2019

Lord West reads a lesson on 17th June 2018

the Chapel Memorial Room. Our the Chapel which means so much CHAIRMAN’S LETTER thanks to everyone who has helped. to so many.

Life at the Falklands Chapel has The Chaplain, Rev. Neil Jeffers, At the Falklands Chapel, we The Trustees and I are hugely been almost as busy this year as will willingly accommodate are indebted to so many of you grateful to a Friend who died in last year. This goes to show that veterans and families who may wish for helping us, whatever your May and bequeathed the Chapel a remembrance is not just about to request services, or prayers, or a contribution. Our Friends, who wonderful legacy in memory of his anniversaries; it is a perpetual group visit tailored to their needs. provide regular income, are key brother who was killed in action on facet of our lives which must be One such occasion, in September, to our being able to maintain board RFA Sir Galahad in 1982. continued for present and future was a Memorial Service for Captain the Chapel. In addition our good (Page 2) generations. Steven Hughes RAMC/2 Para in relations with organisations and 1982. (Page 2/3). Rev. Jeffers also charities such as the ABF Soldiers And finally, I am pleased to be able At the June 2018 Annual Service, conducted a Memorial Service for Charity, the RNBT, Seafarers to inform you that the 2019 Service we welcomed a number of our Commander Keith Evans Royal UK and the of Remembrance and Thanksgiving regular attendees and many Navy, an Old Pangbournian, who Government have meant that, will be held on Sunday 16th June newcomers. These included high- was a familiar figure, albeit latterly when larger sums are needed, at 12.00 and we look forward to ranking representatives from the wheelchair bound, at every Annual they have always been there seeing many of you again. Royal Navy, the Army and the Service. During the year we were to support us. The costs of our Royal Air Force along with our also sad to record the deaths of Air Annual Service and newsletter, With very best wishes to you all for President, Lord West of Spithead, Chief Marshal Sir Peter Squire, a which are probably the most vital the coming year. the Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire, former Chapel Trustee representing facets of our work, are considerable Mr James Puxley, and Sukey the RAF, and Surgeon Captain Rick but are every bit as important. General Jeff Mason Cameron of the Falkland Islands Jolly who had been instrumental in We thank you all for being there for Chairman of the Trustees Government. We were also pleased donating the SAMA’82 Garden to welcome representatives from of Remembrance computer in the Almighty God, from whom all some of the charities who have PRAYER FOR Memorial Room of the Chapel for helped us, as well as many families thoughts of truth and peace proceed: its official opening in 2000. THE YEAR and veterans. We are always by Reverend Neil Jeffers kindle, we pray, in the hearts of all, pleased to accommodate increasing Following the success of the Wish the true love of peace and guide with numbers of reunion groups, and for a Window appeal, so generously your pure and peaceable wisdom those new to the event this year, were supported by so many of you, I am who take counsel for the nations of the a group of 2&3 Para veterans and pleased to report that the work earth that in tranquillity your kingdom the engineering artificers’ Fisgard to replace the 144 window panes Association, the latter having been above the Chapel’s main entrance may go forward, till the earth is filled busy raising significant funds for was completed over the summer. with the knowledge of your love; the Chapel Trust. There was also a Contributors to this appeal are through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. record number of Standard Bearers! acknowledged in the appeal (Francis Paget, 1851-1911) (Report pages 4/5) register on permanent display in 2018 chapel events BZ The Fisgard Alan’s War Diary

