternoon. Seeing the Task Force set sail, hearing about the superb way our troops brought the battle to the enemy and to see them return home victorious shortly afterwards still evokes the deepest patriotism. The enemy certainly heard the lion’s roar. Like all countries Britain may have some problems but it will never be down and out so long as the traditions our forces have fought for continue. In time my own applications to the military consisted of Fleet Air Arm and Royal Air Force aircrew tests but I was not successful and subsequently served as a London police officer for six years. As police cadets the nearest we ever got to the kind of training I really wanted to do was to encounter Parachute Regiment recruits on camp at Capel Curig in North Wales. There the similarities ended. So, from across the years and across the miles from British North America, I hope that you will accept my wish to honour the memory of all those who sacrificed their lives, those who sustained injuries and all who went to fight in the name of Britain and for the liberation of the Falkland Islands. Thank you, you did a fantastic job. You will never be forgotten and you will always be respected. David Gray, LL.M. Barrister, solicitor; notary public (Canada) Ex-London Metropolitan Police Force

I was a foot soldier in 1982. I travelled down on QE2 - had great fun and was certain the whole thing would be over by the time we arrived. It wasn't. What followed was two weeks that would affect the rest of my life. I was on Sir Gallahad when it was hit, later involved in battles for hills, targeted by snipers, mortors and artillery. Not a day goes past without horrific memories coming back to me. It makes me value what I have now and feel for others serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. On June 14th, I wont go to any parades or re-unions. I will reflect and remember our friends and comrades that didnt come home.

Falklands 82 and the Vulcan Bombers.

I was stationed at R.A.F Waddington in 1982 on the vulcan bombers. We were scheduled to be disbanded that year and nobody thought that anything would happen with the 'v' force anymore. As an armourer we had loaded 'real' 1,000 lb bombs on a few occasions but usually practice bombs.

I had seen on the news that the Falklands had been invaded and thought we would not see any involvement from Waddington. What a surprise we got when we were told to start getting together all the old bombing kit that had been put in corners and forgotten about for many years. The next thing we knew we were putting together 1,000 lb bombs and actually loading them on to the aircraft.

It was an amazing time at Waddington, we had up to 20 trucks a day bringing kit from depots that had dumped the old bombing equipment in the scrap compounds. The biggest day was when we bombed up vulcan 607 to go and do the real thing. While we were waiting for the aircraft to go we were visited by the Station Commander and all the senior officers from strike command. Up until then no one had really bombed up a vulcan to go and do an actual mission so it was a bit like the old wartime movies with us in the bomb bay doing final prep with all the seniors watching. Later we saw post strike photographs and were very proud to have been the first armourers in the vulcan's history to have done it from bomb prep to actually loading up and seeing the aircraft go down the runway on a real mission.

During the time of the conflict we saw many things that no one could have thought would be loaded on vulcans. We eventually ended up loading martel, shrike, paveway and even 12 x 28 lb practice bombs. Only the old chief technicians had loaded these many years ago and all we knew was from old pictures in the manuals. Later I was on operation 'skyguard' to bring back the Argentine 35 mm anti aircraft guns from the Falklands. It was very impressive when I actually saw the bomb craters from 607 and all the sites of the conflict.

My hat goes off to all who yomped it and charged up those mountains under fire, I went up Mount Longdon and when I was half way up I thought we had reached the summit, how the troops managed under fire is a miracle of survival and guts. I would like to go back sometime again and see how it has changed since those days. The Falklands was the best time I had during my R.A.F service and I am proud to have been a part of it.

I salute all the many others who were involved and wish them all well.

I had joined HMS Exeter (blue bottomed boat) in 1981 after she entered service with the Royal Navy. We left Portsmouth in January 1982 along with the 2 type 42's that Argentina had bought from the UK (Santissima Trinidad & Hercules) and subsequently exercised part way across the Atlantic on our way to Bermuda and a 4 month West Indies guardship deployment.

I remember the news breaking on an American TV news channel that we were watching in some bar and thinking oh well they will soon be out of there when they realise that the Royal Navy is serious about removing them. We subsequently had our orders to sail south and join the task force. I can remember being in Antigua to drop off our tropical issue and gizzits into a container and a British Airways jumbo leaving the nearby airport and dipping its wings as it flew over after their flight crew met up with some of our lads in a bar earlier, they did it as a mark of respect for us having to sail south.

We all thought that we would sail out of Antigua very quietly that night at around midnight (how wrong were we) there were hundreds of people lining the hills waving and cheering us off into the darkness.

Our next problem was our main weapons still had not been tried out or even our computer system (ooops) so a team of civy boffins had also joined us en route to ascension via the firing ranges off Puerto Rico where our then Captain Hugh Balfour took great pride in obliterating an American target drone much to the dismay of the yanks.

My overiding memeory of arriving in the exclusion zone is one of immense fear and trepidation as while we were entering the area we had been listening to all the chatter on HF of the task force and truly began to realise this is for real. After taking on fuel and stores from the RFA we increased speed to take our very lonely place up front along with Glasgow and then Cardiff when she arrived a day or two later.

I can only say that I am glad that I served during this time and luckily for me served onboard a ship with an absolutely first class crew and Commanding Officer who has since sadly passed away but I know he will be there along with a good portion of the crew of Exeter on the 25th anniversary commemorations to remember those that we sadly had to leave down there and give thanks that we made it back to Portsmouth relatively unscathed.

I was 22 years of age working at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, Hanslope Park, Bucks. When we received news 24 hours before the invasion that an Argentine Naval force was on it's way. We just didn't believe that they intended to land, just thought it was sabre rattling. When they landed it was a complete shock. Overnight we went into overdrive and worked hours of overtime to send out specialist secret equipment to Asuncion Island, to support the task force. Eveyone pulled together to get stuff out in record time, a tremendous achievement. We never expected any recognition, but it still leaves me with a sense of satisfaction that what we did at least make a valued contribution in supporting our armed forces at the sharp end.

I served in the RN during the 82 conflict. I had just got married and was on a (very) short honeymoon - during the conflict my ship (Type 42)was undergoing fast refit in Portsmouth to get down south. Each day that passed I tried to leave the ship and join another one heading south. My ship arrived just at the end of the conflict to relieve those on station "FIPZ". The guilt I feel for not actually fighting is such a hard burden at times, even 25 years on. As a radio operator I handled many 'delicate' signals relating to the conflict - before, during and afterwards, the feeling of wanting to be there, to do my bit, but not being able to remains to this day - June 14th will be spent in reflective quietness. My wife and I will be going back to the same hotel we had our short honeymoon 25 years on.

I hope to return the the Islands this year in November.

Hi!
I living now in Oslo, Norway since 2 month ago, but I am from Buenos Aires, Argentina. My brother and my best friend was in the islands. Too much people died... our and your fathers, our and your brothers, our and your sons...
The human stupidity have no limits...

I am praying for my people and your people... Argentineans and Malvinas (Falklands) people... and, I hope, in a near day, we can to unite our hearts to live peacefully for a better future, united, heart to heart, and work for the peace between us.
Sincerely
Fer

PS: Sorry if my english is not better english

I served on HMS Antrim (Grey Ghost) and the memories I have of this are still so clear to me which I rarely talk about. Finding this website has made everything come flooding back especially seeing some previous stories from some old ship mates which I would be so grateful too see again after all this time.

Retaking South Georgia and the special forces involed, Fannin Head NGS and the landings at San Carlos are still so vivid after 25 years.

In the pictures some old ship mates... Waz,Robo,Polly,Taff,Trigger,Steve,and Tomo.

My brother Nigel Rowberry, was killed 8th June 1982 on the Sir Galahad. He was married, and they were expecting their first child. Life was good, my father had been in the army for years and I had grown up in that environment. I didn't expect my brother not to come home to the family that loved him so. That day in June 1982 was to change our lives for ever. My family would never be the same. So now 25 years on, I have my own family, that I must never take for granted. I want my daughter to know all about her Uncle Nigel. I crave information about him, and search websites/news footage for clips about him that we didnt know existed. I'm sure it is the same for all the other families.

Regards to anyone reading who served on RFA Stromness (the Creamy Topper). The Carribean trips in 81 and early 82 did not prepare us for what was to follow down south, but at least we managed to finally save some money.

Loads of memories, good, bad and plain comical: the wonderfully friendly Hong Kong Chinese crew, the thoroughly professional 45 Commandos, the portable runway we carried all the way down that never worked, the relief of getting to the bar from HQ1 following each Air Raid Red and the despair of watching the Antelope blow up and go down the following day.

A key memory for us all on Strom was the scouser 45 CDO chef and regimental boxer who broke his leg jumping off the helo pad store as part of disembarking preparation training at Ascension. He never got to join his mates leaving Strom in San Carlos on the 21 May but thankfully for us, manned a GPMG on our bridge wing and somehow managed to divert a low flying Mirage with tracer so that the bomb missed us - just! A few weeks later it was comical to see the Royal Engineers (I think) attempting the same disembarkation, with things like guitars etc slung over backs - in the end they resorted to the safer and more sedate gangway departure rather than the overside ropes and netting.

Can't say I'm looking forward to the anniversary celebrations, like most who went down and came back, the whole episode has had too much of an impact on my life since. However, Stevie Balmond and myself from the Stonnery are planning to get to the Trinity Square event on the 15 June and hope to bump into a few old faces to recount a few of those comical moments. All the best, Mark

Re RICKY RINGHAM

Having just seen the entry made by Samantha Ringham regarding her bother, I though I would add my comments.

I first met Ricky in '89 where I worked with him at an engineering plant near Wisbech. At this time I was keen to join the armed forces and Ricky gave me plenty to think about. I remember him telling me with pride about his ships electronics.

I later joined the Intelligence Corps. I remember the sad day when my Dad informed me about Ricky's accident. Although I only knew him for four years, he stuck me as a friendly guy who was proud to have played his part.

I was a Leading Medical Assistant on HMS HERALD and had returned from the Gulf in April 1982, I started my leave the same day we returned, only to be recalled some 3 days later, however I had arranged to get married on the Saturday and was allowed to go ahead with this but had to return the day after, I spent my "honeymoon" in the Home Club in Portsmouth whilst preparing to sail south the following Saturday. All decked out in our new role as an ambulance ship we left Pompey to a fantastic send off to which we responded by turning on our blue flashing light and two-tone sirens!

We stopped off in Siera Leonne to refuel before heading to Ascension where we embarked our final lot of stores and headed further south only for us having to divert into Rio de Janeiro to unload a very seriously injured crew member. After a very short and eventful stop over we headed for our rendesvous point "The Red Cross Box".

Days were spent training the ships company for their new role as nurses. The main dining hall was expertly converted into a ward and the S&S mess into a burns unit which gave us the capabilty to transport over 100 casualties from the Falklands to Montevideo for onward flight to UK.

Other members of the medical staff were Surg Lt Mark Henley, Surg Lt Andy Ashworth, MA Gary Harris, MA Simmo Simpson and MT John Kemp.

