2016

CHAIRMAN’S LETTER This year has certainly been a busy On 14th June the Annual Service The Annual Service was a most sacrifices made by their forbears and one at the Chapel. It began on a was another huge occasion. We were poignant occasion for members of the carry the torch of remembrance for sad note when in March we lost almost embarrassed by running out Falkland Families Association (FFA) the future. As usual the Service begins our founder member and visionary of space. Six hundred and twenty which officially closed its doors that at 12.00 followed by lunch at 13.15. Anthony Hudson MBE after a long family members and veterans booked day. At lunch in Drake Hall FFA Please do join us if you can. battle with cancer. Many of you will to attend and we know of several Chairman and Chapel Trustee Sara know that he was a key member of gate-crashers who were too late to Jones presented me with a gift for Major General Jeff Mason the committee which established the book and came anyway! They were, the Chapel of £23,400. Following Chairman of the Trustees Chapel at the College and he will of course, most welcome and that, I the association’s closure we have be sorely missed. Appropriately the feel, is the true essence of this Chapel pledged to hold this money for the Chapel was host both to his funeral and it was wonderful to welcome benefit of FFA members. The FFA ... in March and a memorable Memorial new faces as well as all our regulars. have also given us a bench which is Thank You Service attended by over 800 Among new faces welcomed were a appropriately located by the Cairn. attendees in April. His popularity contingent from HMS Fearless and We welcome all former FFA members The Trustees and I would was massive and, as always, the Intrepid (on which I served) and to the Chapel family and, of course, all like to thank all of you who College team coped exceptionally a group of 9 Para Sqn RE veterans. members of families bereaved in 1982 have supported the Chapel well with impeccable arrangements. This too was a second opportunity who may not have been members. whether you are a Friend and (Tribute p.3). for Lord Lieutenant, Mr Puxley, give regularly, or a ‘one- to present an Elizabeth Cross to This year our Annual Service is on off’ donor, an association At the end of March the South Mrs Catherine Lintell, daughter of Sunday 12th June 2016 and I am very or reunion group, an Atlantic Medal Association Private Anthony Greenwood, who pleased that The Right Reverend organisation or a benefactor (SAMA) held their AGM weekend was accompanied by eight family Nigel Stock, Bishop at Lambeth, – all the gifts given to us are Reunion Service in the Chapel. For members (see page 5). Bishop to the Forces and Bishop for treasured and used carefully many of their members it was a first the Falkland Islands will be delivering to maintain the Chapel in visit and proved to be a most popular The Annual Service presented the Address. He will be accompanied occasion. The day was marked by the the new Director of Music, Roy by his wife, Carolyne. good order for all its visitors presentation of an Elizabeth Cross to Raby, with an ideal opportunity to or to afford access to the Mrs Sandy Dawson, widow of Kevin demonstrate his extensive musical We look forward to seeing you all Chapel to those families and Williams, a cook on board HMS talent, and that of the College’s again but do book in with Angela so veterans who need it. Thank Sheffield in 1982, by our new Lord marvellous Choirs, to so many of us that we can ensure there is enough you for helping us to fulfil our Lieutenant Mr James Puxley on his and, as always, for the Headmaster’s food and refreshment. We would pledge to those who made it first visit to the Chapel. (Report p.2 excellent organisational team again like to encourage young guests too so possible for all of us. & see Sandy’s ‘memoir’ on p.6) to excel. We are indebted to them all. that they can be made aware of the news