Association! On 16th August 2018 a group Commenting on the visit, Major of veterans, accompanied by General Mason said: “It was a their wives, visited the Chapel privilege to meet HMS Alacrity’s to present FIMCT Chairman, flight team and their families Major General Jeff Mason, with at the Chapel and a pleasure a copy of ‘HMS Alacrity in the to receive Alan’s diary of the 1982’ for the Campaign; it is a very special Chapel Library. The gentlemen gift for the library and well worth were all members of the Ship’s a read.” Flight team in 1982. Many years ago when the Chapel The author of this diary of was first built, the Ship’s Bell experiences was Alan Slater, from HMS Alacrity was given to Senior Maintenance Rating, who the then Trustees who decided was joined by other members that it would make an ideal font. including Flight Commander, It has since ‘christened’ many From February to June 2018 of Fisgardians, including Eric Bob Burrows, Pilot Rob babies and was brought out of members of the FISGARD and his wife plus Chairman Pat Sleeman and Electrical Engineer its home in the vestry for the ASSOCIATION (Engineering Bradley and his wife and Reg Chris Read. Flight Team’s visit. Artificers) collectively raised Maitland and his wife, joined the the remarkable sum of £3,400, throng at the Annual Service with gift aid added, for the where Eric made a special Chapel Trust! cheque presentation to Chapel President, Lord West. It all started when Eric Haskell, Deputy Weapons Engineering Chapel Chairman Major Officer on board HMS Alacrity General Jeff Mason subsequently in 1982, visited the Chapel with thanked Association Members his wife in November 2017. by writing to the Chairman, Pat Such was their admiration of Bradley, in a letter published the memorial building that he in the autumn edition of the suggested sponsoring a Seat or a Fisgardian magazine: window pane, in memory of the 14 engineering artificers who lost “It was a great pleasure for all their lives in 1982, to his fellow of us at the Falklands Chapel to Fisgardians. Magnanimously they meet your group of members at agreed and an appeal for funds our Annual Service and I know L to R: Major General Jeff Mason, Alan Slater (front) / Ruth Sleeman, Pat Read, June Slater (middle) Rob Sleeman - Lynx Pilot, Bob Burrows - Flight Commander, Chris Read - Chief Electrician was launched in the February that Lord West was delighted to edition of the FISGARDIAN receive your very large cheque! magazine. As the weeks rolled You have now succeeded in on the Fisgard Association’ sponsoring not one but two Secretary, Reg Maitland, was Seats in the Chapel and have kept very busy collecting, logging contributed greatly to our Wish and mailing numerous donations for a Window appeal. Thank you from generous members to the for your collective generosity Chapel Secretary, Angela Perry. and a significant contribution to By June the donations had our funds.” totalled £2,723 and a cohort

A Welcome Legacy... The memorial bench pictured here acknowledges a most generous legacy to the Chapel from Chapel ‘Friend’ – Graeme S Henry – whose brother was killed in 1982:

In Memory of Paul A Henry GM RFA, Sir Galahad KIA in 1982 From His Brother Graeme S Henry deceased 5th May 2018 : “…my hero who showed me the true meaning of what being human is about – putting others first, always..” Enjoying the moment! Lord West and Eric Haskell 2018 chapel events Remembering a very special Doctor