In 82 I was a WO2 working at the infantry Trails and Development Unit in Warminster. At the time I was specializing in surveillance on equipment that, although not in service, was thought might be useful to the Special Forces (SF). I was therefore dispatched to meet up with the Task Force at Ascension. As predicted, the equipment did perform very well and whilst operating it gave me an opportunity to meet many interesting guys outside of the SF. In particular I recall the Navy lads, whom I had previously had very little experience of prior to Corporate, being a good bunch. After the conflict I was a little miffed when no mention was ever made of the fact that members of the Small Arms School Corps had ever taken part in the Operation. I have recently returned from a trip to Argentina which I found strangely therapeutic even after all these years. I would recommend it to anyone who was involved and who is still trying to get rid of the demons. I toast you all.

I have very vivid memories of the conflict, having been involved from the very start, if only for a short period of time.

Exercise "SpringTrain" was ongoing at the time (a joint NATO affair conducted off the Western Approaches). We were suddenly told to abort the exercise and return to Gibralter ASAP.

"The buzz " onboard was that we are going to the Falkland Islands to sort out some kind of problem? We stored up with fuel/stores/ammo,along with many other Ships, and then noticed a large Passenger ship arrived. The SS Uganda, the buzz was that this was going to be converted into a Hospital Ship.

I well remember pouring over Admiralty Charts on the Bridge, in an effort to find the precise location of these Islands. The Third Officer came on the Bridge and asked us what we were doing (I was Engineering not Deckside). Telling him of our search, he laughed and said, "you won't find it on that chart mate" We were looking at a map of the Orkney Islands!

We then set off heading down South (once we left Port a "pipe" was made informing us of our mission). We were to train up various vessels, mainly Merchant Navy Ships, in the fine art of RASSING (Refuelling at Sea).

Since the Task Force had been thrown together with such haste, it was clearly going to be a major learning curve for many Merchant Crews. We worked our way up and down the line of ships over a period of weeks, doing endless refuelling runs.

I remember the Norland North Sea Ferry (a large orange affair full of Gurkha's and Para's I think). The QE2 was also put through her paces, and one I shall never forget, the Atlantic Conveyor.

The Atlantic Conveyor sticks in my mind because on of the Officers had one of those early VHS Camcorder Machines, it was huge by todays standards, and he was filming us during the refuelling. I asked him why he was doing so, his reply has stayed with me for 25 years.

"We are making History here" he said, "and who knows if any of these Ships will survive, including us". How right he was as well. We were all intrigued by the fact that we could just make out the Chinook Helicopter hidden behind the Deck Containers. (bearing in mind that even we did not know fully at that time, the scale of the Operation we were involved in).

When a "pipe" was made a few weeks later, informing us that HMS Sheffield has been hit everyone realised that this was "for real", as up until that time we all thought it would a get sorted diplomatically. How wrong we all were.

I was very lucky, as we were then detailed to Head back to the UK, we fuelled, re-supplied, and headed off to the Persian Gulf to relieve ships on the Armilla Patrol, and we spent the rest of the Falklands War cruising up and down the Gulf from Oman up to the Shat al Arab (not sure about spelling!) waterway. Whilst the Iran/Iraq war was in full swing!

It seems so odd to me that as I write this, once again we are involved in conflict in the Gulf, and indeed 15 hostages have been taken in the area of the Gulf that we were sent to Patrol all those years ago.

Mark Caddick . EX RFA Grey Rover .

The saturday that parliament sat I was in Liverpool with my fiance, we were due to get married the following saturday and were picking an outfit for her to wear at the reception. The headlines on the newspaper billboards in Lime Street were "it's war". That afternoon I telephoned several shipmates from HMS Hermes to make arrangements for the following week, only to be told that they had been recalled. An hour later the police arrived at my mums and I was told to "get back to Portsmouth, you're going to war". I travelled back to Portsmouth that night, catching the midnight train to London, it was the day of the Grand National and the train was packed with racing punters. I remember a group of them wanting to take me for a night out in London when they saw my cap tied to my grip. We sailed on monday morning convinced that it would all be resolved by the time we reached Gib, and then thinking we'll turn around at Ascension. It wasn't to be, I'll never forget the reception we received upon our return to Portsmouth. I finally managed to get married two weeks after we returned. I returned to the Falklands 2 years ago for a 6 month tour of duty, and managed to do a lot of the battlefield tours. I'll be in London in June with my wife of 25 years, hope to see any old shipmates there.

Ive just sat here reading the memories pages and 2 hours have flown past. The tears welled up, the throat stuck, and my breath became labored, I don't believe how sad and how grateful i have just been. My heart goes out to those that have taken the time to write in and say their bit, some said thanks, some told of great pain and some told stories of personnal hardship and heroism. I cant believe I was part of all of that? I know it took me over 2 years to talk about, and during those 2 long years made my family so miserable with my self pity. I burst out on the 27th May after having a quiet drink, My mates heard and saw a feeble wreck of a human being trying to make sense of it all, I belittled myself but got it out of my system, and went home ready to make a new start. My family saw the real me and im glad to say ive got over it, a 2 Para Cpl (Old) but not down, Thank you

I was out at the time when B.P. phoned to talk to me, so my mother took the call but the company would not give her any details. Even though it was all on the news she didn't think that I would be needed, instead thinking I had done something wrong on my last trip. So when I called the company and confirmed my suspicions she still would not belive that I was needed as I was the second cook and baker. I joined up with the rest of the lads in Pompey on Good Friday and thats where the story begins.

We had a few days in Pompey for a refit then sailed to Gib to take on our cargo approx 28,000 ton of aviation fuel. What a time we had in Gib. I can clearly remember that Uganda was in for a refit and those nurses must have had a field day, I bet they heard every chat up line going, well at least they could be picky when the ratio must have been at least 200/1.

When we left Gib we still didn't know what to expect so it was like any normal trip. Like a lot of people we thought we'd get to Assension then turn back, but we carried on sailing right down to the exclusion zone and sometimes inside it. Even though our cargo was very dangerous it didn't seem to worry us that we had no information.

As time went on we heard stories and suddenly realised this was for real. One of our fleet the British Wye was bombed but fortunately for them it never exploded. This was my wake up call as I knew people on that ship. Our war came to an end when the Galahad and Tristram were bombed. We were asked to prepare ourselves to pick up some surviviors and take them back to Assension, so that was the end of our war. We took the fit ones, some no older than what looked about fifteen and they were on the front line, something I shall never forget.

We also had about fourty Chinesse come aboard as well so it made meals very interesing, as we had to vacate the galley and let them do their cooking behind closed doors. Well this arrangement never lasted long as the food smelled wonderful so we found those "little" jobs to do when they were in the galley just so as we could sample the food. Although we had a language barrier we made each other understand, like the time sweet and sour was made and I tried to write the recipe down but was told by signs to watch and learn and not write, and to this day all the Chinesse cooking I learnt from watching I have never allowed anybody to write it down, only watch and learn.

The day that the conflict was announced over - what a party.

I served onboard HMS Sheffield during the war. We had been away since Nov 1981 in the Gulf. While we were away my girlfiend Kirsty was busy arranging our wedding day for the 9th May. But as we know in the mob we have our minds changed for us, and when we were turned round to go south just 5 days from home we were given a short time to write a letter. All mine said was; 'cancel the wedding, don't know when I will be home, love you more than anything else in the world'.

Kirsty had to cancel everything and write to tell our relatives that the wedding was off. The day we were hit, Kirsty was laying on her bed writing me a letter when her mum came in to tell her what she had heard on the news. My NOK was my dad so they kept in touch throughout the night as my name was missing from the list of surviors. My dad was told he would get a visit the next day, but luckily that never happened as they found out I was alive.

We arrived back in the UK on 27th May and Kirsty and I were married on the 19th June. We have 6 wonderful children. I, like many others are still suffering as is my wife and children. Ginge Hiscutt

I served in the islands in 1992 with the Ordnance Corp at MPA, I will admit the sights that I saw brought tears to my eyes, especially when visiting the areas where we lost our guys. It will always give me tears. My sympathies still lie with the relatives of those who fell.

I was only a kid at secondary school when my big brother was sent to the Falklands. He was just in, himself still a kid! But it changed him, he came back a different person. I remember clearly how empty his eyes were when he came home. He wasnt a kid anymore. I remember the news being on all the time...my Mum and Dad glued to the tv and radio...watching, listening...all the time. I just wanted my big brother home..but he came home a different person. At the time i didn't understand, but now i do. Im 37 now, and it scares me to think of how young those boys were back then. I pray it never happens again. My brother was a Royal Marine, his name is Colin Brewer. We have not spoken for years, but he will always be my big brother, who i was proud of, and was scared to loose.

Sapper 11 field sqn. Some non warry memories to keep it in perspective.

Most vivid memory...Days of trolling around other units, scrounging lifts on landing craft, looking for warm gear and scrounging or "aquiring" warm kit. All ours went down on Conveyor. Watching Five brigade come ashore and slobbering like hyenas at the kit we could borrow.

Finding a servicing pit of full of Argentine wine and being reprimanded by a 5 brigade parade ground WO for ignoring a gas warning at Fitzroy whilst on above mentioned trolling. He went ballistic when we pointed out that when we landed socks and mars bars were the FSMO alternative for the sr6 gas mask.

Also LT Alistair Shephard blowing up a finger with a detonator whilst demonstating how dangerous it was to some journos ...I think.

Also the pointless FSMO kit we carried. A review was promised...never happened... so i left. Not before the Victory parade which was the best official P!** up the army has ever organised ...cheers

I remember to this day, after joining HMS Hermes as my first sea going ship, the moment when after getting up especially early so that i was ready to go on Easter leave, the xo announced all leave was cancelled and that we all had to go to the hangar for the captain to let us know why. Even after being told where we were heading for (apart from the fact that not many of us new where the falklands were!) you didn't actually believe it was for real until the first ship was hit, then it really sunk in.

The worst moment that i can remember was on the evening that the atlantic conveyor was hit, knowing that they werent far from us and that an aircraft had just launched an exocet missile is enough to scare anyone, but worse than that i was in 'b'engine room and thought to myself, "well if it comes in here im not getting out", however, it didnt and i did! luckily, i have some very good memories to come out of it, i believe it made the crew of the Hermes one of the best that i ever served with and the ship? wow what a ship!

I hope to bump into some of the guys on the 17th June in London, especially from 5m4 mess (the beehive). Hopefully someone will come up with a good idea of getting the march done in ships companies and it will make it easier to find our old shipmates and remember those guys and the families of those who served but didnt make it home. im sure it will be as memorable a day as the day that we returned to Portsmouth. 'polly' pollard

I was the MA for the 4th Assault Squadron on HMS FEARLESS, the other MA on board being MA Paul(PB)Burns. Tommy Andrew was the CPOMA, Bob Lockhart the POMA and Don Clarke LMA(D). Surg CDR DC WHITE (PMO), and Surg Lt CDR Sanderson (Now Surg Capt) (SDS). Rick Jolly was a frequent visitor to the sickbay.

I had been married 2 months when i joined FEARLESS as my first ship. Guzz rating/Pompie Ship, nothing changes!

My most vivid memories are waiting in the Tank Deck on Fearless to land, thinking get me off this floating bomb (Ammo everywhere), the run in in the LCU, being attacked on the way in, hitting the beach (Blue Beach 2), on the BARV, Beach armoured recovery vehicle, needless to say it was to heavy, sank where it landed, and sat on the beach until the end, machine gun mounted on top! Jumping off with all my kit and falling flat on my face, only to look up and see Max Hastings stood up above taking photographs.