FAMILIES GATHER TO SAMA COMES SAY GOODBYE TO THE CHAPEL

On Saturday 18th April a Service morning, and all those tragically Many of the veterans attending to attend the Chapel whenever was held to commemorate the bereaved of a loved one and the SAMA AGM and Reunion they wished to remember their final reunion of the Falklands whose lives since then have been weekend at the Hilton in comrades lost in 1982. Families Association and General forever changed. I know from Swindon also attended their Meeting at the Guard’s Chapel at many conversations and written own Service of Remembrance The Service at the Chapel Wellington Barracks in London. messages that people like you and Reflection at the Memorial the following morning was, as It was a poignant but memorable have also displayed immense Chapel at Pangbourne on Sunday always, a memorable occasion occasion and the sun shone and sustained courage over the 29th March. SAMA organiser orchestrated by Chaplain on this glorious day. The Band years as you adjusted to new and Paul Nolan had generously Reverend Neil Jeffers who painful realities – and I know invited Major General Jeff Mason also gave the address. Special of the Honourable Artillery what a hugely significant role the and his wife Lucy and Angela guests included the new Lord Company played for the Guards’ Falklands’ Families Association Perry and her husband Jim to Lieutenant of Berkshire Mr James Chapel Choir; lessons were read has played since 1983 in offering enjoy their Gala Dinner held at Puxley and his wife Deborah. by Mrs Angela Perry MBE and support and friendship, and in the hotel the evening before. Nicci Pugh, Senior Nursing Brigadier Rupert Jones CBE with sustaining that needed courage During the evening they met Officer on board HS Uganda a moving Address by Reverend year by year.” Sandy Dawson and her husband in 1982, read the lesson and Dr Richard Hines, former Mike who were to receive the later led prayers with Reverend Rector of Christ Church After the Laying of the Tributes Elizabeth Cross at the Chapel the David Cooper a Chapel Trustee Cathedral, Stanley. at the Falkland Memorial the next day. In all it was an evening and SAMA Chaplain. The congregation repaired for a of reunion and conviviality with Act of Remembrance was led Speaking about ‘courage being reception and lunch in the WO’s a surprise entertainment featuring by SAMA Chairman Gordon found in unlikely places’ Revd and Sergeants’ Mess. Prior to the popular Military Wives Choir Mather who remained on the Dr Hines said “long before I went lunch Sara Jones CBE paid tribute followed by 70s Tribute Band dais to maintain a ‘watchful eye’ to live in the Falkland Islands I to all those who have helped or ‘Soul in Motion’ which got when Sandy Dawson, widow of knew for certain that, there of all been involved with the FFA over everyone dancing. During dinner Kevin Williams, HMS Sheffield places, I would find many signs of the years and spoke to the families SAMA Chairman Gordon stepped up to receive her bravery and fortitude, past and about the Association’s closure: Mather invited Jeff Mason to Elizabeth Cross and Scroll from present. And so it was.” speak and he reinforced his the Lord Lieutenant. Thank you “I think I can safely say this is an SAMA COMES invitationTO THE CHAPEL to all SAMA members SAMA for a brilliant day! “Indeed, I learned a great deal emotional occasion for those ofMany us of the veterans attending the SAMA AGM and Reunion weekend at the Hilton in Swindon also attended their own Service of Remembrance and Reflection at the Memorial during my recent seven years as who have been involved with Chapelthe at Pangbourne on Sunday 29th March. SAMA organiser Paul Nolan had generously invited Major General Jeff Mason and his wife Lucy and Angela Perry and her husband Jim to enjoy their Gala Dinner held at the hotel the evening before. During the evening they met Anglican Rector in the Islands FFA for some years, many sinceSandy its Dawson and her husband Mike who were to receive the Elizabeth Cross at the Chapel the next day. In all it was an evening of reunion and conviviality with a surprise about the remarkable courage inception in 1983 on the Cunardentertainment featuring the popular Military Wives Choir followed by 70s Tribute Band ʻSoul in Motionʼ which got everyone dancing. During dinner SAMA Chairman Gordon Mather displayed back in 1982 by people Countess. It is sad that this is invitedour Jeff Mason to speak and he reinforced his invitation to all SAMA members to attend the Chapel whenever they wished to remember their comrades lost in 1982. who experienced the Argentine last Service and Reunion butThe ServiceI at the Chapel the following morning was, as always, a memorable occasion orchestrated by Chaplain Reverend Neil Jeffers who also gave the address. Special guests invasion of the Islands and by am sure we have made the rightinclude d the new Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire Mr James Puxley and his wife Deborah. Nicci Pugh, Senior Nursing Officer on board HS Uganda in 1982 read the lesson and later led all kinds of people involved with decision for all the reasons thatprayers with Reverend David Cooper, a Chapel Trustee and SAMA Chaplain. The Act of Remembrance wasSandy led by DawsonSAMA Chairman and SAMAGordon Mather Chairman who remained Gordon on the Mather dais to with the Lord Lieutenant and Standards maintain a ʻwatchful eyeʼ when Sandy Dawson, widow of Kevin Williams, HMS Sheffield their subsequent liberation. I also we have rehearsed before andstepped up to receiveremembering her Elizabeth husband Cross and ScrollKevin from at thethe Lord foyer Lieutenant. Memorial Thank wall you learned much about the courage SAMA for a brilliant day! because we have our wonderful(FIVE PICTURES BELOW) Sandy receives her Elizabeth Cross that has been displayed since Memorial Chapel at Pangbourne 1982, and that continues to be where we will continue to meet. displayed to this day.” And later Friends are too precious to lose. in his dialogue when recalling The Association has, I believe, significant commemorationsbeen a joy and support to all of us he said “Whenever such who lost someone in 1982.” commemorations were held, many more dear people were A copy of Revd Dr Richard Hines’ invariably called to mind, people full Address is available from The Secretary, Angela Perry, on request. like yourselves, gathered here this Sandy recieving her medal from the Lord FIMCT Chairman Jeff Mason with Sandy and Lieutenant Mike Dawson - at the SAMA Gala Dinner