When you read about the Chapel, Major General Julian montage of photographs of ‘Doc’ inspiring and extraordinary Thompson CB OBE, and Lt Gen Hughes, as he was known. medical capabilities of Captain Sir Hew Pike KCB DSO MBE. Amy “Doc Hughes saved my life Steven Hughes RAMC 2 Para was joined by her mother Carol, twice,” Dave ‘Charlie’ Brown during some of the bloodiest brothers Jamie and David, her tells us. “The first was after the battles in the Falklands War aunt Lesley Ann and paternal war in the 80’s; I was in a very and beyond, it does not surprise grandparents Ken and Sylvia. bad way with PTSD living in you that so many of his former After a rousing first hymn … London with my parents. I had colleagues and veteran patients And did those feet in ancient a job with 10 Para at White gathered to remember him on A moving tribute: Amy Hughes time… Amy and her god-father, City who put me in touch Friday 14th September at the Lance Corporal Bill Bentley, with ‘Doc’ who was working at Falklands Chapel in Pangbourne. former colleague and close friend Hammersmith Hospital and, He was clearly a remarkable of Steve Hughes, made their even though he admitted to man whose sense of foresight own personal tributes to him. suffering PTSD himself, he saved and preparation for what was to Amy highlighted her father’s my life by putting me in touch come was key to the survival of formidable power of compassion with psychiatrist Dr Morgan many an embattled soldier during and told how he had taught her O’Connell, and I joined his the events of 1982. Attached to the importance of kindness to re-hab programme at HMS 2 Para, under the command of others; Bill for his part said that Haslar in Portsmouth. Doc Lt. Col ‘H’ Jones, and equipped Steve was the one person who Hughes always said ‘if in doubt, with a medical unit of medically The Paras gather for the Service did not recognise the extent of sort it out’. I still have PTSD but trained Paratroopers, Steve his own medical prowess and now, because of him, I know how sailed to the South Atlantic on constantly questioned whether he to manage it. The second life- board MV Norland. During the could have ‘done more’; training saver was in July last year; I had long voyage South, realising of others was one of his absolute chest pains which I would have the possible limitations of a six strengths but after the war he was ignored if I hadn’t remembered man medical team, Steve took tortured by the demons of PTSD. Doc Hughes adage: ‘if in doubt, it upon himself to instruct at Following the lesson –‘Honour sort it out’. It turned out I had least 500 soldiers in battlefield the doctor’- from Ecclesiastes a blood clot which would have resuscitation and the treatment of 38, read by Amy’s brother killed me….” gunshot and blast injuries, so that Jamie Hughes, the sermon was Paul Blissett, John Peka and Ron Webster the wounded on the front line delivered by the Reverend would have a greater chance of David Cooper, Chaplain to ‘making it’ to the field hospitals. 2nd Battalion the Parachute As a result, the implementation Regiment in 1982, close friend of his legendary management and Chapel Trustee. He told how system for battlefield trauma, Steve was a man solely dedicated saved numerous lives that would to saving lives, both British and have otherwise been lost. Argentinian, and ministering to the sick; his patients came The Memorial Service in above all else including himself. Pangbourne was organised by Rev David Cooper, Lt Col Chris Keeble DSO Lance Corporal Bill Bentley MM After the Falklands Hymn the Captain Hughes’ daughter, Amy, prayers were led by Lt Col Chris with the help of the Chaplain, Keeble with poignant reference Reverend Neil Jeffers and Lt to Steve’s family. As would have Col Chris Keeble DSO, who had been Steve’s wish, a collection assumed command of 2 Para after for Combat Stress was taken. the death of Lt Col ‘H’ Jones on Darwin Hill in 1982. Among the At the reception in Drake Hall hundreds who joined the Hughes after the Service, 2 Para veteran family and former brothers-in- Dave Brown made several arms were ‘H’s widow, presentations including a gift to Sara Jones CBE, a Trustee of the Amy and her family of a framed The Hughes family L to R: Carol, Amy, David and James Captain Martin Reed recalls In 2002 the Islands for a medic to bring the patient was none other SAMA82 orthopaedic equipment to help than Matthew McMullen, son organised a an Islander who had badly of Tony and June who were Pilgrimage broken legs after a fall. In typical at Goose Green in 1982, and for 200 character, Steve took on the task whom, as a new born, he had veterans. Steve Hughes was and brought the gear to the plane helped deliver 20 years earlier among them. As the group we had chartered. On arrival at just after 2 Para had won their were leaving to go South, Hospital he found that game-changing battle. an urgent request came from annual service 2018