Next it was dig and comoflage my trench, the Capt RM wanted me with him (wonder why) but left me to do the digging!! digging my trench as fast as a matelot can with no training. Needless to say the RMs assisted as they finished there trenches before me.

I looked after the survivors from the Galahad, when i went back on board, and I was present when one RM died (name held) in the sickbay on Fearless due to his wounds following the direct hit on a trench the day the hospital on the other side got hit.

I have many other memories of bomb alley, planes swooping in low, generally at meal times, or so it seemed. Watching the Bombs go in the LSL sitting off the beach, personel jumping in the water and the bomb not exploding. I watched the Type 21 blow up, all the ships sirens going off and boats going to the rescue.

I have many pictures including the Harrier on the flight deck of HMS Fearless re-fueling!! in Bomb alley.

I am still serving after 31 years.

I remember the awful sense of dread as the task force neared the Falkland Islands and the realisation of the danger all were to face. For that period of time it was the first thing you thought of in the morning and the last thing at night. Watching the news became obsessional and the terrible pictures coming through of casualities were so heartwrenching. I had no relatives there but I felt as if all you lads were my precious young brothers and wished you all safe.

It seems inadequate to say thank you - but I salute your courage - all of you - and remember those who did not return.

I was PWO(A) of ANTRIM and like many of my ex-ANTRIM colleagues who have posted stories, remember the 'Grey Ghost'with pride. South Georgia, Fanning Head, Bomb Alley, changing the 4.5 barrels were all memorable, but my proudest memories are of the way every man on board contributed to our success. Best wishes to you all, especially the Gunners and WE maintainers who did me, and us all, proud !

I was a WAEM serving at RNAS Culdrose at the time and watched as many of my close friends flew off to join ships leaving for the Falklands. Wrens didn't go to sea - they stayed behind and prepared aircraft and equipment to be taken down as spares and supplies. I accepted that was my role. We had to in those days.

I remember the weeks preparing for our aircraft to leave, 771 SAR went off a while after the front line squadrons. We worked long hard watches doing work on each one to ensure every part had as long a lifespan as possible. For some reason bacon sarnies spring to mind. I think that's what got us through the long dark nights.

Everyone was buzzing, no-one really wanted to go at the end of the watch there was still so much to do. Of course at that stage the battle hadn't really begun and it was 'scary but exciting'.

I got letters from friends on their way there, they were bored and just wanted to get there and get it sorted. The lads still in the UK couldn't wait to go. "It is what we joined up for" was pretty much what they said.

I was proud to be in the WRNS, I was so proud of all the forces personnel who were doing their bit. I was also getting very nervous as the taskforce got closer to the Falklands.

By this time the squadron was almost deserted - and taken over by the RAF SAR from Boulmer in Northumberland (strangely - just up the road from where I now live!) Just a handful of Wrens and a couple of SR's milling around cleaning and panting.

We had the TV on all day and night - normally not allowed until evening. There was very little to do so we sat watching the news hoping to see 'our' aircraft or 'lads'. Then it got serious.

We watched as reports came in of ships sinking and people dying. I know I can't even imagine what horror and fear those out there were going through, being back home was bad enough...watching and waiting. I felt sick, watching the news became an obsession. We didn't know what else to do, didn't want to do anything else. It felt like the whole country came to a standstill.

..and then they came home. All the anxiety and fear came out. The sight of a ship, or anyone in uniform made me cry. One of the first people I saw onboard HMS Hermes as it sailed into Portsmouth was one of my closest friends. I almost knocked over the TV. It was a fantastic feeling but marred with a sadness for the families of those that didn't come back.

I do remember the days and days of parties that followed. Flags and celebrations all over the place.

I can't believe it was so long ago. I still feel hugely proud of everyone who served at that time.

That was the Old Navy in my eyes - things have changed so much in 25 years.

I served with the Welsh Guards in 1982 in Support Company and was hit on the Sir Galahad, I would like to take this opportunity to say hello and thank you once again, to the Team who were at Ajax Bay, the Nursing Staff on the Uganda, the Crew of the Heccla, the Surgeon's and Nurse's who were based on Ward 1 at the Military Hospital at RAF Halton and finally the Team at RAF Chessington for the expert care they gave me and my mates (pity they aren't able to do the same for today's casevac's). I hope to see some of you in London during the 25th Commemorations.

I was on Alacrity in the war, im very proud to have been, every indidividual was so brave in there own way, not only on Alacrity but every unit who served during the war. My most vivid memory besides watching the sinking of the cabo de estadios was the tremendous bravery and compassion during the rescue of the crew of the Atlantic Conveyor, jock stephenson, fred Oatway, Steve Shaw, and really just every one but above all Captain Christopher Craig, the person who made it possible for our crew to be able to be here today. We hasten to help. Remember that to the grave. BPC

As an 18 year old Royal Marine, I was invincible. That thought changed over a six week period when I landed at San Carlos with the rest of Alpha Company/40 commando. After watching wave after wave of air attacks, ships and planes being destroyed in front of my very eyes, It dawned on me that this was not another exercise on Dartmoor.

The memory of being trapped in a minefield for hours while being mortered, while the battle of Mount Harriet erupted in front of me, hearing the screams of the poor lads that lost their legs that night is the most vivid memory I have of the war.

I now live in California and unfortunately it would be a very expensive trip for me to make it back for the gig in London. See you on the 17th.

In 1982 I was an 18 year old MA (medical assistant) with the RN I had been recently qualified and was working in RNH Haslar desperate to get drafted out to a ship the marines anywhere but that place!

Anyway April came along and off we went on the Canberra - as No 3 SST or as part of NP1710 (no one was ever quite sure) Sailing from Southampton that night was really quite exciting - we had no idea that we would be actually be going to war.

I stayed on the Canberra and remember vividly the atmosphere on board as it changed the further south we got (after a nice two week stay at Ascension) The tension the night of the landings - the gunfire from the shore and seeing tracer bullets bouncing off the hills - then the next days air attacks and casualties.......My most vivid memory I suppose is waiting for the massive explosion that never came whilst being under the midships flight deck in the Bonito lounge that had been converted to the hospital....then of course the Ardent was sunk and we took the wounded - I held down Ken Enticknapp (one of the injured survivors) whilst a pair of what looked to me like garden shears were used to remove some of his fingers......

Then it was off to South Georgia to drop off the wounded and pick up 5th Infantry brigade...then back to San Carlos.....our war had pretty much finished by then - a group of us were offloaded to the Uganda via a helicopter from Ajax Bay (much to our disgust) and we spent some time on that ship - Most of the serious wounded had gone by that time but I do remember Denzil Connick (one p***ed off paratrooper at that time) and the guy who was shot in the head at Tumbledown - can't recall his name now but they made a film about him....as well as a gurkha I remember him because he stepped on a mine and his boot had been blown up inside his leg.....

Then it was onto the Hecla by wasp helicopter two at a time -(sleeping in the bulk survey store in hammocks) for the journey to Ascension and a flight home on an RAF VC 10.....

Now 25 years have passed - the memories are still vivid and with me every day.

Good luck and enjoy your reunions...

I was serving on Antrim the old "grey ghost" as an LSA at the time & seeing several items from ex crew members does bring back a few memories.

Over the years you wonder if you will ever meet up with some of the characters you relied on in times like those but never really gave it to much of a thought, perhaps now 25 years on, some of us may meet once again and remember some of the good times and bad times but most of all renew some old freindships and stories.

I will be attending the parade on the 17th June in London and hope to meet up with some of the Antrim boys who may be there.(watch the re unions list chaps).

As a final note i still beleive that those who took part in the re taking of South Georgia should have been given a "South Georgia Bar" after all we did start it!

I served on HMS Argonaut during the Falklands Capaign and send a couple of photo's that may be of interest,(I do have a few others as well), they show the hole in the side of the ship, the missile room which the bomb passed through and the 1,000lb unexpolded bomb itself. Did we all s^*t ourselves, yes we did.

I have since married, twice! I have a 19 year old lad and a 16 year old girl, I played football until last year and support B'Ham City. I have two older brothers who were both "tiffs" and 1 served in the 1991 Gulf War, names Mark & Martin both are 46 this year, is there anybody out there who remembers us? Where are you "Sandy" & "Potter"? I am waiting for anybody to contact me, and look forward to the Argonaut and Official reunions.

As an ex Scots Guardsman who served in the Falklands during Corporate like many others in our own different ways we have memories some good, some bad, some have lost loved ones,family members and some have lost friends. As we who have returned it is up to us to carry on ensuring that the new generation are aware of what sacrifices we all made for the sake of the Falklands and of the name Great Britain and more especially of those who sacrificed their lives.

I was on HMS AVENGER as a tactical radio operator working on the bridge... during the conflict I will always remember the CO telling us whilst en route south that he was a ''lucky captain'' and that he would bring us home .. we had a few scrapes being exoceted but blowing it to bits with a 4.5 shell before it hit us.. the captain who later became Admiral of the fleet was Hugo White.... we played a major role in the final days of the conflict giving naval gun support to the troops ashore firing some 800 shells at Tumbledown, two sisters etc... during one of these nights HMS GLAMORGAN was hit by an exocet I worked on the bridge and saw the horror unfold as it slammed into her stern killing 9 I thank my lucky stars and CO for bringing me home safely but I will not forget the heros we left behind god bless you all and fair winds

Just to inform everyone'

The Commemorative parade/reception/evening concert held in Pontypridd, organised by the council of Rhondda Cynon Taff on Saturday April 14th 2007 was a 100% success. The parade was lead by the band of the Royal Welsh Regiment (complete with goat!), as well as the many Falklands veterans, the marching contingent consisted of the standard bearers of SAMA82, various Welsh guards association branches, the parachute regiment, the royal navy association, the MN association, and many other regimental associations.

After the parade, a short service was held at the memorial to the local men who died during the Falklands war.

During the parade the streets of the Town centre were lined with hundreds of well wishers, it was evident that in this small town the events of 1982 were not forgotten.

A GRIN BEFORE THE GRIM - RFA Sir Tristram.

Whilst necking the lots of cool largers in Belize life for the boys from 17 Port Regiment at Marchwood, Southampton could not get much better than this.

We were having a bit of RR at Mountain Pine Ridge before the job of loading a stone crusher onto the RFA Sir Tristram for return back to the UK.

Our world would quickly be turned on its head as we were armed and ushered onboard ship still not knowing what was going on.

During the voyage to Ascension Islands we were briefed as to the possible troubles ahead of us, we all thought it would be sorted before it came to anything and were treating the situation as just another trip.

At Ascension we witnessed the arrival of the Task Force we were now a part of the biggest gang I had ever seen.