L-R Sandy’s family: David and Lyn Brown, L - R Robbie Dent, Sara Jones CBE, L-R Maj Gen Sir Iain Mackay-Dick, Lord Lieutenant Mr James Puxley, Sandy Dr Cathy Dent, Stuart Leeming and Lt Gen Sir James Dutton, Lt Gen Sir Hew Dawson, Mike and Sam Dawson, Ginny, Father Nick Gosnell Pike and Lady Dutton Darren and Rachel Goldsmith Sandy and her family at the Cairn… tribute

Anthony Hudson – A Man of Vision a personal tribute by Angela Perry

It was Good Friday, April 1st 1994 Anthony was great to work with! I attended both his funeral and when I first encountered Anthony On the one hand he was like a Memorial Service in the Chapel. Hudson who was to become a major ‘terrier’ in his determination to His lifelong friend Richard Morgan influence in my life. His cousin, Liz make things happen; on the other, delivered the most inspiring address Rodgers and her husband Anton, a surprisingly quiet, self-effacing to the 800+ who gathered there in friends who had helped me to raise man who was kind and sensitive April and he was much more capable substantial funds for research into and made everyone he met feel of putting into words the ‘essence’ PRAYER FOR cot deaths, had suggested he contact that ‘they mattered’. He knew how of Anthony; so I quote from him: me. And so he did explaining that he to get the best out of you, which is “…The more I have wondered THE YEAR had a vision and could I come and see why he was a great schoolmaster. about what made him so special, by Reverend Neil Jeffers him immediately? His manner was But beneath that benign facade he the more I think of a quality that very persuasive and I was intrigued had a dogged determination and may surprise you in a Housemaster although at the time I couldn’t energy to achieve what he thought and Headmaster - his apparent Many of you will have noted imagine how I could help. Then was the right and proper thing to do vulnerability. Not vulnerable in last September that HM The ensued a meeting on Easter Monday and a spirit that led him to make the sense of being wounded but Queen became the longest- and the rest is history, as they say! sure that it happened. He was a in the sense of his humility. That reigning monarch in British truly powerful man. vulnerability made people want to history. The Queen’s Christian His vision – a beautiful Chapel help him and want to play for him faith has often been evident, which would properly remember During the years of fundraising and thus brought out their very best. particularly in her Christmas all those who died fighting to save until the Chapel was built I was He was so transparently decent, his broadcasts. On 21st April the Sovereignty of the Falkland based at Pangbourne most days and goodness shone out of him. And 1947, in her broadcast to the Islands and provide a sanctuary for Anthony and his wife Liz welcomed this has to be based on his belief in Commonwealth, the 21-year- their families and comrades. He me into their home and converted God for whose worship he built this old Princess Elizabeth promised had been working with Admiral Sir their ‘den’ each day into an office Chapel and he lived his life by that “I declare before you all that ‘Sandy’ Woodward and many other for me to work in. They became Christian spirit.” my whole life, whether it be luminaries of the Falklands war to like second parents nurturing me long or short, shall be devoted create such a building but they needed through all the highs and lows of A copy of Richard Morgan’s full to your service and the service some practical help. Anyone could our journey to find enough money Address is available on request from of our great imperial family have been chosen but I happened to to build the Chapel which are so the Secretary. to which we all belong. But I be in the ‘firing line’ due to recent carefully catalogued in his book shall not have strength to carry fundraising achievements for a very ‘Just to See His Name’. How on out this resolution alone unless personal cause. I count myself very earth they found time to run the you join in it with me, as I now fortunate to have been involved College so successfully I’ll never invite you to do: I know that for so long in such a wonderful know, but they did! And in the last your support will be unfailingly project which meets its core few years they both demonstrated given. God help me to make objectives and increases in stature huge courage after his cancer was good my vow, and God bless year on year. diagnosed. Life didn’t stop – they all of you who are willing to marched on together as they always share in it.” had ‘hand in hand’ and still caring for others. At the beginning of this New Year, we could make In my entire life I have never before that promise our prayer for met anyone who was so capable of each of us. networking in the way Anthony did. This became so clear when, even after his sad death in March this year, Neil can be contacted so many of his friends, comrades directly on 0118 9767 449 and associates flocked to support or by e-mail at the Memorial Chapel that he [email protected] loved so much. It was a staggering or by post to the College example of how a ‘quiet man’ could move so many to act and contribute.

