Services mark Falklands conflict

Services mark Falklands conflict

Commemorations are taking place to mark the 25th anniversary of the liberation of the Falklands by UK armed forces.

The Queen, Tony Blair and Baroness Thatcher have joined veterans for a remembrance service in the Falkland Islands Memorial Chapel in Berkshire.

A service in Stanley, attended by 1982 minister Lord Parkinson, is among events being held in the Falklands.

The islands were liberated on 14 June 1982, two and half months after the UK territory was invaded by Argentina.

Some 255 British servicemen, more than 650 Argentines and three islanders were killed in the 74-day conflict.

BBC correspondent Jack Izzard in Argentina said he expected a few veterans to lay wreaths but there would be no major commemorations.

People felt shame that the war was lost but agreed with the policy of the current president that the islands should be returned to Argentina, through diplomatic rather than aggressive means, he said.

Speaking outside Stanley Cathedral, Gary Clement, who served with the Royal Marines in 1982 and now lives in Stanley, said the commemorations would be "double-edged".

He said: "I think it is a very important thing to keep doing. It doesn't go away for the islanders."

Julian Ennis, a Royal Engineer on board the Sir Galahad when it was attacked by Argentine planes, suffered 24% burns.

He told BBC News 24 that remembering the conflict left him with mixed emotions.

"We've had a very poignant service in the chapel," he said.

"But once the service is finished and everybody comes out it is a chance to meet friends and you gather together the camaraderie of the task force."

Last Post

Prior to the service at Pangbourne College, near Reading, a flypast of four Joint Force Harriers - representing the Harrier squadrons from the time - saluted the Queen.

As the Queen arrived Steve Kettless, 50, of Aldershot, Hampshire - who fought with 2 Parachute Regiment at Goose Green - said: "I'm filled with sadness for the boys who never came home."

The service of thanksgiving focused on those who lost their lives in the conflict, and was attended by their families, children and friends.

The widow of Colonel "H" Jones, commanding officer of 2 Para who was killed in the battle of Goose Green and posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for his bravery, gave a reading.

The traditional act of remembrance was led by Rear Admiral Jeremy Sanders CB OBE, who served in the Falklands, which included the words: "They shall not grow old as we who are left grow old."

Two buglers from the band of HM Royal Marines then played the Last Post.

Defence Secretary Des Browne also attended the service.

Earlier he said the liberation of the islands had been a "huge achievement" for forces that had been operating in harsh conditions.

After the commemoration, the Queen placed a final stone from the Falklands - which was blessed during the service - on top of 254 other such stones, to form a memorial cairn.

It follows a Scottish tradition commemorating those who did not return from battle.

In the Falklands, a special message from the Queen will be broadcast to the islanders by Governor Alan Huckle on radio.

Following the church service, also attended by the Earl of Wessex, the prince will join islanders as they commemorate the anniversary at Stanley's Liberation Monument.

Events are taking place across the UK to mark the anniversary.

The Princess Royal is due to attend a Service of Remembrance and Commemoration followed by a "Heroes" dinner at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich.

In Scotland service personnel will lay a wreath at the Scottish National War Memorial in Edinburgh before attending a special service at St Giles Cathedral.

On Wednesday Baroness Thatcher issued a rallying call to British troops in war zones in a special message to mark the anniversary.

As prime minister she took the decision to send a naval task force 8,000 miles (12,875 km) to the south Atlantic, to reclaim the islands after the Argentines invaded.

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http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/uk/6751095.stm