2013

CHAIRMAN’S LETTER

As you can imagine the 30th ensure that the Chapel provides the excellence of the Chapel Flower Sunday June 16th at 12.00hrs and, Anniversary year was hugely busy support and succour to the families Guild ladies who year on year provide as always, look forward to welcoming with commemorative events taking and friends of the fallen as well as to us with beautiful floral arrangements more and more families and veterans place throughout the UK and ‘at as many veterans of the conflict who and tributes. to our congregation. home’ in the Memorial Chapel. In wish to visit. the Autumn Rear Admiral Jeremy You can also read about the Major General Jeff Mason Sanders handed over the mantle On June 17th with the help of an dedication of the SAMA Falklands Chairman of the Trustees of Chairman to me and it is now extended tented nave we were able Memorial which took place at the my privilege, along with the other to accommodate over 850 guests for National Arboretum in Alrewas, Trustees, to steer the Chapel through the Service and buffet afterwards. Staffordshire in May. By all accounts Dates For the next years. We owe a huge debt We were delighted to welcome the it was another most memorable 30th of gratitude to Jeremy who has guided Bishop to the Forces The Right Anniversary event which marked the Your Diary the Chapel since 2006 through two Reverend Stephen Venner as our onset of our recovery of the Falkland significant Anniversaries – the 25th Preacher and it was marvellous to Islands and was attended by several of Memorial and the 30th . His commitment to see so many families, veterans and our Trustees. Chapel the Trust was immense and I shall do veteran reunion groups amongst our Sunday June 16th my very best to live up to his example. expanded congregation. Thanks During the year we have also said Service of Remembrance & to our ongoing work and that of goodbye to Trustee Commodore Thanksgiving at 12.00hrs Our annual Service of Remembrance the Falklands Families Association David Squire who has been with us followed by refreshments and Thanksgiving on Sunday 17th in helping families to apply for over twelve years as representative in Drake Hall June was testament to our main Elizabeth Cross Medals Her Majesty’s of the Merchant Navy and Royal objective that we must ensure that Representative the Lord Lieutenant Fleet Auxiliary and who was recently For booking and details: all who were lost in 1982 should be of Berkshire, Mrs Mary Bayliss, was awarded the prestigious Merchant Angela Perry 01295 738123 or properly remembered forever. The able to present another seven Next of Navy Medal for services to the [email protected] Trustees highest priority is also to Kin with their medals and scrolls. You Nautical Institute and Trinity House can read a full report of these awards Merchant Navy Cadet Scholarship Falkland Families Association inside. As usual the Pangbourne team, Scheme. In his place we welcomed Saturday April 27th under the watchful eye of Headmaster Captain Martin Reed RD* a former Annual Reunion Service and Thomas Garnier, excelled themselves Chairman of SAMA’82 and Chief AGM in the Guards Chapel at coping extremely well with all the Officer of ss which played a Wellington Barracks extra arrangements and facilities. We vital part as a troop and hospital ship Saturday June 15th think that our expanded congregation in 1982. Service at St Paul’s Cathedral represented one of the largest ever gatherings to be ‘fed and watered’ at We shall be having our Service of Details for both occasions from the College. We should also applaud Remembrance and Thanksgiving on FFA Secretary (see Contacts page 2) Sama‘82 - May 2012 SAMA’82 REMEMBERS A FAMILY THE FALLEN PERSPECTIVE