Whilst loading Mexeflote cells onto the deck of the ship I used up one of my lives by falling over the side of the ship. On my way down to the solid surface of the floating pontoon below I seemed to slow down in mid air as I looked up and could see my workmates looking over the side of the ship they were looks were of deep concern I knew I was in deep trouble when the rope that was tied to he crane hook that i had been previously holding slowly made its way towards me I stretched out and managed to grab it with both hands before it passed me, time then seemed to speed up again as I was now heading towards the shade deck at speed Royal Marines were scrambling to get out of my way as I now had my feet raised to enable me to clear the fence around the deck after I landed safely and bid them good day I departed towards the stairs to comments of "crazy b*****d" back on the top deck the boys were pissing themselves laughing "we all knew that I was lucky to have walked away from this unhurt" it was a good sign.

Rough seas and hanging around was quickly replaced with air raid warning reds and scrambling for cover as we were now in the conflict zone of San Carlos Bomb ally).

As ship casualties started to mount around us we were all quietly wandering if our turn would come, so far we had been lucky and had escaped without incident.

On June the 8th stranded without Naval support we found ourselves in a forward position with a feeling of being very vulnerable and working with a real sense of urgency we had to get unloaded the detachment of Port and Maritime soldiers worked hard and managed to disembark our troops and unload most of our cargo we were not alone out there as the RFA Sir Galahad sat motionless close by in the Fitzroy waters Welsh Guards still embarked.

We, the crew were left on board job almost done when from nowhere skyhawk aircraft hit us with two bombs again we were so lucky the bombs did not detonate and although we have some of our own injured we are now and always will be grateful for our lives two of the RFA crew were not so lucky Bosun Yu Sik Chee Crewman Yeung Shi Cam.

Abandon ship and into the life boats went but it is far from over the Galahad has been badly hit and we are heading over to help out along with the helicopters and Mexeflote we did what we could and eventually headed to land. The Galahad behind us we were unaware of the hugh loss of life inside that ship and are we will forever be deeply saddened by this.

The Chinook skims the Falkland terrain and eventually out to sea we are onboard and are to eventually join a merchant ship to start our long journey home “we are out of it”.

The boys of 17 Port Regt RCT did well I am proud to have served with them likewise to the RFA Officers and crew of the RFA Sir Tristram and all of the Civilian and Military personnel who served down south 1982.

The 4th of May is the date I will always remember. My brother and sister and I were at home while dad was away at sea and Mum was at work in a hotel restaurant. Dad, Derek White, also known as "Chippy" had been away on HMS Sheffield on a 5 month deployment to the Far East, and had been diverted to the Falklands on board HMS Sheffield on the way home.

The evening of the 4th May brought the worst news we'd ever had to deal with in our young lives.

My brother came bounding up the stairs to tell us that he'd heard on the news that HMS Sheffield had been struck by an Exocet missile.

With jaws dropped we sat watching the news conference about it. What should we do? Well we had to let Mum know obviously, so we rang her at work. She told us to go next door for our neighbour to stay with us til she got back. Our neighbours were Navy family too.

We sat and waited for Mum to come home, and in the meantime some of Dad's friends had heard the news and come to the house to wait with Mum.

We were parcelled off to bed, (as if we were going to sleep?!) and we all sat crouched at the top of the stairs all night, listening to conversations downstairs.

At 3am, we heard the Padre arrive at the door. With baited breath we waited, but the living room door was closed and we couldn't hear a word.

Next thing we heard Mum crying and assumed the worst. However, Mum came to us and told us that Dad was alive, injured but alive.

We waited until the 20th May I believe, to get Dad home, he arrived with other survivors at RAF Brize Norton. I remember Mum and Dad being interviewed by Sarah Kennedy for the local Portsmouth radio station, then we got our hero home.

Dad left the Navy the following year, as he'd served his time, the full 22 years. He joined the prison service shortly afterwards and we moved up north to be with family. Dad worked at Low Newton Remand Centre, Durham Prison and finally Holme House Prison in Stockton before his sudden and untimely death September 17th, 2000.

I remember Bob Fagan and Mick Till who never made it back, and also a man who was badly burned but made it back to his family, his name escapes me.

God Bless those men who lost their lives that day, and may the Lord watch over their families for many years to come. Also thoughts go to other families who lost loved ones in the Falklands War.

11 (Nearly Independent) Field Squadron Royal Engineers.

For most of the younger ones who served in the Falklands I think this was our coming of age (I had my 21st Birthday in Port Stanley days after the surrender). Prior to 1982 we had served in Belize, Northern Ireland and the rest of the time on exercises in Germany and UK but this was the real thing.

As we sailed south on The LSL Sir Bedivere, news came in from the bridge of ship losses and the SAS at Pebble Beach. Our training took on a different tempo and the "Grown Ups" were constantly at briefings.

Never one for sailing I suffered the worst days of my life on that rolling grey steel hulk. I was sea sick for days and remember my kind Staff Sergeant had me working in the PO's Wardroom - that really helped!

My worst memory seems to pale into insignificance when viewed alogside some of the tragic stories on this page. However, how could I ever forget coming ashore from a LCT carrying kit bags and suitcases! I jest you not - the SSM and OC insisted we took all our kit. A timely visit from the Argentine Airforce as we landed made many of us comment on their wisdom. The P---Taking from the Commandos and Paras at Port San Carlos merely confirmed us as a laughing stock. I remeber Paddy O'Neil(see above)and especially his harmonica - he did get good toward the end of the trip.

We are emigrating to Australia this year where I will join the Aussie Sappers. The 25th Anniversary will have a doubly special meaning for me - I look forward to meeting up with old colleagues and wearing my Service Dress for the last time. Good Luck and God Bless.

I was based at RAF Leuchars at the time of the war and was kept busy moving kit and troops south. My older brother was with Patrol Company 3 Para and as I was getting married at the time he was unable to attend (he only had to say he did not want to come!). We were one of the lucky families as he made it home. However 10 days later at West on Green he was killed in a Para Jump.

We were unable to talk to him about what happened while away, all I do know is he and his team worked a lot by themselves and he was awarded MID for this work and I still to this day feel that award was for them all (but we all know how the system works).

When we got his P/effects back we found slips for films to be printed but were unable to find what shop they were taken to.

In 83 I was sent to the Falklands, while there I got the chance to go to Mtn Longdon to see for myself what these guys had to do. My tour helped me to explain to Mum & Dad the lay of the land.

I was hoping if anyone knew my Brother Capt Matt Selfridge 3 Para and if they have any photos that they would not mind sharing. I am hoping find photos of him to do a family tree for my Father as I have photos of him in Kenya and Malaya and of myself in the Gulf 91

If anyone can help I would be grateful.

I was a baby at chef with only 10 months in the Royal Navy serving at H.M.S Drake when the Falklands were invaded.

Easter leave had just started and I was a member of the leave party left behind on Friday the 2rd of April. On Saturday 3rd of April 5 chefs were reqired to join H.M.S HERMES and I was one of the chefs chosen to travel to Pompey on Sunday 4th of April to join her.

On the 5th of April we sailed from Pompey, I was thinking this will be over in a matter of weeks not 108 days later.

H.M.S Hermes was the grand old lady of the fleet but on sailing from Pompey she was made the flag ship of the task group and she did her self proud and I am so glad that I was on her and not the other aircraft carrier Invisabubbly as she was renamed by us on Hermes.

One of the most down times I had while we were away was when I got a letter from my Mum telling me about one of the Harrier Pilots on board came from the same town as me on the same day I got the letter Ltcdr Gordon Bate was killed when his Harrier blew up just after taking off from Hermes. I meet his mother when we got back.

The home comimg is one of the things that will alawys stick in my mind as we were only doing our job and I am so proud that I had been given the oppotunitiy to take part in it all.

The one thing that saddens me is that the Falklands conflict always seems to be left in the background.

I live in Canada, came here 3 weeks after seeing my brother off on the QE2. He was going to be coming to Canada to live after his time was up in the Para. I sent my brother Staff Sergeant Joe Baker a letter, and then gave the tragic news that his helicopter had been shot down. Life would never be the same again for any of us. He is buried out in the Falklands, and I never got to say goodbye. John was married to Freda and had two children Lee and Nicola, Lee is 36 and Nicola is 34. None of the family have seen Freda, Lee or Nicola for the past 20 years, they secluded themselves from the rest of the family, it is so tragic, I think of them all the time and have tried to find them. I am Nicola's godmother and have no idea what she is doing or where she is living. One day I hope to visit the Falklands to say goodbye to my brother. He was the greatest. I miss him very much.

I was a young 18yr old MEM(M)1 based in HMS Dolphin when the scrap men put there flag up. I worked in the pressure test shop at Dolphin with 2 chiefs one I can't remember his name but he drove a Messerschmitt car, the other was Whiskey Walker. It was coming up to Easter and I had easter leave booked off. I was so angry at the invasion that i went to the Reg office and asked to be drafted on the first ship that needed a stoker. They contacted me a day or 2 later and told me my Easter leave was cancelled and that i was to go on long weekend leave, take only a steaming kit with me and leave the rest in storage in Dolphin. I told my part of ship at Dolphin and Whiskey Walker took me for a drink in one of the many Gosport pubs the name of which escapes me. I went on leave family tearful but proud and I returned to Portsmouth and Joined HMS Intrepid.

Sailed to the Falklands and war. On 21st May "Showboat to action stations Showboat to action stations" this is what our skipper said on the tannoy at around 1am as we started our entrance to "Bomb Alley" San Carlos Water. I was closed up at my action station mobile repair, based in the workshop on 1 deck in front of the flight deck. I spent a lot of the conflict there.

On 22nd May in the small hours I go out as part of sea boats crew as stoker of the boat we lob grenades over the side as we potter around Intrepid this is to stop Divers putting charges on the hull.

On 23rd May we help survivors from Antelope from our landing craft issue them with survivor kits. On 24th May get to go out side and see Antelope burning after watching her explode in the night she broke her back and went down in a bellow of steam - a horrid sight i will never forget. The afternoon of the 24th myself, a Chief Artificer and another MEM(M) both names escape me now, head via LCU with a ramset gun and steel plate to LSL Sir Galahad and we spend the day and some of the night there stood on a maxi float with ammo at one end patching up a bomb hole created by a 1000lb bomb.

We (i.e. Intrepid) did some other things that i remember but these stick out the most.

Twenty five years have gone by, to all my friends that served on the British dart. Hope you are well and have now warmed up - it was cold.

Only just been drafted to the comcen at Gibralter when the Falklands started and then went straight onto the SS Uganda NP1830. One of only two RN Radio Operators on board so ended up 4hrs on 4hrs off. Apart from the 3 minute showers with someone outside timing you and of course being on board a ship with the lovely nurses my most enduring memory was sitting on the bridge in Grantham Sound (our allotted Hospital ship location during the day) having just taken over monitoring the helicopter shortwave radio whilst the Po went for some food. Looking out of the port side windows and seeing 2 jet vapour trails in the distance followed by a big cloud of black smoke. The radio then went haywire with incoming helo's with wounded from the Galahad. Anyway to all who were on the Uganda Hi and pse get in touch.

In 1982 I was a 17 year old high school student in Tulare, California. I remember being infuriated that someone would invade the Falklands! The people of the Falklands were British and wished to remain that way. The right to self determination takes precedent over any claims of territory. If territorial claims were seriously taken into consideration, the U.S.A. could be easily carved up, not to mention the global turmoil that would ensue.

I watched the events unfold even as I took my high school graduation holiday to Hawaii. All the while I was quite pleased with Thatcher's response to Argentina's aggression.

