25th anniversary of Falklands conflict to be commemorated in 2007

[big bad john]

http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/HistoryAndHonour/25thAnniversaryOfFalklandsConflictToBeCommemoratedIn2007.htm

25th anniversary of Falklands conflict to be commemorated in 2007
27 Apr 06
The 25th Anniversary of the Falklands Conflict will be marked by special commemorative events in June next year, Secretary of State for Defence John Reid announced today, Thursday 27 April.



Commemorations will begin on Liberation Day, Thursday 14 June 2007, with a Service of Remembrance at the Falklands Islands' Memorial Chapel, Pangbourne College, Berkshire. This will coincide with a range of events in Port Stanley, the Falkland Islands.

On Sunday 17 June 2007 there will be a Veterans' Parade, including a drum-head service and march past, on Horse Guards in London.

Mr Reid said:

"The outstanding bravery of our Armed Forces personnel, both past and present, is to be remembered next June as part of our commemoration of the 25th Anniversary of the Falklands Conflict.

"Tragically, 252 lives were lost from the South Atlantic Task Force and these events will allow us to honour their memories.

"We will also be able to show our appreciation for the selfless commitment and heroic sacrifices made by all of our Personnel, both in the Falkland Islands and current operations around the world."

Veterans' Minister Don Touhig added:

"These important commemorative events will be attended by all campaign veterans, including the civilian workforce who worked round the clock to enable the Task Force to deploy so quickly.

"They will be joined by serving members of the Armed Forces and Merchant Navy representing the Ships, Units and Squadrons which took part in the operation.

"It is important we never forget the achievements and actions of our Armed Forces' veterans, who have done so much in every conflict we have encountered."

Further details about the events, and how to apply for tickets, will be made available in due course.

 

[winchable]

Just finished reading Lt. David Tinker's (RN) Book "A Message from the Falklands" which is a collection of letters and diary entries he made in the time leading up to and during the Falklands.
It's a rare, rare book but if you can find it it's an interesting perspective because he was very honest when writing it. The only reason I have a copy is because my uncle went to BRNC with him and also served in the Falklands and the wives of all the officers on his ship got a few copies, unfortunately it's out of print now though I believe you could probably find some copies on Amazon if you wanted.

I've met a lot of Falklands vets through my family and many of them (the sailors at least) come across as reluctant and sad about the whole war.

 

[zipperhead_cop]

Back when I was in the Queens Own there was a story about some lads who had a Karl G and an apparently unlimited supply of rounds.  The story goes that they were on a hill top and almost sunk an Argentine frigate with multiple hits.  It limped out to sea before it went under water.  Just curious if it was just militia urban folk lore.

 

[RCPalmer]

A few years ago, I read Max Hasting's "Battle for the Falklands", also a great read.  It relates the incident you mentioned, which occured during the initial Argentine invaision of the island of South Georgia (separate from the Falklands themselves). The section of Royal Marines tasked with defending the island managed do a quite a lot of damage before surrendering to the overwhelming Argentine force (the Marines were ultimately repatriated back to Britain in time to participate in the recapture of the islands).  If I remember the account correctly, their exploits included causing one helicopter to crash land, and forcing a frigate to withdraw to the open sea using only small arms and an 84.  It is quite a neat story about what a few soldiers can achieve, even while outgunned and isolated at the bottom of the world.