Falkland Islands

Sacrifice that freed Falkland Islands remembered

The memories of the men who sacrificed themselves to liberate the Falkland Islands 29 years ago have been honoured.

Sailors from HMS Clyde, the patrol ship which protects the South Atlantic islands all year round, took part in Landing Day commemorations at San Carlos, the remote natural harbour where the battle to re-take the Falklands moved ashore.

On May 21 1982 this isolated spot on East Falkland, some 50 miles from the capital Stanley, troops were put ashore to oust the invader.

Over the coming four or five days the Argentine Air Force made an all-out effort to stop the landing of men and material, at a heavy cost to themselves and to the Royal Navy: HMS Ardent and Antelope were both lost in the Battle for San Carlos.

Nearly three decades on and sailors from Clyde restored the memorial to the Type 21 frigates on the top of Campito; it had been damaged by the fierce Falklands wind on its high point overlooking the water.

In typical Falklands weather, the repair party set off in sunshine but were soon lashed by wind and rain which made the climb up Campito and the subsequent fixing and raising of the memorial somewhat challenging.

At the same time other sailors from Clyde carried out some running repairs on the memorial in nearby Port San Carlos to the crew of a Royal Marines Gazelle helicopter shot down during the battle for the beachhead.

With memorials restored, the ship’s company joined islanders and other military personnel, plus Governor Nigel Haywood, for a service of remembrance at Blue Beach Cemetery.

The Last Post sounded across the bay before silence descended for two minutes and wreaths were laid, followed by the Naval Hymn and National Anthem.