Since then I had always wanted to visit the Falklands. My dream came true this past January 23, 2007, as I went ashore in Stanley having arrived aboard the MS Rotterdam. My journey aboard the Rotterdam would take me from Santiago, Chile, to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with a detour to the Antarctic peninsula, yet the most enjoyable and interesting single day was spent in the Falklands.

I took a battlefield tour out to Fitzroy and saw the mine fields still surrounding Stanley. I had lunch at Michelle's Café in Stanley and learned that Michelle had been the little girl to answer the phone at Fitzroy from the British armed forces almost 25 years before: "ring. . . hello. This is the British Armed Forces. Are there any Argentines around? No, they've all left. Is your daddy home?"

Of course Michelle is a grown woman now. She was working hard to serve us burgers and chips, but it was amusing to hear the story of the little Fitzroy girl answering a call from her liberators.

I have the deepest admiration for the Falklanders and those who fought and died to free them. My prayers go out to all of them. Rule, Britannia!

My dad was in the Navy - most of his mates know him as Quoz! He went to the Falklands on HMS Cardiff and i have heard many stories, good and bad of his days serving. I just want to let everyone know how proud i am to say that my dad did this, and when i see him walk down the Mall in June i will be the proudist daughter in the world. He has recently got in contact with a few mates from the ship and it has made him the happiest person. You guys are all so brave and heros. Wish i could meet you all to hear of the days spent on HMS Cardiff. xxx

Onboard the 'Cruise Ship' Intrepid, we slipped quietly out of Portsmouth harbour on Monday 26th April 1982 and returned not so quietly 81 days later.

We had taken the ship out of mothballs in 6 days (when we were at 30 days notice), had passed sea trials with better results than our sister ship Fearless (after a two year refit!) and gone a fought the fight.

I was part of the Seacat weapons crew, and spent 18 hours a day at action stations during our time in San Carlos water.

My memories are haunted of all those lost in the conflict; searching for the ditched SAS helo, eating my supper in the dining hall separated by a blanket on the other side of which were medical evacuees from the Welsh Guards on table tops, as the medical centre at Ajax bay had been bombed, see the Antelope explode, hearing on the voice net of the Coventry going down and many more.

It was a hard battle, one I am justly proud to have been part of and always conscious of all those that so bravely gave their lives, sailors, soldiers, airmen and civilians.

I'm looking forward to the parade on June 17, and hope to meet old colleagues from 'Cruise Ship' HMS Intrepid.

The pallet of eggs!!!

As a very young OOW on the Tidepool, a pallet of eggs suddenly appeared on our helideck! At the time we thought manna from heaven, and thought lets keep quiet!

Twenty five years later I meet Bill Smith, Cook RFA Fort Grange, and the truth is revealed, Tidespring was desparate for eggs, so a pallet was quickly underslung, but all of the helideck letters had been painted out, Tidespring/Tidepool looked the same!! thanks for the eggs.

Another fond memory was with the Capt, Joe Gaffery, it was unheard of for junior watch keeping officers to take the "con" during RAS, especially when we were station keeping! All I can remember was taking the watch and "Joe" asking me if I had ever "driven" during a RAS. "no" was my reply. He had been driving for 36 hrs, his reply "I hope you are a quick learner"

Mark

If any of the RFA Tidepool crew members read this please get in touch via the RFA Association

I should have been on the Sheffield but as I was nearly timed done I was drafted off before she left for the Gulf - I thought I did realy well having crimbo at home.

When she was hit I felt so quilty and I still do, it was some comfort to know the lad who was my relief was ok, even now and it must sound stupid, but if I could do it again then I would not have accepted the draft off.

84 Who!! That was our motto as we were left behind!!

I begin my story, I was a Petty Officer AEA (WL) stationed at RNAS Yeovilton at the start of the hostilities. Almost immediately I was drafted onto 845 Sqdn in place of Jim Humphries who was on holiday, however, he got back in time and I got a quick draft to 848 Sqdn. I made it to Plymouth to board The Atlantic Conveyer to which we received many Wessex, Chinook and Harrier aircraft to take down to the Falklands with us. I made it past Plymouth sound then airlifted off the ship due to a knee injury.

A week later I joined 847 Sqdn, the C.O being Lt Cmdr Booth R.N. to which we had the only ship left, RFA Engadine, a helicopter support ship. We took two Wessex aircraft with us and via Gibralter and the Ascension Islands, we finally made St Carlos Bay. We went ashore straight away and slept in tents in sheep pens which happenned to be very cold. Nevertheless, the Sqdn personel led by our illustrious leader Phil Atkin persevered and after the cease fire, set up base on Navy Point which was opposite Port Stanley.

As we waved everybody goodbye, we learnt that we had been nominated the Garrison Squadron and were left until October before flying back curtesy of the good old Hecules. Overall, it was hard work, very cold and bleak, but credit to all the Squadron personel, especially the lads as they knuckled down and got on with their taskings. As time went on, the motto came back, 84 who?!!, everybody had forgotten us.

I wish all the lads good luck who were part of that Garrison unit and hope they are all well. Well done old oppo's.

I served with 2 troop 11FLD Sqn RE in the role of harrier support. we were responsible for the construction and maintenance of a harrier refuelling landing site at port san carlos bay. my nick name was Combat after we dug in we put together a make shift landing site as all of our gear went down with the atlantic conveyor.I remember digging a trench with a spoon to start of with, and staying up all night for an airbourne landing which never came, I almost shot my troop commander because he forgot the password

my dad was sent to the falklands back in 82, but he never came back as he was killed on top of mount longdon on the 12 of june. He was only 22 and with 3para and i was born three months later. this time of year is always hard as i've never met him or even heard his voice. i know that now i'm older i understand that what he and all the other man and women done was a right thing. x

For what they are worth (not a lot!) a few memories from HMS Avenger.

I was a 19 year old Jack Dusty during the conflict - "Jack me starboard three inch rocket launcher" who thought he knew it all. I spent most of my time closed up in the after damage control post, only too aware that should it all go belly up it was likely to be our part of ship that would take the brunt of it.

Bad memories - missile in bound, brace for impact lying under a table in the dining hall, closing up on the flight deck as part of a hose team to assist the Plymouth when she was hit, ammunition ship and having to lug by hand 4.5 shells the length of 2 deck, hearing of the Glamorgan being hit when we were on the gunline with her and never really understanding the need for her to have entered the land based exocet missile arc, being landed in Fox Bay to round up hundreds of Argentinian POWs, dedicating a memorial to the Ardent (in San Carols?).

Good memories - the Fox Bay and memorial incidents mentioned above had some good elements to them, motoring round Port Stanley bay after the war as part of the crew manning the gash barge and the Supply Officer being in command(don't ask........!) and running it aground somewhere, getting a free holiday to Austria for being a crew member of one of the last ships back to UK, getting extremely drunk most nights on the way back to UK and during a week of absolute mayhem in Austria too!

I'm thinking of returning to the Falklands this year in a private capacity as I won't be able to make it to London or any other UK venue marking the events of 1982.

I left the Navy in 1989 having done my nine (plus a couple of years for the Queen) and joined the Police Service. Found it very hard to settle after my time at sea and left the Police and moved overseas in 1995. I'd love to hear from any of the lads from 2 Delta mess, or more widely the Avenger, should any of you read this.

Brumage Wardle.

Who thought it would happen? As a member of 29 Transport & Movements Regiment RCT (The dreaded Movement Control) I was sent to assist The Parachute Regiment at Tidworth get ready for deployment by sea. When they embarked on Canberra at Southampton I was all for sailing with them. I returned to barracks and was then dployed to Hull to get involved with loading MV Norland and 2 Para. From Hull to Portsmouth Freetown Ascension and beyond, the professionalism and cameradie was incredible. After helping 2 Para ashore in San Carlos a run to South Georgia to collect the Ghurkhas and a couple of Prisoner of War runs I look forward to seeing some familar faces in June on Horse Guards parade.

In a very very political world some things were worth fighting for.

WE WILL REMEMBER THEM

18 years old and only been at HMS Dryad for a couple of months, fresh out of Chatham. Weekend leave and the phone ringing at 05.30 and hearing my Mum telling some poor Regulator to F**K off as he had just woken her up. It didn't take long for it to ring again and this time I didn't enjoy the b******ing I got early hours and a "get your rear end back to Dryad asap".

And so the Falklands story began, and like (I reckon) most of the Blokes at waterloo that sunday morning heading back to Pompei - what were the Argies doing in Scotland?

My first taste of the real Navy, arriving at RNAS Heron with my 6 other mates, all joining 826 naval party as whatever the navy had in mind for us and a lecture about Penguins, SLR'S and how these other blokes had a gripe with us. From the supply & secretarial branch and did we know how to Cook in bad conditions.

After two weeks living in a caravan on the airfield a nice flight to Asccension Islands was a relief, unfortunately my deployment was unhappy - I joined Atlantic Conveyor with a mish mash of guys from 2 Para, 29 Cmdo, Fleet air arm and several other Stewards and cooks from various places all bundled together and all top guys.

The rest is History as they say - "thank you to HMS Broadsword, the overalls were to bloody big but warmer than my Knickers and Flip flops and that sweet Mess Brew - never had tea like it again.

For all my mates that got off the poor old girl, thank you for my memories, and for those who didnt! It dosent get any Prouder than shedding a tear now and again during Thought.

PS my Mate Ian Cook Turnbull would have Kicked Gordon Ramsays butt in a Kitchen (HMS Shefield)

I was a Seven year old girl living in Exmouth Married quarters when the Falklands Conflict happened. My memory of the conflict is of our boys coming home to a hero's welcome on the Married Quarters patch in Exmouth. A banner placed over the wall in Sturges Close welcoming home our boy's and then a big party in the street.

My dad was a serving Royal Marine at the time even though he did not go to the conflict he was doing his bit for the conflict back here at CTCRM.

I was a young Senior Aircraftsman serving in the Main Stores at RAF Laarbruch Germany when the war started.

I the sole person on duty at the weekend when I had an urgent request for some Harrier spares we were holding. I had never seen a request of such high priority before. After making several calls to find out how I was to ship these parts I was told that a C-130 was being diverted to me to collect these parts. It was to be a 'Hot Load' were the aircraft engines would remain running. The aircraft duly arrived, I ran to the aircraft and delivered the Loadmaster his parts, within seconds the aircraft was on its way again. I returned to work with some pride feeling that in some very small way I had contributed to the war effort.

My 'Pride' was some what dented later, as the parts were transferred to the 'Atlantic Conveyor' for delivery to the Falklands. I guess they are still there, somewhere??!!

Hideous stories and memories from some people who have posted here. I and many others sympathise with you and salute your bravery and courage.

11 field sqn RE were despatched in our role of harrier support and two of us were sent to San Carlos to provide purified water for drinking and cooking at the battlegroup hq and field hospital. My main memories are of being called to help take injured Welsh Guardsmen from helicopters and those poor boys had some horrific injuries of which I will never forget. After the Paras and Marines moved out towards Stanley we took over their patrols and eventually moved up once the town was secured. I was involved in airfield repair and our section was so proud when the first herc landed. 11 sqn was I believe the longest serving unit involved in the conflict,not returning back until late July/early August at some ungodly hour of the night into RAF Lyneham!