ASSOCIATIONS & CONTACTS

Merchant Navy Association (MNA) SAMA’82 National Chairman: Captain JMR Sail MNM MNI President: Commodore Jamie Miller CBE National Secretary: Tim Brant MNM FEI Chairman: Gordon Mather MM Address: 9 Saxon Way, Caistor, Market Rasen LN7 6SG Tel: 01472 851130 Secretary: Mrs Jane Adams, Email: [email protected] Web: www.mna.org.uk SAMA’82, Unit 25 Torfaen Business Centre, Panteg Way, New Inn, Pontypool NP4 0LS. Tel: 01495 741592 The annual Merchant Navy Day Commemorative Service at the Merchant Navy Memorial, Trinity Square Gardens, Tower Hill, London starting with the or Email: [email protected] parade at 12.30 hours, Sunday 4 September 2016. SAMA’82 AGM & Reunion: 8th – 11th April 2016 at the Holiday Inn, Doncaster. annual service 2015 SUNDAY 14TH JUNE 2015 A brilliant day!

Sunday 14th June 2015 – the (Representative of FIG), and Father Nick Gosnell, led Guards was killed in 1982. This anniversary of the Liberation Stuart Leeming read the Lessons the prayers. was Daz’s first visit and his letter of the Falkland Islands – this, and HMS Hermes Association echoes the sentiments of many we decided, was the reason that Chaplain, The Reverend Canon The entire congregation enjoyed a veterans and families who visit the so many of you came from so Roger Devonshire, delivered a delicious lunch in Drake Hall after Chapel year on year. far to worship and remember moving address. Our President the Service – the College catering Captain Daz Wight and his mother Shenia in the Memorial Chapel – a Admiral Lord West accompanied department never cease to amaze wonderful gathering of over 600 by Lady West joined us again us and the weather allowed guests like-minded people. There were and we also welcomed HM to sit on the lawns outside. plenty of newcomers too among the Lord Lieutenant Mr James which a contingent of HMS Puxley and his wife Deborah. During Chairman Jeff Mason’s Fearless ‘Amphibians’ who had We were delighted that the Parish Notices he paid tribute to recently sponsored two seats in Lord Lieutenant was with us to absent friend, Anthony Hudson, memory of their lost comrades present the Elizabeth Cross to without whose inspiration and and a group of HMS Intrepid Mrs Catherine Lintell, daughter vision the Chapel would not veterans- The Intrepid Stokers - of Private Anthony Greenwood, exist and to his wife, Liz, who and Paratroopers who had never 3rd Battalion the Parachute had bravely joined us for the been to the Chapel before. We Regiment. It marked a very special day. Later Sara Jones spoke to welcomed more SAMA members moment for Catherine who was guests about the closure of the It was an absolute privilege to attend and all our loyal regulars – accompanied by members of her Falkland Families Association and yesterday and to be sharing the day families, reunion groups, Standard family and was the 44th person to presented a cheque for £23,400 with so many Falklands Veterans. I Bearers, veterans and Friends and receive her Medal and Scroll in for safekeeping for the families was staggered at the amount of people supporters. It was a beautiful day the Chapel. by the Chapel Trustees. She also that were there but having attended organised impeccably, as always, told them that a similar amount what was an outstanding service; by the Pangbourne College team. The music for the day was kindly would be donated to SAMA to I now understand why they return Prior to the Service wreaths were provided by the Brass Quintet of help fund family pilgrimages to year after year. The Chapel is truly laid in the foyer by HMS Fearless the Band of HM Royal Marines, the Islands and that the Guards magnificent and it is clear that it is and HMS Glamorgan Association Collingwood and Pangbourne’s Chapel and St Paul’s Cathedral lovingly maintained to an exceptional – intimate ceremonies to new Director of Music, Roy Raby, would be a further beneficiaries for standard. I think the most touching remember close comrades. led the Choir and Chamber their support of the FFA over so aspect is that each seat plaque or Families too brought their tributes Choir to produce a beautiful many years. cushion has a story to tell and means and wreaths to the foyer and to array of musical delights. ‘Paddy’ so much to so many different people. the Cairn. We all remembered. The Piper, Keith Burton returned The Trustees would like to thank to these shores from Northern you all for your lovely letters and From a personal perspective, it was The Service began with the sound Ireland to play the Lament for emails in appreciation of our an honour to represent the Army of ‘the eight bells’ rung by Captain us again. Annual Service day. We would Air Corps in remembering our fallen Philip Roberts DSO RFA on the like to share an extract from one comrades but equally it was fantastic RFA Sir Galahad Ship’s Bell. As always the Service was such letter from Captain Daz to accompany my mother who met Falklands Families Association reverently conducted by Reverend Wight AAC whose father Danny so many old friends that she had not members Sukey Cameron MBE Neil Jeffers and FFA Chaplain, Wight, WO2, 2nd Battalion Scots seen for some 33 years.