The Road’ sweetly sung by Kathryn Ray Poole, whose son Gareth was lost in the conflict and who is Nutbeem (pictured below) in Treasurer of the Falkland Families Association remembers... memory of her father Major Roger Nutbeem RAMC. I clearly remember the Govern- Memorial. I am sure that in their ment sponsored Pilgrimage to hearts, as well in mine, the Other highlights of the day included the Falklands in April 1983 when memory of that momentous day in a plethora of Standard Bearers approximately 600 relatives of San Carlos was rekindled by the representing many Associations, a the Servicemen who fell during vision of this new monument and Guard of Honour, music from the the conflict travelled South to it’s similarly impressive design. Band of the and a pay their respects and to see the ‘foreign land’ that it had all been The two comparable occasions Sunday May 20th – the day that flypast by the types of aircraft that about. What we encountered and settings so many years apart marked the 30th Anniversary of took place in Operation Corporate during our collective visit will forever be remembered the Falklands Task Force landing in 1982 led in spectacular fashion proved to be both an extremely together with the solemnity of the on the Islands – was the day that by pilot Martin Withers DFC in a moving experience and quite an Service, eventually enlightened SAMA’s marvellous and inspiring Vulcan Bomber. adventure. by the unforgettable flypast of Memorial was Vulcan XH5558 - what a memory! dedicated at the National The memorial was constructed After meeting the Islanders and Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas. with the help of several visiting the various memorials Such occasions provide an ideal More than 1500 veterans, families organisations and individuals around the Islands our visit opportunity to make personal and well-wishers beat a path to the including the Falklands culminated in the unveiling and contact with our members and Staffordshire Memorial gardens to Families Association. dedication of the San Carlos strengthen the bond of the witness this most memorable and Memorial - it’s magnificence Association and its future. important occasion. The rough, Whilst many Falklands veterans being in stark contrast to the curved Cotswold stone memorial and their families have visited the ruggedness and remoteness of The day was certainly a great wall, with a rock from the Falkland San Carlos Memorial the majority the Islands. We forward 30 triumph for all those involved Islands placed in front of it, was have not. By creating a similar years to the National Arboretum and I can speak for all the FFA dedicated by veterans Major atmosphere in the NMA, SAMA at Alrewas where, in similar members in thanking SAMA for General Julian Thompson and hopes that veterans and their weather conditions, many of those an unforgettable day and for this Commodore Mike Clapp following families will feel it is somewhere same family members attended truly important and impressive a moving outdoor Service in the UK where they can the Service and dedication everlasting memorial to our officiated by Reverend David connect with the Falklands and of the SAMA82 Falklands loved ones. Cooper and including an exquisite feel at peace. rendition of ‘Somewhere Along

Ray (centre) with bereaved family members at Pangbourne in June

ASSOCIATIONS & CONTACTS Falkland Families Association (FFA)

Falkland Families Association (FFA) SAMA’82 AGM & Reunion: Chairman: Mrs Sara Jones CBE Saturday 9th March at the Hallmark Hotel, Derby. Secretary: Cindy Strickland, 12 Lyndon Avenue, Hatch End, (Organiser: [email protected]) Pinner, Middlesex HA5 4QG Tel: 01494 725666 Merchant Navy Association (MNA) FFA Service: National Chairman: Captain JMR Sail MNM MNI Saturday 27th April, 11am at the Guards Chapel (ticket only from Sec) National Secretary: Tim Brant MNM FEI Saturday 15th June, 11am at St. Paul’s Cathedral Crypt (ticket only from Sec) Address: 9 Saxon Way, Caistor, Market Rasen LN7 6SG Tel: 01472 851130 Email: [email protected] Web: www.mna.org.uk SAMA’82 25th/27th May President: Lieutenant General Sir James Dutton KCB CBE Year of the Convoy Commemoration Events, Liverpool Chairman: Mike Bowles MBE 3rd September: Secretary: Mrs Jane Adams, Merchant Navy Day SAMA’82, Unit 25 Torfaen Business Centre, Panteg Way, New Inn, Pontypool, Gwent NP4 0LS 8th September: Tel: 01495 741592 or Email: [email protected] Merchant Navy Day Commemorative Service, Tower Hill, London 30TH ANNIVERSARY MEDAL PRESENTATIONS

The Annual Service of Remembrance and Thanksgiving on Sunday June 17th included the presentation of seven Elizabeth Crosses to Next of Kin carried out by Her Majesty The Queen’s Representative, Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire The Hon. Mrs Bayliss JP (pictured below in the first two rows).

The presentations took place after the Last Post when Danny Bull and Myra McKinnon were first to receive their medal for Private Gerald Bull 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment. Then followed Katie Gibby daughter of Guardsman Mark Gibby 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, Mrs Giffin widow of Lance Corporal Brett Giffin Air Squadron Royal Marines, Lucene and Bethany Hughes for Mechanic James Hughes Merchant Navy SS Atlantic Conveyor. Mrs Ann Miller, mother of Leading Engineering Mechanic David Miller HMS Fearless, received her medal with daughter Mandy Sills, sisters Angela Dolan and Carol Prescott received theirs for Staff Sergeant James Prescott CGM 49 EOD Squadron Royal Engineers and finally Alan Wallis and Lesley Dimmock for Weapons Engineering Mechanic 2nd Class Barry James Wallis HMS Sheffield.

