40 years since end of Falklands War commemorated in Newark and Southwell
Communities across the country held ceremonies this week to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the end of the Falklands War.
The services were an opportunity for veterans and public alike to recognise the sacrifices of those that fought and defended the British dependent territories in the South Atlantic of the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands.
During the conflict, which lasted 74 days between April 2 and June 14, 1982, 255 British personnel lost their lives. It was the first British military action since the second world war to utilise all branches of the Armed Forces.
Among those taking part in commemoration was Southwell Royal British Legion branch, which held a small gathering and wreath-laying ceremony at the Burgage War Memorial to mark the anniversary.
Shortly after 11am, in brilliant sunshine — a sharp contrast to conditions in the South Atlantic 40 years ago — the minster bells rang and a minutes silence was observed before the Very Rev Nicola Sullivan, Dean of Southwell read prayers.
Andy Gregory, chairman of the branch, who laid a wreath, spoke of the importance of remembrance “We owe it to all our bothers-in-arms, their lives were the price for our freedom and when we remember, we must also remember the Argentinians that died too”
Newark and Sherwood District Council held a special event.
The event, attended by many veterans of the conflict and their families, included a flag-raising ceremony outside the council’s headquarters in Newark, Castle House.
As part of the ceremony a minutes silence was held and a prayer was said by Rev Chris Lion of Newark Parish Church. Representatives of the Royal British Legion, Royal Naval Association and RAF were also in attendance.
The veteran with the honour of hoisting the flag was Douglas Cornford, 77, from Sleaford, a member of the RAF for over 39 years who served with its Tactical Communications Wing during the Falklands conflict.
Describing his feelings on this anniversary with a tear in his eye, an emotional Doug said: “Days like this are so important, so that we remember and never forget all the poor devils that didn’t come back home.
“I was lucky I wasn’t involved in the hand-to-hand combat, those guys have my utmost respect. People seem to forget that for the guys that were there, the war didn’t end when the surrender happened and many are still suffering today.”
During the conflict Doug took pictures and kept a diary, now collated into a book by his children. One exert from May 21, 1982 — the start of the Battle of San Carlos — paints a dramatic picture of the tense stand-off he witnessed between British task force ships and Argentinian planes in Falkland Sound:
“...09:00 Anchored up in Falkland Sound
12:00 Air Raid Red, watched from bridge 2xA4 strafing. Antrim 1/2 mile away
15:30 (late entry) Moved away from Falklands Sound too risky, now in with rest of fleet. 7 Mirage, 2 Pucara and 5 Sea Hawk, 2 helicopters, from radio.
16:00 Air raids finished. Four attacks all together 1x Mirage splashed by Broadsword. 2 Pucaras splashed by fleet another air raid.
19:15 Back to st by another 4 attacks. Saw one aircraft shot down, plenty of missiles flying about, so far 7 or 8 splashed. 2 by harriers. It is all quite hairy. Most scary day so far and its not dark yet.”
In a reception following the flag raising ceremony speeches were made by deputy leader and Armed Forces Champion of Newark and Sherwood District Council, Keith Girling, and chairman Sue Saddington.
Keith Girling said: “It’s seems right that we remember those that fought in the Falklands War 40 years on, and honour, the sacrifices made to defend our nation.
“The armed forces play a vital role in the district, we are forever grateful for the service they provide in protecting our country and we’ll continue to do what we can to support them to have the care and backing when they need it most.”
Sue Saddington expressed delight in welcoming so many veterans that were on the islands when the British flag was raised over Port Stanley signalling the end of the war, especially as this year the Falklands capital was awarded coveted city status.
Michael Scarborough, 82, from Coddington who served as a seaman aboard HMS Hermes, the flagship of the British forces, said: “Our job was to send up chaff, so when a missile was on it’s way it was distracted and sent it flying off somewhere else.”
This vital work meant that the Hermes could continue operating fluidly, allowing the take-off and landing of British jets in order to control the airspace and protect the Royal Navy’s other ships.