I would like to thank you and all those that are involved in the annual service and look forward to hopefully attending again in the future.

Daz Wight Admiral Lord and Lady West Major General Jeff Mason and his wife Lucy Eon Matthews - HMS Glamorgan

Admiral Lord West with the standard bearers Bernadette Mills and Cynthia Middlewick Captain and Mrs GC Hunt Captain Bill and Mrs Daphne Canning

Admiral Sir Jeremy and Lady Black Brigadier Alastair Bruce and Thomas Garnier Captain Barry Jones and his wife Norma Grahame Fry annual service 2015

Carl Keeble and Jack Woodthorpe Lorraine Matthews and Nicola MacDonald Catherine and Ian Lintell

Commander Keith Evans ‘Paddy the Piper’ Burton Commander and Mrs Nigel Carpenter Chris and Dawn White The Lintell Family

Cdr John Prime, Capt John Kelly, Capt Stewart Thompson, Graham and Julie Hurley, and Kenny and Judy Dawkins Captain John Kelly - HMS Fearless Amphibians Sg Capt Dougal White - HMS Fearless Amphibians Mr James Puxley and Mrs Catherine Lintell

Sara Jones and Major General Jeff Mason Jean Stroud-Mort and Dawn Scott Paul Sinclair with Gokarna Katuwal and daughter Lintell Family with the Lord Lieutenant

Major General Sir Iain MacKay-Dick and Mrs Liz Hudson Rev David Cooper and Joanna Thomas Sir Ian Forbes and Judy Barrow with HMS Glamorgan wreath HMS Glamorgan association

Paul and Dawn Benson

Nicci Pugh and Ozzie Osbourne The Falkland Families Association bench at the Cairn Ronald Sandry

Sara Jones and Bernadette Mills Nigel Shorthouse and children - HMS Hermes Sukey and Howard Pullen The Dodsworth Family

The Intrepid Stokers Peter and René Hanson with Michael and Rita Hanson The Royal Engineers reunion

Trevis Stimpson Trudie Betts, Paddy Burton and fiancé Valerie Cummings Commander Wyatt The Royal Marines Bugler memories of ‘82 sandy’s story

We left from Brize Norton on which was amazing. The islanders Editors Note: We asked three of our friends who had recently been in 10th June 2015 in time for the are still so truly grateful for their the Falkland Islands to tell us about their travels – the two featured here Liberation celebration 33 years freedom and tell some incredible are from Sandy Dawson, widow of Kevin J Williams, a cook KIA on after the war ended. This was a stories. board HMS Sheffield and veteran Captain Martin Reed, Chief Officer of journey that I never expected or intended to take. The Falkland Islands are beautiful SS Canberra in 1982 give us two very different and moving perspectives; and I am so grateful for the the third is being ‘kept on ice’ for next time because space is limited! After the death of my husband and opportunity to have visited them. Sandy’s was her first pilgrimage and kindly arranged by SAMA. the loss of our daughter I avoided The journey will stay in my mind any mention of the Falklands forever but one moment more so war as it only brought terror into than any. Visiting Memorial Wood my mind. Ten years ago the loss was probably the hardest part. To caught up with me and I suffered see Kevin’s tree and plaque made it for some time from post-traumatic all real as I had never seen anything stress. I was lucky enough to meet so significant before. Kevin’s body a wonderful counsellor who put did not come home so there is no me back together. I am constantly grave to visit. I laid the plaque that aware of just how vulnerable and I had made for him and stood alone fragile I am. My coping mechanism for some time, these few moments is to hide away from any mention were the closest I had ever felt to of war. When I received the phone him and I screamed with the pain call last May informing me of the of it all. Leaving him behind was Elizabeth Cross I was stunned and hard. I felt so terribly sad and guilty at first did not want anything to that I might not ever go there do with it, I suppose I was afraid again, although I know he is in of going back to that deep dark pit good hands. of depression and anxiety. Later, I began to think differently and During our stay we were lucky wanted to receive the medal as a enough to stay on HMS Lancaster way of marking my late husband’s for a few days to visit the site where bravery and to say just how proud the Sheffield sank, now an official I had been to be his wife. During war grave. The weather was against the medal presentation weekend us and although we made it to I met some incredible people who the site we could not stay for long inspired me to go to the Falklands due to a storm coming so I threw and lay my demons to rest. The my wreath into the sea which was weekend was cathartic. I had never cold and so very dark. The storm spoken to any survivors before or also prevented us from going to met anyone from SAMA or the Sea Lion Island to see the Sheffield Falklands Chapel, I now feel part memorial. of a wonderful family. Sandy Dawson with Andrew Lockett of SAMA To be on the Falklands for the I was very anxious about going to Liberation Celebration was the Falklands but I need not have incredible, the service was very worried. My wonderful supportive emotional but one that I was proud husband Mike was by my side to be part of. throughout and everyone we met made us feel so welcome. Ron, a I am so grateful to those who wonderful man who settled on the made it possible for us to go to the islands in the 1970’s took us out Falkland Islands. The journey will and about to all of the memorials stay with me forever. Sandy Dawson at Liberty Lodge