The Elizabeth Cross was instituted by Her Majesty The Queen as a mark of recognition for those killed in conflict to be awarded to their next of kin. Many families have now received their medals but the Medal Office still have a number not yet applied for. It is up to NOK to apply for their medals and for those unsure of the process help is available. Please contact the Secretary on 01295 738123.

Katie Gibby, Connor Smith and Leah Davies Mrs Susan Giffin for Lance corporal Brett Giffin Lucene & Bethany Hughes with Lord Lieutenant Bryan Miller, Ron, Donna & Mandy Sills, and Mrs Ann for Gdsmn Mark Gibby WG 3 Cdo Brigade AS RM The Hon Mrs Bayliss for Mechanic James Hughes MN Miller with The Hon Mrs Bayliss for LEM David Miller

Sisters Angela Dolan and Carol Prescott Alan Wallis and Lesley Dimmock Myra McKinnon and family re Pte Gerald Bull 3 Para for Staff Sgt James Prescott CGM for WEM 2 Barry Wallis PRAYER FOR THE YEAR by Reverend Neil Jeffers

As I look back on my first year as Chaplain, it has been a great privilege to be involved in the life of the Falklands community alongside my more regular ministry to Pangbourne College.

Starting off in the 30th anniversary year has been a baptism of fire – the Lucene, Bethany and Rhys Hughes The Miller Family Falkland 30 dinner, complete with the launch of a new beer; the 30th anniversary service of remembrance in June; a reunion service for the HMS Ardent association. It has been an honour to meet many of those for whom the Chapel is a special place, and reading David Hart-Dyke’s excellent Four Weeks in May has helped to give me greater insight into what many experienced in 1982.

As we move on from a year which has rightly focused on looking back, the gospel we are reminded of at Christmas is a source of ongoing hope for us all. As the Chapel looks to the future and how we can continue to serve veterans and families in the years ahead, so we all look to what Connor Smith Mrs Susan Giffin with Mandy and Ray Barnes lies ahead of us, often with trepidation and some fear. And into that God speaks hope, a hope we can echo in a prayer for the coming year, based on Psalm 91:

Grant us, O Lord, to dwell in the shelter of the Most High, To rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Grant us to say of you, “You are my refuge and fortress, My God, in whom I trust.”

Neil can be contacted directly on 0118 9767 449 or by e-mail at [email protected], or by post through the College. Alan Wallis and Lesley Dimmock Danny Bull, Myra and Lucy Mckinnon annual service 2012 30TH ANNIVERSARY SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE & THANKSGIVING

The Falkland Islands Memorial Music was provided by the excellent the autumn. “I think I am right in enthusiasm and good grace – and Chapel at Pangbourne was host to choir of Pangbourne College saying that this is one of the largest the background organisation of an unprecedented gathering of 850 accompanied by the Brass Quintet and most illustrious gatherings Steve Williams and the catering for the 30th Anniversary Service of of the Royal Marines and an that has ever taken place here department with bursar Ron Obbard Remembrance and Thanksgiving appropriate address was delivered and I commend the College team keeping a watchful eye on the purse on Sunday June 17th. During the by the Bishop to the Forces and for agreeing to allow us to have strings. The choir – led by Director months preceding the Service it Falkland Islands, The Right unrestricted attendance today”. of Music, Jonathan Brown and became obvious to the Trustees Reverend Stephen Venner. The organist Julian McNamara – have, that requests to attend from families presentation of Elizabeth Crosses “We are particularly honoured as always thrilled us all with their and veterans would far exceed the to seven ‘Next Of Kin’ families by that in addition to so many family impeccable performance. Together seating capacity of the Memorial the Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire, members from all over the UK with the organisational team they Chapel. In such a significant year The Hon. Mrs Bayliss JP followed we are joined today by the Lord all set such a marvellous example they were reluctant to turn anyone the Last Post, Lament, Silence and Lieutenant of Berkshire, Mrs which demonstrates the love and away so the solution lay in the Reveille. The Lament, as always, Bayliss who represents Her Majesty care that they have for our Chapel provision of 250 extra seats in a was beautifully and hauntingly The Queen, and the First Sea building and those who wish to ‘tented nave’ extension attached executed by Piper Keith ‘Paddy’ Lord, Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope visit it on a regular or annual basis. to the front of the building. Burton who played from the foyer and Lady Stanhope.” He then There are so many others to thank Large screens and a sound system and slowly ‘faded away’ through the paid tribute to the enthusiastic – the floral arrangements team of enabled those within the extension tented nave. participation of all those who had ladies organised by Sadie Clare, to participate as the Service contributed to the day including the minibus drivers, the ushers, played out. Following the Service the entire Chaplain Reverend Neil Jeffers the parkers, the train collectors congregation attended a delicious who had embraced his new role and everyone involved in making The Memorial Chapel, which has a buffet luncheon in Drake Hall unequivocally. “To accommodate this day run seamlessly. They never normal capacity of 600, was packed extended by another marquee and 850 of us here today has taken a cease to surprise!” He concluded. with bereaved family members, were able to spill out onto the lawn marathon undertaking from the veterans and supporters who enjoyed to enjoy a rare opportunity for College Team – led by Headmaster By all accounts it was a truly a most moving Service which began lunch in the sunshine! Thomas Garnier and Second marvellous day and the weather with the striking of ‘Eight Bells’ on Master Gerry Pike – with more – which had been dire during the the Sir Galahad Ship’s Bell by its During lunch Rear Admiral Jeremy than double the normal quota weeks before – was kind to us all! 1982 Commanding Officer Captain Sanders made his valedictory speech of voluntary student help who Philip Roberts DSO RFA. prior to retiring as Chairman in willingly carry out their tasks with