Does anyone else still have their bottle of task force special ale? Mine is in the loft !!

By the way.... the suitcase story below is 110% true....how 'Kin embarrasing was that....."SIR"!!

My dad John William Davis, Chief Petty Officer MA, nickname scouse he was attached to Medical Squadron Commando, Logistics Regiment, Royal Marines based at Ajax Bay during the Falklands conflict. I understand there are stories from everyone - good and bad. A lot of you will remmeber him for his African Queen in the conflict. My dad passed away 14 years ago. I would like to get in touch with anyone that remembers him, i loved it when he told me stories of the places and things he had done. And as a result i joined the forces myself. He was stationed at Coypool in Plymouth before he left the service. I only have one photo of my dad (scouse) and people say i am the spitting image of him.

I still remember the day my brother Andy went to the Falklands as if it were yesterday. He was in the Welsh Guards and sailed out of Southampton on the QE2. Mum and Dad travelled down to wave them off, I was nearly 17 at the time and decided to stay at home, I had already said my goodbye's a few days before and would have found it too emotional to be at the dockside watching the boat leave in the distance. Andy and Jimmy (pig) Salmon both held white mugs over the side of the ship so Mum and Dad could make out where they were. I sat in work and listened to the commentary on the radio, bursting into tears as the ship set sail and the sounds of the QE2s 'fog horns' sounded. Andy was injured on the Galahad on June 8th. We were one of the 'lucky ones' and found out that night that he was alive and on his way home. My thoughts go out to family and friends of those who didn't return home.

I served on HMS Minerva back in 1982 as a 21 year old greenie. This year has brought back many memories mainly good. We got off very lightly compared to most. Our ship was going into moth balls when it all blew up. We had to re-arm and set sail for the South Atlantic. Most of us didn't even know where the Falklands were up until then. We arrived onsite well into the conflict and never quite knew what was going on, getting most of our imformation from the BBC world service. Living and sleeping in our overalls 24/7 and always living on tender hooks. I had a great group of mates on board but sadly lost contact with most. Looking forward to the 17th of June to see old friends. When we eventually arrived back in the UK in Plymouth it was to such a fantastic reception. These memories will last forever. I did also get married this year in October before setting sail back to the Falklans for Christmas!!!! So this year is also our 25th aniversary. I for one am very proud of what we achieved that year and shall always remember the ones that never came home.

Ray

I was 4 years old when my Dad, James Allan, was sent to the Falklands as part of 29 Commando, I didn't know what was going on as I was too young to understand, but my one strong memory is of waiting for my Dad to come home and sitting on a wall near the army families estate I lived on, in Devonport, Plymouth waving a Union Jack with other kids of my age, then being told off by my Mum because it was hours before my Dad was coming home and we would be going into the Royal Citadel to meet him anyway. There are pictures from that day showing my whole family waiting with Union Jacks and looking overjoyed when my Dad came off the helicopter. I will be the proudest daughter in the world sat in Horse Guards watching my Dad march past.

I was sitting in my girlfriends lounge having just travelled up from working in the xped store at HMS Mercury, a 17.5 year old Junior Radio Operator (Tactical) Looking forward to some Easter leave and then a draft to HMS Sheffield, when she got back into Pompey, when the telephone rang. I reported back to Mercury far too early the following morning (one advantage of living in Surbiton is the direct train line to Petersfield) and was told that I should report to HMS Intrepid.
Got down to Pompey Dockyard and joined my second ship in less than 4 months (I left HMS Coventry around xmas time after a deployment with Standing Naval Force Atlantic). A Hurried store ship followed by an even quicker work up at Portland, where I remember operating a 20" Signal lantern when we were tasked to search for a possible downed small aircraft.
Trip down south was interesting as I only had a steaming kit with me which did not include any tropics, so a hot time was spent passing through Ascension Islands and on down to the Falklands.
Most heartbreaking events - hearing of the loss of Sheffield and even worse hearing about Coventry. Glad to see that no mates were lost.
Happy times. Celebrating my 18th Birthday on 6 June and End of the war. Being awarded my Falklands medal on another veteran of the conflict HMS Andromeda some 9 Months later.
Looking forward to joining up with former colleagues on the Sunday as I am making a special trip from Anguilla where I work in the Governor's Office.

I am sad to say that I never knew my father but I knew that he served in the Falklands. He was a radio operator call Louis "Lou" Pierre. If anyone has any memories of him or served with him, I would love to hear from you, please contact me at www.puffafishjewellery@yahoo.co.uk

I served on HMS Northella. One of 5 deep sea trawlers that were used as minesweepers. They never seem to get a mention, along with a lot of the smaller boats.
We crossdecked 5 brigade between the QE2 and Canberra in South Georgia. Transferred stores and equipment and survivors from the Coventry, among them was HMS Sobertons (the sweeper we transferred from) 1st Lt.
The trawlers also worked with the special forces and of course their main role of minesweeping. That was an experience! being a chef, they thought I would make an excellent mine lookout. So they sat me in the bow with a pair of binoculars, a radio and a safety harness. When I saw a mine come to the surface I told the bridge and they got the ships gunner to shoot and sink it! I never used the safety harness...thought if a mine did hit us, the last thing I wanted to be attached to was a ******* trawler.
We had a fantastic crew and we all looked after each other...ish.
Today, I'll be remembering all the people who didn't come back home
Andy "Smudge" Smith

I was training recruits in Depot Para in Aldershot in Feb 1982 and at the end of my platoons training I reminded them of British history and its propensity to call for its soldiers at the most unexpected moments, in the most unexpected circumstances.
The real unease that faced us with the landing craft door open to the beach, no knowledge of the waters depth and the ridiculous thoughts and images of D Day. The relief as we made our overweight climb into Sussex Mountain and the days of the San Carlos Air Display - at 10 o'clock Zulu time or something like that. Early morning transcribing the World Service News report so that the Company Commanders had some news for the men and the hard time I got for including the article announcing the establishment of the South Atlantic Fund (you know - shoot the messenger).
The hassle of the O Group for Goose Green and the realisation that the training we had taken was so realistic that it took a real body to see the gravity. The shells on either side of us - embedding into the peat and not exploding.
The prisoners in their shed and the explosion in the booby trapped ammo pile. The tourists coming from the unit to see GG and the prisoners and the stupid plan to cross the island - fortunately defeated by comandeering a Chinook to Fitzroy.
Watching the Galahad and wondering why they were there when the skyhawks were coming round the north of the Islands. The CAP making a vapour trail cross in the sky and the bombing.
Listening in to the radio traffic from 3 Para on Longdon.
Snow falling on the start line at wireless ridge and the realisation that we just had to complete this or the weather would finish us.
Hunger, cold and dysentry.
I respect all of the soldiers and what they did - and also our winning; but now, none of the circumstances, the rationale or the glory.

This was written by Irfon 'Taff' Higgins. We joined up together 37 years ago and still keep in touch. Both of us also served with The Commando Forces Royal Marines Band during the Falklands Campaign.
Here's his story:
As it's the 25th anniversary of the Commando Forces Band South Atlantic Tour, I thought that some of the band might like to see what they looked like then.
My wife Jan and I were due to get married on the 21st of May but as we were all called back from leave we had to get a special licence (separation pay?)
We got married on the 7th of April but as the Band were on stand-by the only musician who attended was Clem Cocker who had to leave immediately after the ceremony to catch a train to Ipswich. We went to the bandroom and had a photo taken with members of the Band who were not in the NAAFI at the time.
I believe we actually sailed on the Canberra on the 9th and I shared my honeymoon suite with BCPL Martin Dale, (for any bootnecks reading "the sax player") Musn. George Tate (South Atlantic duff eating champion) and Musn.Tug Wilson (now Police Sgt.) for the next 3 months. A finer bunch you could not wish to spend your honeymoon with. For those that remember I am still in touch with George the Argie prisoner. It was an incredible experience.
I have attached the original wedding photo taken in the bandroom at Stonehouse,also a photo taken at our 25th wedding anniversary at home in Wales with a PTI "pose" with George Tate, Sam Goldsworthy and Billy Walker. Tug and Jan both had gigs and couldn't make it.

Blimey! Twenty-five years ago? Where does the time go?
As a civvie in Stanley at the time of the invasion I still feel the surrealism of it all. The masses of equipment and men rolling off Argentine ships, the Mercedes-Benz military vehicles chuntering around the streets of Stanley and, most of all, the way normal life stopped.
We did our best to carry on as normal but things soon ground to a halt.
At least one good thing happened. When the Argies took over the electricity station, a lot of residents (myself included) broke the locks on our electricity meters and recycled the 5p piece so we got plenty of free power.
On the way to work the other day I smelled stew emanating from someone's house. The tasty whiff transported me through time to when the Argentines set up a cookhouse in the playground of the school adjacent to Church Flats, where I lived. I looked out of the window daily to see what they were eating...........a lovely smelling stew but not a lot of it and it looked quite thin as it was ladelled out. I think the soldiers were quite hungry.
It wasn't long before I was ordered at rifle point to keep my curtains closed 24 hours a day so I couldn't see what was going on in the playground - they used to conduct punishment there as well. I believe it is called 'worming' among old sweats and it entailed some poor Argentine in full kit being forced to slither like an earthworm on his stomach for a few yards while non-coms bellowed at him.
I was booted out three weeks after the invasion, and I still find it amazing just what post-occupation trivia I can recall.

Hi - My father who served on the SS Uganda during the war marched in the parade yesterday and I would just like to say how proud I was of him and all the other veterens. Hearing "We are sailing" booming from Horse Guards bought all the memories flooding back my Father returned home as one of the last ships into Southampton in 1982. The day yesterday was a fantastic tribute to everyone who made it back and for those who did not.

I was 3 when the Falklands started, and for years had no real memories. My dad was on HMS Glamorgan and my older brother was a lot more aware of what was happening. Only once around a scout campfire late at night did my dad mention what happened when they were hit. I get the impression if he'd had a pint instead of a half he wouldn't be here. I have had flashbacks of images from that time, but would really like to see the photo of the flight deck after the missile hit, my dad's the one in white overalls with hands on hips - "and what the **** do i do about this!" I've only heard the funny stories from that time of the war and am struggling to understand what happened. I hope that all associated are well and I'm glad I found this site to say some of the things that I don't understand myself.