ANNUAL SERVICE 2016: SUNDAY 12TH JUNE financial hardship or inability to (Please note that the Secretary has travel distances unaccompanied. In moved and can now be contacted The 2016 Annual Service of seats and meals you require. As usual these special circumstances it may by letter to the College or email/ Remembrance and Thanksgiving there will be a train collection service be possible for the Trustees to give a telephone which remain the same) will be held on Sunday 12th June from Reading so if you need this measure of assistance to those who at 12.00. As always we look forward service please ‘tick’ the box on the now find themselves unable to attend to welcoming you all again – form. For your guidance you would or have been regularly unable to families, veterans, reunion groups, need to be at Reading Station by attend as long as funds are available CONTACT FIMCT serving personnel and supporters. 11.00. Thank you! for this purpose. In this case a letter or Coffee will be available on arrival telephone call to the Secretary will be Mrs Angela Perry and after the Service lunch will DO YOU NEED HELP? treated with the utmost confidence. Secretary to the Trustees be served as usual in Drake Hall. Falkland Islands Memorial Chapel There will be no tickets this year The Trustees would like to hear from If you would like your details to c/o Pangbourne College, Pangbourne but we would be grateful if you any family members or veterans be added to the annual Chapel Reading, Berkshire RG8 8LA could return the enclosed reply slip who would like to attend but who Trust newsletter mailing database, Tel: 01295 738123 letting us know how many Chapel are or have been unable due to please contact Secretary below. Email: [email protected] memories of ‘82