The Wigleys and Visuvalinghams The Hailwood Family Sgt Bill Belcher invalided aboard HS Uganda in 1982 Colonel Ivar Hellberg with wife Susie for Malcolm Wigley WG

Howard Pullen, Sukey Cameron The family of Donald Pryce Major General and Mrs Geoff Field and Falkland Islander Dick Sawle

Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope, The Hon Mrs Bayliss Headmaster Thomas Garnier with Bishop Venner Paddy Burton pipes the Lament The family of Adrian Wellstead and Jeremy Sanders and Rev. Neil Jeffers annual service 2012

Rev. Angus Smith with Lieutenant General Sir Jim Rev. and Mrs James Power and Lady Dutton

ANNUAL SERVICE 2013: SUNDAY 16TH JUNE The Nutbeem family Our theme for this year’s Service on Sunday 16th June will celebrate 30 years of the Falkland Families Association which was formed in 1983. As a result of its formation between 1981 and 1988 there were 90 pilgrimages of bereaved families to the Falklands and many long Jackie Dowling and family Stanley & Evelyn Jones with daughter Tracey Pritchard Dan & Linda Bull remembering Private Gerald Bull remembering Marine Paul Callan & grandaughter Eloise remembering Christopher Jones lasting relationships have been forged. As always the Chapel Service begins at 12.00 hrs and will be followed by a buffet and refreshments in Drake Hall. Although there will be no tickets this year please let us know if you wish to attend for catering and seating purposes. We look forward to welcoming both families and Lt.Colonel & Mrs Ros Greenwood Kim & Chris Hibberd WG The Dawson family veterans to the Service. and Jane Mellor remembering Captain John Hamilton The Trustees would like to hear from any family members or veterans who would like to attend but who are or have been unable due to financial hardship or inability to travel distances unaccompanied. In these special circumstances it may be possible Lesley & Peter Wilkin RM who travelled The Lintell family remembering Captain Michael Barrow for the Trustees to give a measure from to be with us Anthony Greenwood 3Para CO of HMS Glamorgan in 1982 of assistance to those who now find themselves unable to attend or have been regularly unable to attend as long as funds are available for this purpose. In this case a letter of application should be sent via the Secretary and will be treated with the utmost confidence.

The Caseys with David Hunn remembering Kevin Casey Gladys Easton and Shirley Chapman and family Paul & Lucy Sayce CONTACT FIMCT Mrs Angela Perry Secretary to the Trustees Falkland Islands Memorial Chapel Trust Wroxton Mill, Wroxton Banbury Oxon OX15 6EZ Tel: 01295 738123 Email: [email protected] Tim Gedge CO 809 Sea Harriers Carol & Stephen Jary Mr and Mrs Arnold remembering Alastair Leighton HMS Ardent - Elizabeth cross A SPECIAL AUTUMN SERVICE

