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.