CAPTAIN MARTIN REED FRIENDS Journeys Down Memory Lane. FOR FIFTY

attacking at just below the sound were all about; this was about YEARS... barrier and lifting a wing to miss to change! the ship. I found myself under the desk in a small ball without We flew down on the Airbridge a single thought. Most disturbing. via Ascension on the 23rd January A large glass was required. 2014, the height of the Austral Summer, and in the ensuing days I later had lunch in Govt. House used every layer of clothing we in Stanley with Rex and Mavis had! I took Dee to San Carlos, Hunt, a great occasion which meeting the shepherds moving normalised me a bit. I did three their flocks along the track from more trips and ended up as SS Goose Green, and on to the Uganda’s last Captain, putting Green itself and Darwin, and the her to bed up the River Fal. Argentine Memorial. Captain Martin and Dee Reed Left to right Mrs Paddy Erskine; John “Joe” Erskine; The first time I went back post RETURN TO THE ISLANDS We returned to Liberty Lodge in Mick O’Keefe; Cathy O’Keefe 1982 was odd. UGANDA was Stanley to dress up for Tony and trooping from Ascension to At a meeting In 2013, my veteran Beverly’s Ceremony, which went the Islands and back, not the friend and colleague Tony extremely well. (Indeed it figured Joe Erskine and Mick O’Keefe most comfortable weatherwise Davies, Lt. Col. Welsh Guards, in ‘An Island Parish!) After the have attended the annual service or indeed in the ship. She was asked me to read the lesson at party we flew to see the penguin at the Falkland Islands Memorial getting very old and we could do the forthcoming renewal of his colonies on Carcass Island for Chapel at Pangbourne College little maintenance as we could wedding vows. Having willingly the weekend, before returning to for many years. They joined not go alongside at either end agreed I learned that the event West Falkland for the remaining the Royal Navy together on 9th of each trip. Senior officers were would be held in the Cathedral sites including Fitzroy. Here we September 1963 aged 15, at HMS then rotated through the ship so at Stanley, Falkland Islands! So laid a wreath at the Sir Galahad St Vincent, the boys training that no-one stayed there too long! planning went ahead with my and Sir Tristram Memorial, and establishment in Gosport. When wife, Dee, turning a quick trip later at that of the Welsh Guards. Joe and Mick left HMS St I flew down courtesy of the to the South Atlantic into a Back to Stanley where we went Vincent, they did not meet up RAF (facing backwards, behind three week journey through the to the Liberation Monument again until many years later at the the cargo, with a package of Islands and on to Patagonia and from ’82 where a large bronze inaugural reunion of the HMS St sandwiches and a mars bar) to eventually Buenos Aires. From plaque covers the various people, Vincent Association. Joe went Ascension, then flown out by previous trips to the Islands in shops and aircraft involved. on the serve for 34 years leaving ancient helo to the ship. Plenty 1984/5 as Executive Officer of the There in the top left hand corner the RN in 1997. He served as a of time to get used to the idea on Troopship UGANDA, and again was the CANBERRA. Dee said CPO in HMS Hydra (Ambulance the way south with a collection in 2002 as the advance party (of afterwards that we appeared to Ship during the conflict in of different troops, then in to the one) for the 20th Anniversary weep our way around the Islands; 1982). Mick left the RN in outer harbour at Port William Pilgrimage of the South Atlantic indeed it was all extraordinarily 1974 but since then, up to the (Stanley). Stanley itself was Medal Association, I knew several moving. The Islands are just present day, is a CPO Sea Cadet not too bad, however when we of the Islanders and had visited as remotely beautiful as I instructor. Mick trained quite a went round to San Carlos I found most of the Memorials and famous remember and the Islanders few cadets that went on to join myself incapable of going ashore. places from the 1982 conflict. remain unbelievably hospitable the RN and subsequently served I could see the new War Grave at However Dee had married me to any Veterans of ’82 and their in the Falklands Conflict in 1982. San Carlos settlement, but could long afterwards and she had families. The major change is in Many of them have thanked him not bring myself to go. I sent all supported me through many the expansion of Stanley and the for the training he gave them as my young officers instead. While annual dinners, SAMA AGM’s, upsurge of tourism, but despite a Sea Cadet which helped them there a Phantom used us without and various commemorations this the Islands and the Islanders during the conflict. Mick parades warning as a practice target, without knowing what the Islands remain remarkably unspoiled. the HMS St Vincent Association Standard every year at the annual service to show the Association’s respect to the many ex HMS St Vincent trained boys who went on to serve in the Falklands conflict, some of whom made the ultimate sacrifice. book review