Another Day to Remember! The Right Reverend Tim Thornton, Bishop at Lambeth and Bishop to the Forces Sunday 17th June 2018; Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire, was undaunted and impressive. another splendid day at the Mr James Puxley, with his wife After a most beautiful anthem Falklands Chapel! So many Deborah, Air Vice Marshal from the Pangbourne Choir, friends and comrades gathered Graham Russell CB MA BSc, the second Lesson was read together again for the Annual and his wife Pat, representing by Chapel President, Lord Service to remember the Fallen the Chief of the Air Staff, Field West of Spithead. The Act of 1982, and later, to enjoy each Army Sergeant Major Gavin of Remembrance was led by other’s company over lunch. Paton, with his wife Jessica, Commander Andrew Gordon- The common bond between Sukey Cameron MBE with Lennox RN, Vice Chairman the families and those who husband Howard representing of the Chapel Trustees and served beside their loved ones the Falkland Islands following the Last Post, Lament was as strong as ever and does Government, and many others and Reveille, The Bishop to the not diminish as the years go by. representing SAMA82, The Forces, The Right Reverend Falklands Veterans Association, Tim Thornton, a recent Prior to the Service two the RNBT, the Falkland Islands visitor to the Falkland Islands, memorial wreaths were Association, the Merchant delivered a most poignant solemnly laid. Captain Chris Navy Association, the Royal address. The Service came to Clarke, emissary of the British Legion, The Royal Naval a close for another year after Commodore of the RFA, laid Association and BLESMA. the Prayers, led by Father Nick their wreath accompanied by As always our loyal reunion Gosnell CF (RC), Dean of the Captain Martin Reed RD* groups came in their numbers Cathedral Church of the Bishop organising yet another excellent and his wife Dee, Captain and we welcomed 2 Para of the Forces in Aldershot, who Service and a delicious meal. Philip Roberts RFA Sir members in reunion and ‘new was formerly Chaplain, 1st He went on to present bouquets Galahad, and Ray and Barbara faces’, members of The Fisgard Battalion Grenadier Guards. to two retiring College ladies: Poole, whose son Gareth, Ist Association (Engineering Artif- Susie Belcher, the Headmaster’s Battalion Welsh Guards, died icers) as well as the families The lunch that followed in PA and Margaret Smith, the on board the Sir Galahad. who attended in their numbers. Drake Hall, with an extra Registrar, after more than 20 The second, remembering The Service began with marquee facility in case of rain, years in post. At that point the those who perished on board the traditional ‘Eight Bells’ was delicious and provided microphone was hijacked by HMS Glamorgan, was led by followed by the first hymn everyone with an opportunity 2 Para veteran, Dave ‘Charlie’ HMS Glamorgan Association’s performed enthusiastically to renew friendships and Brown who generously voiced Captain Gerald Hunt, with Mrs by the Band of the Royal forge new ones. As always the the gratitude of 2 Para members Hunt, and Mrs Judy Barrow. Marines and the Choir. The cheery Pangbourne students for the proceedings. HMS Glamorgan Association first lesson was read by Toby and catering staff worked hard member and widow of Steward Jones, grandson of Lt Col ‘H’ to ensure that everyone had John D Stroud RN, Mrs Jean Jones VC, who bravely stood enough to eat and drink. Stroud-Mort, joined them to lay in for his uncle, Major General In his Parish Notices her own, personal wreath. Rupert Jones CBE, absent due Commander Andrew Gordon- to a last minute crisis. For one The Chapel was packed with Lennox RN paid tribute to so young, Toby’s performance 585 attendees including the the entire College team for

Field Army Sgt Major Gavin Paton and Mrs Jessica Paton with Brigadier Charles Page MNA members Beryl Aldred and Ron Quested Cdr Andrew Gordon Lennox RN with his wife Julia Andy ‘Charlie’ Watts and his wife Amanda

The Butterfields, HMS Glamorgan John Chapman and Allan Ilderton

Pretty as a picture! Susie Belcher and Dickie and Mrs Joanna Thomas, AVM Graham Russell Dave ‘Charlie’ Brown Jean Stroud Mort Gordon Mather MM Margaret Smith retiring! Annette Dawson and his wife Pat remembering his friend Mark Holman-Smith annual service 2018

Lord West entering the Chapel with the Lord 2 Para Group on parade! Lieutenant, Mr James Puxley and Mrs Puxley Royal Marine Band Bugler

Mrs and Mrs Trevor Walhen Kenny and Judy Dawkins Peter Graham with Reg Bywell Lt Col Peter Cameron and his wife Carol

Karl and Jackie Keeble Ted and Margaret Keeper The Airborne Engineers paying their respects at thecaption Cairn to follow