My name is Martyn Holloway and in 1982 I had the honour of leading a trawler minesweeping squadron to war during the Falklands conflict.
When the Falklands Task Force was being prepared it was realised that the mine counter measures vessels in service at the time were unsuited for the long passage and heavy seas expected in the South Atlantic. New vessels were not yet operational so it was decided to requisition five deep-sea trawlers from Hull (CORDELLA, PICT, NORTHELLA, JUNELLA and FARNELLA), most were actually fishing at the time, and fit them out as minesweepers. The ships were modified in a few days and with Royal Navy crews were sent to the Falklands as the 11th Mine Countermeasures Squadron. They were the only vessels taken up from trade to be commissioned as Her Majesty's Ships.
After fuelling at Ascension Island on 11 May the Squadron was sent first to South Georgia. Various high value merchant ships such as the QEII packed with the 5000 men of 5 Brigade, their stores and ammunition began arriving from 28 May. It was then vital for the trawlers to transfer these essential supplies for the resupply of the Falklands into the Canberra, the Norland and the various Royal Fleet Auxiliaries that shuttled between South Georgia, the Task Force at sea and the bridgehead at San Carlos. The Squadron worked hard, often in atrocious Antarctic weather, on this consolidation for several days before heading on towards the Falklands.
On arrival the trawlers became involved in the task of re supplying Special Forces units around the islands and patrolling the San Carlos anchorage to deter Argentine special forces. On one occasion, HMS PICT was required to act as a guinea pig by turning herself into a noisy target. Thus she was able to prove a particular area was safe from mines so that other higher value naval vessels could operate there safely. Following the Argentine surrender, HMS CORDELLA, carried a Company of Royal Marines to West Falkland to accept the surrender there.
Then the real task began. Between 23 June and 4 July, when the weather permitted, the trawlers swept the enemy minefields off Port Stanley. They bagged ten of the 21 deadly moored mines laid by the Argentines, sinking them with small arms fire, the remainder had either having broken adrift and floated away or failed to deploy from their sinkers properly. CORDELLA did not sweep any mines as she was out in front for the main part using her sweeps to protect the other ships while hopefully in safe water on the edge of the minefield. After each run she moved over into the water made safe on the previous run. Next in line PICT swept three mines, one of which appeared close ahead of NORTHELLA that had to manoeuvre hurriedly to avoid it. NORTHELLA swept two of her own, JUNELLA four, and FARNELLA one mine. Another of PICT's mines was towed inshore by JUNELLA on 26 June to be made safe by Lt Bernie Bruen for shipping back to the UK for analysis. The mine is currently on display at the Imperial War Museum as part of the Falklands 25 exhibition.
The Squadron arrived back in Rosyth 11 August 1982 and was disbanded. At about 3.00 p.m. after the families had seen around the ships, people started to leave for good. Someone sounded a car horn and dozens responded as we all said farewell to the ships that had looked after us so well. It was a moving moment.
To the 150 officers and men of the 11th Mine Countermeasures Squadron, thank you; I am extremely proud to have known you. To the wives, families and sweethearts, God bless you.

I was 16 years old at the time and just finishing school. I remember early one Sunday morning hearing on the radio a report about the Argentinan flag being raised on South Georgia and thinking "thats suspicious". The rest is of course history. The fleet was raised very quickly and the ships sailed south. The whole country seemed to be behind them - except of course the usual element of politicians that supposedly represent us all that said 'let them keep the islands' - I wonder if they would have had the same view if an invader had turned up and thrown them out of their home?!
Things gradually heated up. It really came home when one evening, I was out for a run and my brother caught up with me on his bike "You wont believe it", "what?" I said. "They've sunk one of our warships". We raced home to see the funeral like delivery of the MOD speaker on the BBC state that HMS Sheffield had been hit and was sinking. It was a terrible feeling. This was of course the first of many and, like the rest of the country, we watched the news/radio every night hoping for better news... which eventually came.
This was the first 'modern' war, with a £250K missile being able to sink a £75 million ship, the first action of a nuclear submarine - but still required men to walk to battle.
Despite the bravery of the men involved - lets not forget the bravery of the politicians who had to place them there. We also found out how much backing we had from our 'friends' in Europe - none. Many thanks to the USA who provided diplomacy, and intelligence - they are our true friends. Its a shame Reagon is not here today to be with Mrs. T.
Makes you wonder if, quarter of a century later the armed forces could mount such an expedition and if the politicians would stand up for us if our countrymen abroad were in need of hope. As an island nation we need to be able to protect ourselves and our interests, certainly we cant rely on others to do it for us.
I shall be going to the Mall today with my wife and daughter, waving our flag and giving thanks for all the brave men who didnt come back and hope that the poloticians give our armed forces the training and equipment to keep them the best in the world.

Hi, this is not really a story but I wonder if anyone can help!
I attended the ceremony today in support of my father who was in the war in 1982. His name is Trevor Burton and he was in REME (but possibly also other units I am not sure of). To cut a long story short, looking for anyone who knew him for further info and if possible old photos. I know this is a long shot but if anyone does know him can you get in contact at paburty@hotmail.com
Well done to all you brave men and women who fought for our country and the people of the Falklands in '82

Gentlemen, the falklands war was my inspiration for joining and serving the colours for 14 years, sadly I was only 15 at the time you all headed down south - how I longed to be with you. You did us all so very proud. Today I tell all my 4 children about the conflict and how important it is in their history and the fact that the Falklands are British soil. Thanks for your inspiration 25 years ago and making me be the better man that i am today.God bless you all
Steve

Just to say what a fantastic day yesterday (Sunday 17th June) was. Did not get to go in person (Brother attended). The Vets all looked as amazed as we all did at the turn out . Well done to all you People who attended. The UK might now realise that Operation Corporate was " The real deal" for many of us. a very sad and very proud day for all. Take care God Bless (an ex RFA ).

Hello,

I attended yesterdays parade at falklands 25 and wanted to share my thoughts, My Brother Wacker Payne served on HMS INTREPID in 82 and is still serving on HMS OCEON, I was only 12 when he went down to the Falklands and thought it was all a bit of an adventure! I remember telling my mother not to worry he's quite safe because Bill is a chef he's inside the ship!. The folly of youth!!.

I hope everybody enjoyed yesterday in London, we stayed at the Union Jack Club and had a great time, apart from we had to share a double bed!! we were like the fat chuckle brothers!

What really humbled me were the men with obvious injuries sustained in the war, nobody seemed bitter (although lots of it were drunk). Everybody I saw was happy, the comradeship of everybody regardless of force, everybody wanted to shake your hand, it was great to see a bit of Britishness still around.

I thought the marching went well at Horseguards and the whole event went great. So heres to you Bill well done and remember be proud cos the biggest event in my life was my daughter supergluing my eyebrows with cotton wool to look like Santa!!

If anyone was to get in touch with him from the intrepid email me at dap17900@hotmail.com

17th June 2007 A day to remember. Its not often we see "what Britain is all about" more is the pity. To say that I was proud to attend the parade is an understatement. The Drumhead service was dignified and emotional. A man I may be but I struggled to hold back the tears as that beautiful youg lady sang solo without falter. It was good to see some old faces and catch up on twenty five years. Well done to all who attended and for those who for whatever reason could not make it on the day, be assured that we all carried your thoughts, memories and pride with us. Good luck and God bless to all. Serving RN Veteran

To all who served a thankyou. Like others at the time I longed to be boarding the ships to do our country proud. I was too young only twelve at the time but me and my mate followed your progress,loss and victory each and every day. We were two very proud boys. We both went on to serve our country with as much pride and honour as you all did. I have seen the harsh reality of conflict and felt the sad loss of close pals as you all did. Can't speak for my mate as we dont keep in touch sadly anymore.

Now a civvy, I teach and still encourage young adults to join the service they are interested in. The conflict is never far from my thoughts as it had such a massive shaping to my youth. I still have news papers/cuttings and magazines from the time and still take the time to read them.

All of you had a part in shaping the country we enjoy and love today, Thankyou once again.

I served on one of the forgotten ships of the campaign, HMS Herald. During the campaign we and the Hydra, Hecla and Hecate were ambulance ships transferring the injured and wounded to Monte Video.

We had one of the first injuries on the way south and had to call into Freetown to disembark Mick Winter (I hope that is right) who was in a coma for several weeks after a life threatening head injury. Only the professionalism of our MA's saved his life. BZ.

I remember some of us giving up our bunks and sleeping in the 'garage' of Herald in hammocks!Very comfortable in all that rough weather. Our dining area was converted into a 'ward'(well done the Chippy) where we tended to the injured whom we took off the Uganda. The smells coming from the galley were often the cause of a shout from one or another soldier "Sick bag mate DOUBLE QUICK and sack the chef" take note Terry Beddoes....Spike Smith etc.

There are lots of little stories from the ambulance ships that did a lot of sea time ferrying the injured, my favourite was of Lt Lawrence, who had a very serious head injury, stoically refused to be taken off the ship on a stretcher, was helped off by two sailors and gave two fingers to the cameras, then collapsed in a heap in the back of the ambulance!

The was also a lot of braveness from the crew who had to tend to the harrowing burns of the the Welsh Guards and others, the smell of flamezone cream still lingers...

I kept in touch with a Para from B Coy 2 Para, Jim Ferguson, and 4 years later married his wifes' sister Theresa. Jim was sadly killed in an accident not long after leaving the Paras. His son has a little girl now and my daughter and son are her Godparents.

On a lighter note, if anyone can remember the flavour of the Blue ice cream???? Please let me know, it has been bugging me for 25 years..

I am currently serving in the RN and was part of the marching troops on Sunday (17th June). I have always been interested in the Falklands conflict as my uncle was in 3 commando brigade and I went to the Falklands on board HMS Glasgow (a vet herself) a few years ago. I was very proud take part in what turned out to be a very emotional ceremony. We will remember them.

Just wanted to let you all know how proud I was to see you all march past on Sunday, I took over 100 photos and have put a link below so you can view them, please feel free to save and distribute them to family and friends, simply right click your mouse and then save them (Choose the largest size image first). Sorry if I didn't get anyone in, you were marching so fast! http://www.flickr.com/photos/ka2cu/sets/72157600382445902

I served onboard HERMES during the conflict. Apart from great memories of my entire time on the Happy 'H'(81-84) my memories of the conflict period are the most significant to me. The flavour of the time has been captured very well by the anecdotes of others already and I can only offer a small contribution by comparison to some of the amazing stories so far.

I was accommodated in the After Senior Rates Mess and recall meeting the Special Service personnel, among others, who were itching to get ashore and get the job done. My duties were centered around the flight deck in support of the ship's services to the WAFOOS and the RM's . I remember well the Sea Harrier that exploded in mid air shortly after take off during night ops. I was operating the ship's crane at the time and the whole sky lit up as if it were broad day light. Working out on deck in some horrendous conditions to ensure the aircraft lifts kept on working, and having to call upon all of the professional training to keep the ageing systems funtioning made for interesting times.

The pitiful sight of the survivors from the Sheffield lined up in the passageways, and the real fear when actions stations were called made me realise that everyone whether it be troops on the ground, in the air, frigate, destroyer or whatever - we were all in it together.

The night that Conqueror sank the BELGRANO Sandy Woodward came on CCTV and addressed the ship's Co. It was obvious from his demeanour that we had done something significant (and no one uttered a word save that to pity the poor souls affected - our turn was to come). There are so many memories of the time it would not be fair to attempt to lay them all out here. Some people - Tony Keogh - a great young lad who worked with me; Vic Breach - good old Victor DeLa Breach; Danny Briggs; Phil Nield - who I shared a bunk space with; Willy Pettigrew - who I closed up with at Action Stations in Romeo switchboard; Wiggy Bennett, Keith Bamber, Ben Booker and a whole load of others who taught me well ........... Yes! good memories and experiences that served to set me up for the rest of my career. I went down there again 84-86 onboard the ENDURANCE and closed the loop on my understanding of the land based mission. That was a special period in my career as well and it has set within me a great affection for the South Atlantic. One day I would like to go back and see it all again through older eyes. We'll see eh?