by Robin Brodhurst Chapel Librarian While this book was published over I told him what was happening 20 years ago, it has only been on and what I was doing about it… our bookshelves relatively recently, He said something like, “Right, and while not an exact match for you know the urgency. You’re the the volume on the Welsh Guards Among Friends; man on the ground and I back reviewed last year, it is right and your judgement but don’t hang proper that a volume on the other The Scots Guards 1956 – 1993 about.” I drew strength from his Guards regiment involved in 1982 confidence in me and I consciously should be looked at. Written by a By Murray Naylor used the same tone of voice on long serving Scots Guards officer, my own radio net to my platoon this is the fifth volume in the Published by Leo Cooper, London, 1995 £19.95 and section commanders.’ Such History of the Scots Guards, and it leadership is priceless, and at the is a fascinating story, told in great The Scots Guards landed when the Argentinian end of Left Flank company’s assault detail and with a loving memory at San Carlos on 2 June, aircraft returned they on Mount Tumbledown Major of those who really matter in the and fully expected to were ready, and in the Kiszley was left with three surviving life of any regiment, namely the be the guard of the San course of some 30 seconds guardsmen on the summit, having warrant officers and senior NCOs Carlos Maintenance over 18,600 rounds were led the final bayonet charge who always set the tone. Area, leaving 3rd fired, and two, possibly personally. In many people’s view Commando Brigade to three, aircraft were it is a shame that VCs were only What concerns us here is the chapter assault Port Stanley. brought down. awarded posthumously during on the Falklands campaign. The However, factors changed the campaign. battalion was at the time on public and the Guards undertook a The assault on Mount Tumbledown duties in London, commanded by Lt. hazardous journey in Intrepid and its on 13 June was the battalion’s The battalion had the problem of Col. Michael Scott, concentrating LCUs to Bluff Cove. This involved major contribution to the defeat staying on in the Falklands after on such events as the state visit eventually a desperate seven hour of Argentinians in front of Port the war was won. For seven weeks of the Sultan of Oman. It was not journey through increasingly Stanley, and the account here, they were able to gather their until 16 April that the battalion choppy seas in which the whole superbly illustrated by good maps, strength, and although frustrated was officially informed that it was battalion was soaked and seasick. is outstanding. It was a three- by the delay in their return, it was to be part of 5th Infantry Brigade, The author quite rightly praises phase deliberate attack, brilliantly psychologically a blessing as it and they left for the Falklands on the “skilled seamanship by the executed by the whole battalion. allowed many guardsmen to come 12 May, giving them only a month Landing Craft Commander, Major What comes across strongly is to terms with what they had been to prepare themselves. One major (later Lieutenant-Colonel) Ewen the role of both battalion and through. The author confronts head impression that the book gives is of Southby-Tailyour, Royal Marines, company commanders. Not once on the poor press that 5th Infantry the desperate hurry to get everything in navigating a difficult shoreline did Michael Scott pass on to his Brigade received in some quarters, together. In particular, the author and those who made the courageous company commanders the pressure and quotes the then CGS’ praise of explains that due to Treasury cuts decision to push ahead when the he was under from above to get on the battalion: “They can fully take 5th Infantry Brigade did not possess easier option might have been to with the assault. As an example of their place alongside those of the a full complement of supporting turn [aside]”. In particular here he how to command it is difficult to previous generations who fought units, unlike 3rd Commando praises the role of the battalion better this account by then Major with so much glory in the past”. Brigade, and these all had to be second in command who made (now Lt. General Sir) John Kiszely, This is a regimental history of the improvised. Not surprisingly it took that decision, Major (later Major- commanding Left Flank company. very best sort, sure to own a place some time to shake down, and no General Sir) Iain Mackay-Dick. ‘When he spoke to me on the radio, on the bookshelves of any member amount of training could replace The battalion was a fraught witness Colonel Mike was calm, steady and of the Regiment, but also on those the actual experience of war. As to the bombing of Sir Galahad, logical, but I could tell that he was of the many who follow the story of always, as history teaches us, war is given no warning of the attack, but under great pressure from above. the Falklands War. the ultimate trainer.

They didn’t win, TAN STRONG Although they thought A FLORAL MASTERCLASS OF DELIGHT Editor’s Note Tom and Irene Kinsella attended our they had that day Service for the first time this year and When evil unleashed its wrath Tan Strong, International life spanning 25 years of flower design. Irene left this memorial poem with From its dark domain! Demonstrator, Teacher and TV The assembled were entranced. The us. Tom served with 18(B) Squadron For now my hour has come. personality was invited by Chairman prelude to the evening was a musical RAF seeing action in Bomb Alley Do not weep for me. Sadie Clare (Chapel Flower Guild) treat organised by Roy Raby, Director and on the ground in 1982. I died, but now Live On to the Chapel in October. She of Music, for his Chamber Choir Forever in your Heart and Memory. showed all how to use flowers to make and some talented young musicians Remembered, not forgotten, imaginative and vibrant designs for to demonstrate their talents to a A Hero In your grief and tears. all occasions demonstrating huge delighted audience. Thank you Sadie I am Immortal now In your mind and loving thoughts. and stunning displays for grand and our wonderful Flower Guild team! If you can mourn for me When I am gone. I Triumphed occasions, gorgeous gift arrangements, I’ll know my life was useful hand held bouquets for weddings And in Heaven am sublime! And I was strong. For through my valour and my pain and pendulous arrangements for Strong in mind, Truth and Honour abound and reign! festive times. There was even a Thought and deed. tribute display to Her Majesty Your time has not yet come. Not for battle You must go on now and fulfil Your Quest. The Queen for being the longest But for Justice and Chivalry! Then you may join me, serving monarch. I did my best to be good and true To happily Rejoice and Rest. In body, mind and soul. Throughout her presentation we were I gave my All in Everything Copyright © 2014 Irene Kinsella regaled with interesting stories of her And I did it All for You! Email: [email protected]