Dennis Wing and Michael Fryatt Jim Loveday and his daughter Annabelle Luke, Jenny and Mick Derbyshire with Tom Gisby Janet and Vijay Visuvalingam

Eon Matthews, Capt Gerald Hunt, Mrs Judy Barrow Dee and Katy Wright with their magnificent machine! and Graham Brown with HMS Glamorgan’s wreath The Glamorgans remember

Mick O’Keefe and Richard Orme share a memory! John Phillips, Nicci Pugh and ‘Ossie’ Osborn Alison Angel and Craig Allen Nigel, Abbie and Ben Shorthouse

Catherine Balfour and Louise Goodman Capt Martin and Mrs Dee Reed, Capt Philip Roberts, The Roden Family: Ian, Helen, James and Bethany with Len Brownsword, Dean Deakins, Steve Kay Capt Chris Clarke and Ray Poole with the RFA wreath Paul and Lucy Sayce, Mr and Mrs Gavin McDonald

Ian and Sue Fleck with Major Gen Sir Ian Andrew, Joanna and Diana Batt Mackay-Dick and Reverend Angus Smith Everyone enjoying lunch! Thomas, Sarah and Irene Kinsella

Keith and Valerie Burton Lord West and Vivien Foster MNA talk to Lucene Hughes Three Generations: Toby, Claire and Sarah Jones Father Nick Gosnell delivers sage advice to a student the falklands and more... Tenacious Doctor Cathy! The Falkland Islands