On Sunday 30th September the Trustees and SAMA82, and beautiful ‘Someone Waits For Me’ (pictured below) and were Mrs Falkland Families Association proved to be a wonderful occasion that she had sung earlier in the Lesley Hastings for Petty Officer and the HMS Ardent Association and a worthy culmination of 30th year at the SAMA Memorial Day. WEM (Radio) Andrew K Palmer, joined forces for a Service in the Anniversary events at Pangbourne. The Prayers led by FFA Chaplain Mrs Sally Storey for Lieutenant Chapel for the Presentation of the The Reverend Father Nick Commander Richard W Banfield, Elizabeth Cross to Next of Kin of Following an appropriate Address Gosnell CF(RC) were followed Mr Martin Williams for MEM those HMS Ardent crew members by the Reverend Jeffers the by the hymn ‘Guide Me O Thou (Mechanical) Gilbert S Williams, killed in action on 21st May five Next of Kin received their Great Redeemer’, The FFA Mrs Beverley Zurel for Able 1982. The Service was initiated Elizabeth Cross Medals from Prayer, The National Anthem and Seaman (Sonar) Sean K Hayward by FFA Treasurer Ray Poole HMS Ardent President and The Blessing. and Mrs Dorothy Kirk (Scroll who had worked closely with the Commanding Officer in 1982 only) for Acting Leading Cook Medal Office in search of likely Admiral Lord West of Spithead The Next of Kin whose names Michael P Foote. recipients. The event organised during a moving Service in which were announced by Chapel by Chaplain Reverend Neil Jeffers Miss Kathryn Nutbeem – daughter Trustee Commander Andrew The Service was followed by a buffet was supported by FFA Chairman of Major Roger Nutbeem RAMC Gordon Lennox received their lunch in the Mess Hall attended by Sara Jones, the Falklands Chapel KIA in 1982 – sang the hauntingly Medals & Scrolls from Lord West the entire congregation. Anchorites give £5K to the Chapel

The Falklands Chapel has recieved pilotage and manning. This group £5,000 from the Maritime Society were obviously experts in their of Anchorites because it was chosen fields, but the wartime experience to be the President’s Charity in broadened into all aspects of 2012. Member Anchorites meet maritime affairs, and they also for a themed dinner eight times a became firm friends. Mrs Dorothy Kirk receiving Scroll Mrs Lesley Hastings for Petty Officer for Acting Leading Cook Michael P Foote WEM(Radio) Andrew K Palmer year onboard HQS Wellington, the Livery Hall of the Master Mariners. Post WW1 this group founded The dinners follow a relaxed the Society as a dining club format with a little traditional which since has thrived, offering ceremonial, and include a simple a forum for the discussion of sea game which allows a contribution affairs generally, from insurance to to be made to the President’s brokerage, yachts to liners, tramps Charity over the year. to major warships, so promoting a closer liaison between all branches The February dinner was attended of the maritime scene. In 1939, by former Chapel Chairman & the Club was a natural focus in Falklands veteran, Jeremy Sanders re-establishing Naval control of (pictured), who spoke about the Shipping, and social meetings 30th Anniversary of the Falklands were opened to innumerable Mrs Lesley Hastings Mrs Sally Storey War and thanked President Andrew foreign officers. Gordon Lennox (pictured) and members for generously choosing The present membership is about the Chapel as beneficiary. 325 and continues to be drawn from all professions and areas The Anchorites Society dates of maritime life, the essential back to World War 1 when the qualification for membership still Admiralty formed a group to order being that the member must have all aspects of Merchant shipping: genuine interest in, or association their building, insurance, cargoes, with, the sea and maritime affairs. routes, convoys, escorts, ports,

Mr Martyn Williams Mrs Beverley Zurel and family

Jeremy Sanders with Anchorites President Andrew Gordon Elizabeth Cross recipients with Admiral The Lord West Lennox addressing the Anchorites in May news FLORAL ART The Wives’ Fellowship INSPIRES A CROWD Day At The Chapel