A great day on Horse Guards Parade + the Veterans march - Thanks for the memories.

Was on the Shiny Sheff down south, main memories - lying on the deck looking at a great pool of blood that was coming out of my head, along comes Gilly Gilchrist saying stand back I'm a first aider. I won't say what my reply was, but there were a few choice swear words in amongst it. Other memories - getting lifted off by helo, the LACM was 'Jock' Patterson who I had been on the Ajax with. My brother was an Aircrewman on Hermes and they wouldn't let him fly when they came to pick up the injured. When they stitched my head up, I remember the surgeon giving a lecture on how to do stitches that don't leave a nasty scar - not too tight - it worked, the scar is hardly noticable.

Finally ending up on the British Esk which took us back to Ascension, I ended up sleeping on the top shelf in a bedding store. The crew of the British Esk were brilliant.

Took part in the parade on the 17th as a serving veteran, a big thank you to the young lads and lasses of the Naval contingent, they did the Navy and the veterans proud.

I served on the Fleet Clearance Diving Team. Three of us were lowered onto the flight deck of HMS Antrim to dispose of the UXB. One of my more memorable days in the Navy.

Like the chefs story earlier I was in HMS Drake at the time. Just made P2 fit for sea after an operation the Christmas before. I was just going on Easter leave on the Friday, phone call Saturday report to Drake then on the train Sunday to join HMS Hermes at Portsmouth. My only other time at sea had been on a submarine doing a part 3 course to qualify as a submariner but after doing so my operation ended that part of my navel career.

So I arrived to join my first skimmer and what a ship she was, I was totally lost she was huge after being on a sub. I joined up in January 1980 and here I was now a Steward at 19 about to go on a journey which we all thought would be over in a couple of weeks, little did we know.

I remember looking out of the porthole in 2N2 Mess just below the flight deck and seeing all these people waving us off and then watching the TV at the same time in the mess, it was surreal.

Now 25 years on everytime I see any footage of those events, like us all it brings back memories and high emotions for lost comrades from all the services that took part and it will stand for all time to reinforce that we have the best fighting services and indeed that is still being proven today in this troubled world.

My memories fade in and out having witnessed some tragic loss of life over the last 30 years in many campaigns.

Firstly of brave men like the good CPLs leading us from the front doing thier best to nurture and cojole us when required to take the argentine positions that doggedly slowed us, of the retoric off the CO before he charged off like a man possessed to try to take that damned hill. Of the CSM heroically doing crazy things which should have been recognised with a galantary award, but no sadly not one CSM in two battalions got the recognition they deserved but all the OCs did. Funny isnt it.

Of sitting on stag during cold wet nights trying to keep warm discussing how our fore fathers managed in times gone by. Of good friendship and morale makers like Ian the horrible, and my Coy 2IC who always kept us chirpy and motivated, and the Padre with his seemingly never ending supply of humour and a nip.

Of the tragedy of Bluff cove and sitting helpless as the injured struggled to get to us for help, and the bravery of the pilots who flew their birds to the ship to help those lads.

Of sitting helpless after watching the gallant 3rd battalion take Longdon then suffer further loss as we waited to continue to advance onto Wireless Ridge and finally Stanley.

Of some Marine telling us that we couldnt go into town, after we had been there god knows how long and ignoring him, of the lovely couple in Stanley who willingly allowed us to stay in their house after liberation without complaint.

Of a grateful British public on our return and a none supporting one 25 years later as the coalition fights a different and determined enemy to preserve some order in the world.

A big thank you to my fellow servicemen for your thankless work and effort.

Hi my name is Lee my brother Mark Fletcher from 2Para went off aboard The Norland to fight in the Falklands at Goose Green he was killed during the night battle. if any body has an fotos of mark on the way to the Falklands or even before during basic training or in Berlize if you could let me have then to copy & i will send them back to you. Thanks again Lee. Address 39 Davenport park rd stockport cheshire sk2 6ju.

That was us, 2 troop die hards in the Royal Exchange, Aldershot the night before we joined the Norland on our way to the Falklands. John Hare wasn't with us long, he received shrapnel injuries and i didn't see him until i got back to Aldershot.

The other picture is of me in a house we commandered in Port Stanley. Good old 2 troop we went on Norland then change of plan, cross decked to Canberra then Intrepid then Port San Carlos with good old 3 para, what a hike to mt Longdon then battle insued. Sadly Scottie Wilson fell and i really don't know how i made it through.

Just to say hello to Wildman John Hare, Smudge Smith and so many more of my good friends, if you read this - spread it about.

Heres a couple of photos from this year. The first is meeting up with Aircraft Handlers in London from HMS HERMES, CPO "Peggy" Mount, WO Andy Wroot, Ian Winter, Robbie Robertson, John Chisolm.

The second is a picture of all the Falklands Vets who turned up for a Remembrance Parade I had organised in Carlisle.

I was at home on Easter leave when the police came to the door, 48hrs later I was standing outside the Reg Office on Fearless getting told off by the Coxswain. My Mum had to give me permission to sail and it was £1 extra a day! I was the youngest down there by a few days and wasn't 17 until after the surrender.

4F mess with Dave Moye, Mick Wake and Ginge Easton was a shock but there was no PC brigade then. Good memories and sad after standing on Sir Tristram with holes in the deck. Good two weeks off Ascension waiting for the Intrepid and coming home. Take care all of you.

I WAS THE ROYAL MARINES DETACHMENT CORPORAL ON HMS ANTRIM AND MY JOB ON BOARD WAS SHIPS POSTIE!

THE ATTACHED PIC WAS TAKEN IN GRYTVIKEN AFTER THE RECAPTURE OF SOUTH GEORGIA, I WOULD LIKE TO GET IN TOUCH WITH THE OTHER GUYS FROM THE SHIP MATELOT OR BOOTNECK.

ROWDY YATES BOOK ''BOMB ALLEY'' TELLS OUR SHIPS STORY, THOUGH I DO NOT APPEAR IN PRINT I WAS THERE! I JUST WANT TO THANK ALL THE SHIPS COMPANY FOR MAKING MY POST ROUND THE BEST ONE IN THE NAVY!

Just a short one I attach a picture of myself and Terry Beddoes. Pic 1, myself and the governor of the Falklands when I gave him a framed print of HMS HERALD AND SS UGANDA. Pic 2 we meet for the first time in 25 years in the Falklands during the Falklands 25 pilgrimage. Pictured here, at our first meeting at one of the many receptions held on the island. We both served onboard HMS HERALD in 1982.

I live in Canada, and was there all during the Falklands War, but I have some memories from a very far-away perspective.

I went to a small very liberal-arts university in Ontario, and the conflict sparked a lot of conflicts in the dining halls. There seemed to be two major parties - those of us who saw the Argentine attack as aggression by a military dictatorship and which had to be thwarted, and those who saw the Argentines as reclaiming land that was theirs to begin with, and who also saw Canada as part of a larger Americana, which meant no European colonies to stay in the Americas. Generally, those of us who saw the invasion as aggression were larger in numbers, but the debates got pretty loud.

There were quite a few among us who wondered what Canada would do? We hadn't had any kind of military experience outside of peacekeeping since the Korean War. There were a number who - not really knowing how these things go - thought that we'd be drawn into the conflict because 1)We were a Commonwealth country with close ties to Britain, and 2) the Falklands are a British possession, and therefore British territory, and as such, part of NATO -- and we were part of NATO. Would all NATO countries have to take part? What would the Americans do, being both NATO and the key member of the Organization of American States - as was her estwhile anti-Communist ally, Argentina.

In the end, it all ended fairly quickly and we were never involved. But we followed it with great interest, wondering how our soldiers, and our ships - all already quite antiquated and underfunded at this point - would have done.

For me, too, the Falklands was a bit more personal than it was for most of my school friends - in 1976 I had been on a school trip aboard the Canberra (supposed to have been Uganda but it was overbooked) and I distinctly remembered having a dream of the ship close into shore during a military conflict with (piston-engined) aircraft flying at it, and coming under attack. It was really a case of deja-vu seeing the film coming back from San Carlos with the Canberra - glistening white with yellow funnels like I remembered her - being buzzed by Argentine Skyhawks. I was very worried it would be hit. I was sorry to hear of her recent scrapping in India (Pakistan?). It seemed rather ignoble.

I was 14 when things kicked off in the Falklands. Living in Portugal we didn't get regular news but I was so impressed by what Britain was doing that I was bowled over by this massive rush of patriotism, so decided I was going to join the Army. I turned 16 in June 83 and was in uniform by Oct 83.

I was later posted to Mount Pleasant and "enjoyed" some of the extreme weather conditions, so my hat goes off to all you guys that did a fantastic job - not forgetting those that are not with us.

A funny story... I played a bit of golf so was talked into playing one weekend at the Port Stanley Golf Course - the world's most southerly golf course. Instead of filling in the craters made by motars, they filled them in with beach sand and made them into perfectly circular bunkers!

My memory of the Falklands Conflict will always be with the sad loss of a Comrade in Arms whom i had met only breifly at the Magnum Ice Rink Irvine Scotland being a member of the Armed Forces at the time, i was with my girlfriend at the time when i came across these two Brothers in uniform both Royal Highland Fusilers we got talking,went for a few beers and even had a sing song, the camaradie was instant, then we parted wished them good luck! the date being June 79 three years on i was shocked! to read in the news papers/and his Photo that one of the Twins had been killed on Mount Tumbledown 2nd Bn Scots Gaurds his name was David Malcomson.

I was Her Majesty's Consul at Dakar, Senegal, from 1980 to 1984. Like many others I had vaguely picked up the story of Argentinian scrap metal merchants causing upset in South Georgia. The next thing we knew the Falklands had been invaded and the RAF was heading south to Ascension. For the next three months it was my job to ensure that aircraft had permission to overfly Senegalese airspace, to land, refuel and take off from Dakar airport and to provide all manner of support to the airforce, Royal Navy and others involved in the Falklands conflict.

Highlights included coordinating medical assistance to the captain of the Uganda standing off Dakar, finding a crane to replace a u/s Hercules engine (on a Saturday lunchtime)so that it could fly on to Ascension with urgently needed munitions, interpreting for a sailor from HMS Ambuscade with acute appendicitis who didn't want to be operated on in a Senegalese hospital and getting diplomatic clearance at one hour's notice for a helicopter to fly from HMS Invincible to Dakar so that a RN specialist could be flown on to Ascension as soon as possible.

It was a fraught but exhilerating experience which I will never forget.

I was 12 when the war began. I was really shocked when the first pictures from the Falklands were shown on the german TV. It made me think more politically and I started to read, look and listen to the stories from the South Atlantic.

You see, my Daddy was born 1929, his house being bombed in WWII by British planes. But he never felt hate against the troops ("Tommys"). What he always said to me is: war is stupid and not worth it, never ever. Now, in those days of 82, I witnessed a real war with dying men and burning houses. Set in a pretty breathtaking landscape. BROTHERS IN ARMS really touched me...

Nowadays I´m working as a travel journalist and I´m sure that I´ll visit the Falklands some day.