Dr Cathy Dent is the widow of invariably when cold, wet and tired, A Treasure in the South Atlantic Captain Christopher Dent, A when I questioned my sanity but by Angela Perry Company, 2 Para, in 1982. An almost immediately acknowledged officer in the RAMC at that time, the huge privilege of what I was Cathy tells the story of her most experiencing. Help, practical and Over the years these pages have Escorted by two extremely unusual and recent journey as a emotional, was always at hand and featured many moving stories of the knowledgeable gentlemen (John Ship’s Doctor from New Zealand could later be reciprocated. We pilgrimages made to the Falkland Clifford and Graham Didlick) we to the Falklands where she met up watched the Petrels and Albatross Islands by bereaved family members were taken on several excursions with her friend Sara Jones, widow which wheeled around us and saw and by veterans in remembrance of covering every corner of East of Colonel ‘H’ Jones VC, 2 Para. dolphins, sometimes hundreds at lost brothers-in-arms. This year it is Falkland. During these trips we Cathy and Sara share a special bond a time – including the distinctive my opportunity to introduce you to visited all the 1982 memorials and in that they both lost their husbands hourglass dolphins. (On checking some of the wonderful Islanders who saw for ourselves the inhospitable on the same day on Darwin Hill, the books we discovered that these so generously look after those who seas and rugged terrain that were Goose Green. small dolphins live in Antarctic visit because between 3rd and 11th endured and overcome by our brave and sub-Antarctic waters and “are December my husband Jim and I Task Force. Frankly, I do not know At 4am on Friday 23 February rarely seen” – wow!). embarked on our own pilgrimage to how they did it, and it is no wonder 2018 I joined my Forward this extraordinary land. that many families and veterans Starboard colleagues on the bridge Virtually everyone on board may have hesitated to return for a of SV Tenacious, a ‘Tall Ship” wanted to sail round Cape Horn reminder, but those who do make owned by the Jubilee Sailing Trust. and qualify as a ‘Cape Horner’ the trip, are met with a gratitude Due to almost childlike feelings For me, however, this was very which is in itself a truly memorable of excitement and anticipation, personal Pilgrimage and the and inspiring legacy. I had scarcely slept before being fulfillment of a planned return to wakened at 0330 for my last watch the Falklands with Sara (Jones). of the voyage. In the darkness, we Consequently, my colleagues of Gorse over Goose Green could see lights on dry land which Forward Starboard decided to heralded our arrival in the Falkland ‘give’ me the helm for the final 2½ I can honestly say we have never Islands. Our voyage was almost hours until we dropped anchor in before experienced such an over which was both exciting but Port William – just outside The amazing, sublimely peaceful and daunting despite having prepared Narrows and the final approach welcoming place. Our visit had myself for over 18 months. Life into Port Stanley. It felt like all of the ingredients required to Graham Didlick on John Clifford Sussex Mountain in Yorke Bay on board had become a familiar coming home. fascinate the traveller: a dramatic routine which I was both loath to landscape of rugged mountains, The Islanders are keen to recognise change yet keen to leave. A few hours later, with Pilot rocky outcrops, and peaty ground; the price paid for their freedom and on board, we approached the stumpy plant growth (there are very have collectively made so much My life on board ‘Tenacious’ began Temporary Docking Facility, Port few trees); watery inlets and pools; of their Islands, working hard to in Auckland on Wednesday 10 Stanley, and I could see Sara. an amazing variety of wild life; and sustain a thriving economy, to January when I stepped into an Together we spent the next 9 days air that is fresher than fresh! As conserve and protect their abundant unfamiliar environment which was seeing wildlife and enjoying Island for the weather, I was told that it wildlife, and to manage their lives to become my home for the next Hospitality before finally revisiting was interesting - and it certainly and families within a strong, fair- 44 days; joining my friend, Jane Blue Beach Cemetery, Darwin and was! Despite visiting during the minded and caring community. (also ex-RAMC) and 50 strangers Goose Green. summer, we took clothes for every from around the world with whom occasion, and forgot the hair do’s – The governing body – The I was to share the excitements, it is always windy! Legislative Assembly – is made up ennui and challenges of sailing of eight Members (MLAs) – several across the Southern Ocean, round As guests of the Falklands of whom generously entertained us Cape Horn and into Port Stanley. Government, every moment of our during our stay. The MLAs strive As we left the summer warmth and stay was carefully planned for us by to improve every facet of Island terra firma of New Zealand, the two very affable ladies, to whom life, including the environment, enormity of what lay ahead hit me we remain for ever grateful: Cherie communications, transport, in an almost overwhelming way – Clifford and Imogen Didlick, fishing and farming, air transport, largely because, despite learning as respectively the Clerk and PA to infrastructure, health, education much as I could about living and the Legislative Assembly, managed and training, and tourism. A brand working on a 3-masted Barque, to pack so much into a mere seven new Historic Dockyard Museum I had very little idea of what lay days that our feet hardly touched catalogues the heritage of the Islands ahead. I had never done anything the ground! This detailed planning and its people and is a star attraction like this before and I was sailing as meant that we could focus on the for visitors from passing cruise ships; official, fully indemnified Medical remarkable, kindly people who we some 54,000 tourists disembarked in Officer with a voyage of 5828 were privileged to meet. Stanley during the past year! Nautical Miles (6706 ‘land’ miles) ahead of me – so little in the way of immediate assistance in the event of serious injury or illness.

Well - I had an AMAZING time!!! I can confidently say that I appreciated every moment and enjoyed virtually every second of Self with MLAs and the voyage. Yes, there were times, Imogen with Jim at the Malvina House Hotel with their partners the falklands and more...