The Chapel nave was filled lizianthus with sprays of white The Chapel was host to a large with aspiring flower arrangers dendrodeum. Pure simplicity! gathering of members of The Wives in October when NAFAS Then an explosion of flowers in Fellowship for their Founders’ Day demonstrator Bob Harris presented autumn colours from tall baskets on 7th June 2012. On what proved a plethora of floral arrangements with stiper gigantis grass and to be typical English weather , on the theme of ‘Majesty’ – and gladioli for height and pink and rain and wind, Eileen McCauley, majestic they were! The evening’s orange and apricot lilies, gerbera, Founders’ Day secretary welcomed performance, organised by Flower and Chinese lanterns on a base of 250 Wives to the first restyled Guild Chairman, Sadie Clare, mahonia and cotinia. Founders’ Day, wishing all a day proved to be an inspiration to all of stimulation, spiritual fulfilment present and many happy attendees The fourth display was very Angela, Cathy Dent and enjoyment, the theme being left with prize floral arrangements ‘Van Gogh’ on a theme of and WF Chairman Rosemary Williams ‘Our Tomorrow’ won in the raffle. yellow and green – a horizontal arrangement on top of a black urn The first speaker was Chapel Bob, a keen gardener and lay with black twigs and variegated Secretary Angela Perry who preacher, delivered his masterclass eleagnus interspersed with yellow recounted the fascinating story in a humorous and spiritual fashion sunflowers, gerbera and roses. of the challenges encountered taking through the Number five had a wreath base in bringing the Chapel into creation of six floral confections with pale pink twigs reaching being including the difficult yet whilst chatting about his life and skywards in a circle, pink gerbera rewarding journey to raise the family. Each arrangement became with lizianthus and Sweet Avalon £2.3 million required to build an art form lovingly and cleverly roses arising through the twigs the beautiful building. She told created with great panache. First from a pale ivy and beech base; Happy wives, fellowship delegates of the many obstacles that were came the silver salver – an offertory thereafter placed on a ‘champagne overcome all of which are well plate – upon which he laid a base glass’ beaded stand it became documented in Anthony Hudson’s of green twigs, mahonia, laurel a confection of pink – Bob’s book ‘Just to See His Name’. and ivy leaves fixed in floral foam favourite colour! Following Angela’s address the and then wove in orange, pink Chaplain Reverend Neil Jeffers and red anthuria interspersed with The final arrangement was led the morning service which pale cream gladioli. The result was a ‘pedestal of peace’ with a brought together the overall magnificent. base of trailing ivy, beech, theme of ‘Our Tomorrow’. In his fatsia interspersed with white address Reverend Neil talked of Next a tiered stand of greens and delphiniums, lilies and roses – truly The Wives Fellowship vision of a whites with trailing ivy, green magnificent! goal and how tomorrow can affect Sara Jones CBE crysanthemums, carnations and today dealing with the challenges that arise including those in following Christ. He used the analogy of the Chapel building as a prime example.

Following the service the Wives moved to the Mess Hall to enjoy a delicious lunch, an opportunity to catch up with old friends and meet new acquaintances; the hall Van Gogh was alive with chatter! After lunch, back in the Chapel, the second speaker was Chapel Trustee Sara Jones CBE DL. Sara spoke of three organisations in which she became involved as a result of her husband Lt. Col. Herbert ‘H’ Jones VC OBE’s death in 1982 saying that she had met many fascinating people and how past events can form our future; these being the Offertory Plate Falklands Families Association , the Poppy Factory as President and the National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas. Following Sara Jones address there was a short period of reflection and prayer encompassing life, time and peace. Wives Fellowship organist Robin Coles closed the session with a moving piece of music and by all accounts it had been a most fulfilling and Peace Bob Harris and Sadie Clare A winning smile! uplifting day. book review

