Falkland 25 Pilgrimage

Veterans, BLESMA Members and families of those killed in action from the Falklands Conflict, returned to the Falkland Islands in November 2007 to mark the 25th Anniversary of the island’s liberation.

This was a joint venture between the South Atlantic Medal Association (SAMA 82) and Combat Stress. The Minister for Veterans, Derek Twigg was present throughout. As the Assistant General Secretary of BLESMA, and a Falklands Veteran to boot, I was privileged and honoured to be included in their number.

The contingent started off in the Union Jack Club prior to flying to the Falkland Islands – via Rio de Janeiro. A reception was held there, attended by many dignitaries, the most notable being Baroness Thatcher who stayed for a long time. She is universally revered by the Falklands Veterans.

We arrived in the Islands and were bussed from Mount Pleasant Airport to Port Stanley where we were were ‘claimed’ by families who volunteered as hosts. All the visits would be impossible to cover here, but there are a few I wish to give a mention. On Wednesday 7th November the whole contingent were transported in islanders’ 4x4s from Stanley to San Carlos in the longest 4x4 convoy I had ever witnessed, over 100 vehicles! A very moving ceremony was conducted at the San Carlos Cemetery, followed by lunch in the field, then a run up to Goose Green.

Each of the first 3 evenings, the Governor hosted a third of the Veterans to a Reception at Government House, each person receiving a personal invitation. The hospitality was superb and many residents attended.

I had served in the Conflict with 11 Field Squadron Royal Engineers as a Troop Staff Sergeant, also on the trip were 2 others from 11 Field Sqn, Taff Jones and Andy Hughes (aged 19 in 1982). We decided to spend a day at Port San Carlos, where we had come ashore on Landing Craft all that time ago. We walked from the beach, through Port San Carlos settlement, a handful of houses, up to where our trenches had been. Some trenches had caved in, but they were still evident and we pinpointed which each of us had occupied. These were moving moments.

In Port Stanley they have created ‘Memorial Wood’ where a tree has been planted for each of those killed in the conflict. I laid a cross for a young Royal Engineer.

It was poignant at many stages of the visit, and undoubtedly a great success. The organisers deserve huge praise and ought to be justifiably proud of their efforts. The trips and functions were extensive and meticulously planned. The Committee had catered for everyone, some 250 visitors, testament to their diligence and hard work, with enormous help from the Islanders. They are so appreciative of what the Task Force did for them.