During our stay we were based Christ Church Cathedral with with Trudi and Marvin Clarke at at the excellent Malvina House Reverend Nicholas Mercer, and their lovely home and reminisced Hotel. Our first evening was spent later a visit to Liberty Lodge where about Trudi and her friend, Annie with MLAs Roger Spink and Ian we met proprietor Ali Dodd and Pitaluga’s epic 184 mile walk to Hansen and their partners. two visiting HMS Hermes veterans. raise funds for the Chapel in 2004! The next day we flew on a nine- seater FIGAS (Falkland Islands Government Air Service) plane to Bleaker Island – a settlement Sian Davies with son Lefan and her sister Sam owned by the Rendell family. There 24 hours later we were back they farm sheep and also foster in Stanley and John Clifford colonies of Penguins, Elephant Battle Day Memorial Service Kathy and accompanied us to Yorke Bay & Seals, Sea Lions and a plethora of Gypsy Cove where mine clearance wild bird life including many types is still in operation. There were of geese, Skua, hawks, cormorant, at least 20,000 mines laid in 1982 shags, ducks, Oystercatchers, and the process of clearing them Meadowlarks and Giant Petrels continues. We had tea that day – all nesting and producing with Sian and Sam Davies, the young while we were there. The HMS Hermes veterans Andy Trish Marvin and Trudi Clarke granddaughters of Mary Goodwin, Bleaker Cormorant colony has and Mark Smith with Ali Dodd one of three Islanders killed in more than 1500 birds! We saw The lodge is a most impressive 1982. They were interested to learn five types of penguin in one day: facility – a fitting tribute to the FVF, about the Chapel and we gave them Magellanic, Macaroni, Gentoo, ‘Smokey’ and Karen Cole and those their copy of ‘Just to See His Name’. King and Rockhopper – quizzical who generously funded it! On the That evening we dined with MLAs little creatures which display such way we spotted Lady White (widow Roger Edwards, Dr and human tendencies and thereby of Admiral Sir Hugo White, HMS and their wives at the Falklands Women’s Association members: provide hours of entertainment. Avenger) who we had met on our Alison Inglis, Myra Pitt and Zena Butler excellent Waterfront Kitchen Café. Our Lodge was comfortable, warm travels during the week, and she and modern, and the hospitality The next day, after enjoying invited us to see the Argentinian provided was abundant. Heat and morning tea with Governor Nigel ceremonial sword, surrendered to water are wind and solar powered. Phillips and his wife Emma at her husband on Liberation Day, Government House, and a visit which she had brought back to to Stanley Library (where we Stanley from England for display in deposited another Chapel book!), the Museum. The Falkland Islands Association members: John Clifford took us to Teal Inlet Gerald Cheek, OBE, We were then delivered by John Ailsa Heathman, Emma Brook and Ariane Goss to meet Hazel Alazia, sister of Clifford to the Darwin settlement Doreen Bonner who was killed in Early next morning it was back for an overnight stay at Darwin crossfire in 1982. Hazel had baked to Mount Pleasant Airfield for John Rendell with FIGAS pilot Andrew Lodge which is run by a couple us a cake and delicious sweetmeats our flight to Brize Norton. We named Anton and Dolly (and and we presented her with the were sad to leave such a friendly Dolly’s pet sheep!) – a most last remaining copy of the Chapel and inspiring place but were comfortable Lodge in beautiful book. As we chatted over tea we humbled by the way that the surroundings near Goose Green. discovered that she had learnt Islanders conduct their lives and her culinary art as head cook at demonstrate such gratitude for the Government House, a skill that sacrifice made by so many in 1982. Lovely Rockhoppers! she has passed on to her daughter Although the flights there and Anita. That evening we had a most back are some 19 hours, the RAF enjoyable dinner with members of go to great lengths to ensure you are the Falkland Islands Association at comfortable and (very) well-fed! I our hotel. would definitely encourage anyone Anton & Dolly make a delicious breakfast! who has yet to visit the Falkland We spent the next day with Islands to embark on what would The Rendell Family: John, Nick, Oscar and Phyll Graham Didlick who guided us undoubtedly be a remarkable and It does not take long to realise through the entire Battlefield Tour, memorable adventure. that, outside Stanley, the entire explaining in great detail every Finally my heartfelt thanks go to countryside (which is called ) facet of the Task Force’s final push the Falkland Islands Government is a haven for innumerable types of to regain the Islands. and Members of the Legislative geese and other wild birds which On our final day, and now back in Assembly who enabled us to wander freely along with the sheep. Stanley, I had lunch with members experience their fascinating land Doreen Bonner’s sister Hazel Alazia at Teal Inlet of the Falkland Islands Women’s of opportunity! On Saturday 8th December there Association, who generously donate was a Battle Day Service marking to the Chapel Trust each year, and 104 years since the Germans had then made an all too brief visit to attempted to raid the Falklands but the Museum. This was followed were repelled with heavy casualties. by a sumptuous afternoon tea with We attended the Service at the Keith and Kathy Biles: (Keith is the Battle Monument overlooking Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Stanley Harbour and laid a wreath and Kathy was Minister at the on behalf of the Chapel Trustees. Cathedral). After a final de-brief Self with Jim and the Bleaker Rockhoppers There then followed a tour of with Imogen and Cherie, we dined Self and Lady White at the airport book review