by Robin Brodhurst Chapel Librarian One aphorism kept coming back to command, even at this low level is me as I read this excellent book. It emphasised, as he agonises over the comes from the golfer Gary Player planning of his company’s assault who was accused of being just on Two Sisters, hoping that he has lucky. He replied “It’s amazing; the got it right and not left anything more I practice the luckier I get.” THE YOMPERS out. He hadn’t, and it went, if not The message that comes through By Ian Gardiner perfectly, then as near to perfect loud and clear from Ian Gardiner’s as any plan can do in wartime. book is that those who took part Published by Pen & Sword - £19.99 As he reminds us more than once in the Falklands War were utterly “No plan survives first contact with professional in their work. They the enemy.” prepared for war and when they is felt by the reader as The book is filled with were ordered to go to war they they forced their way fascinating details. Gardiner is critical of Northwood did so in a way that attempted across the island to How many outside the trying to micro-manage the to eliminate as many mistakes capture Two Sisters in campaign, know that campaign from so far away, without as possible. a major battle. But 45 only one officer had knowing the situation on the Commando was part of the foresight to take ground, comparing their style Major Ian Gardiner commanded a larger family and it is money with him? That unfavourably to 3 Commando X-Ray Company in 45 Commando interesting to see how 3 he was 45 Commando’s Brigade’s “mission command”. Every Royal Marines during the Falklands Commando Brigade all paymaster helped, and NCO (and probably every marine) campaign. His book is the first knew each other, and that he took £250,000 knew exactly what they were trying volume to be written by a company how their support units integrated. in cash with him helped even more to do and could step up a level of commander and as such it gives a Similarly at every turn the author and meant that he became the task command if needed. Thus orders most interesting viewpoint. It’s not runs into others with whom he had force’s paymaster. The reader will were rarely necessary in the heat quite from the worm’s eye, but from served. For example the NGS for also discover why 45 Commando of battle. He is equally critical of 5 a couple of levels higher. Like any the attack on Two Sisters came from never ran out of cigarettes, even Brigade and the Army command good officer he cares deeply for his HMS Glamorgan, commanded though the author, a purely social system, believing that they were men, and we gradually get to know by Captain Mike Barrow, with smoker before 1982, had become rarely in a proper state to fight. He them, particularly his three platoon whom Gardiner had served on a twenty-a-day man by the end of is not critical of the individual men commanders. 45 Commando HMS Diomede. The armed forces the campaign. Such details make or officers, praising the Scots Guards probably marched (or yomped) are indeed a small world, and this this an essential book for those who for their attack on Tumbledown, further than any other unit during means that very quickly you learn weren’t there and want to know but he is critical of the Brigade HQ, the war, and every blister and ache whom you can trust. what it was like. The loneliness of their equipment, and their training.

president of the Falkland Islands Trust Obituary: Sir Rex Hunt for many years he remained a sturdy advocate of the islanders’ cause on the Thank Sir Rex Hunt, who died last year numerous activities – horseracing after-dinner lecture circuit. on Remembrance Sunday aged 86, festivals, rugby football, sheepdog enjoyed a varied life with the Her trials, and the like to gather in At the conclusion of the 100 day You! Majesty’s Overseas Civil Service the small farm communities of the war and the regaining of British (HMOCS), a career that peaked in Falklands beyond the capital. At the Sovereignty in June 1982 the finale The Chapel Trustees would “that summer” of 1982. There are end of the war he even found time was particularly sweet. Sir Rex like to thank everyone those who say that if it had not been to re-open the rugby pitch, though diplomatically ensured that the who has contributed to for him the Foreign Office would not nobody liked scoring in the corner two military leaders- victor and the Chapel Fund this year have fought the war… where mines lay as yet undetected. vanquished- never met. While escorting General Menendez to the – our Friends are hugely Born in Redcar and proud to be Sir Rex championed the Falklands airport, he left Admiral Sir John valued and now contribute a Geordie, Sir Rex had a love of cause at every opportunity and in ‘Sandy’ Woodward alone in his over £10,000 on a regular horseracing and rugby (he proved a retirement, he chaired the Falkland study in Full Battle Dress allowing basis; we have had more fine and authoritative referee) and Islands Association until 2005. As the Admiral to contemplate a piece was educated at Coatham School of dark chocolate resting on the than six ‘In Memory’ Seat and St. Peter’s College, Oxford. His table……. and to wonder at the Sponsors in past months career with HMOCS began in 1951 tooth marks so clearly visible. Were bringing the all time total – the same year that he married his they perhaps the final farewell of his to over £150,000; last wife Mavis - and took him to several departing opponent? postings throughout the East before year’s forecourt project is his appointment to the Falkland Sir Rex was unable to attend the all but paid for; financial Islands as Governor and Commander- 25th Annual Memorial Service at support from organisations in-Chief in the late 70’s. the Falkland Islands Chapel in 2007 such as the RBL and because he was enjoying what proved He had been commissioned as a pilot to be his final visit to the Falkland Seafarers UK is key to in 1944, and the Falklands posting Islands but he had visited the Chapel our ongoing ministry and offered both promotion and a chance at Pangbourne in an official capacity the generosity of Chapel for him to resume his beloved hobby in the past. of flying (the job came with its own visitors and correspondents Cessna aircraft). He loved it from He is survived by his widow Mavis is overwhelming. Thank the start. He drove around Stanley and his children, Antony and Diana. you all! in his official car, a red London taxi, and quickly became involved in the Anthony Hudson MA MBE