In many ways this is a remarkable book. Helen Parr was a seven-year- old in 1982 when her uncle, David by Robin Brodhurst Parr, a private in 2 Para, was killed Chapel Librarian towards the end of the Falklands War. She can just about remember details of his funeral, but not particularly clearly. However, she Our Boys; The Story of a Paratrooper is now a lecturer in international By Helen Parr relations at Keele University, Published by Allen Lane, 2018 £20 and has set out to discover what MISTAKEN IDENTITY! many interviews (47 several harrowing actually happened to her uncle, This is not John Gilbert (as per and who were, and who are, the are listed) and has descriptions of this. newsletter 2018) with Lt Col. Peter Parachute Regiment, and what beavered through Has society now Cameron! It is none other than Scout was the effect of the Falklands countless files at both moved so far in Pilot Dick Kalinski, 656 Sqn AAC in ‘82! Apologies to John and Dick and conflict on this small group of the Airborne Forces the other direction Peter, of course, who spotted the error! individuals. It is thus in many ways Museum and the that anybody in a a sociological study, with all that National Archives. stressed occupation this implies. The vast majority of feels entitled to Annual her account of the be compensated In the first part of the book, Paras’ campaign is for trauma? This Service 2019 she describes the origins of the excellent and gives a part of the book Sunday 16th June Regiment, its training ethos genuinely believable provides much and much of its history. The version of their food for thought. The 2019 Annual Service of specific emphasis on aggression, triumphs at Goose Green, Mount Unquestionably the Army has Remembrance and Thanksgiving indeed the prerequisite for it, Longden and Wireless Ridge. moved forward enormously in will be held on Sunday 16th is seen throughout, and while June at 12.00. The day includes the area of psychiatric support for this is admirable in time of The most interesting part of the coffee/tea on arrival (from 10.00) combat soldiers. war, its suitability elsewhere is book to somebody who wasn’t and a buffet lunch in Drake Hall questionable. This, together with there is the final one, in which I would have welcomed a few after the Service. Tickets are not her explanation about the two Parr tries to come to terms with more maps, particularly of required this year but please let us sides of group loyalty makes for the effect of the war not just on Wireless Ridge and Goose Green. know you are coming (for catering numbers and Chapel seating) by uncomfortable reading, but does those who took part in it, but also However, I have no hesitation completing the Invitation/Reply demonstrate that she is a fair and on their families. In particular in recommending this book to slip enclosed. There will be a train balanced historian. she draws an acute picture of all members of the Parachute collection service at 11.00 from the relationship between the Regiment fraternity, and to Reading Station. The Trustees army and society, although her others interested in the Falklands The largest part of the book, would like to thank the MLAs of the account of the Falklands insistence on emphasising class campaign for the way it confronts the Falkland Islands Government campaign, and the contribution distinctions strikes a false note to certain key issues and particularly for covering the cost of this event. of the two Parachute Battalions, me. Where she is most telling is that of PTSD. It is a worthy has been deeply researched, in her explanation of the growing monument to her uncle, fit to NEED HELP to attend? and her control of the story is acceptance of the diagnosis match the cairn she built to his The Trustees would like to hear impressive. She has conducted of PTSD, and she provides memory on Wireless Ridge. from any family members or veterans who would like to attend but are unable to do so due to General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Footnote financial hardship or inability to The Falkland Islands Memorial posted in the Useful Information Many of the excellent photos in travel distances unaccompanied. Chapel Trust is fully compliant section of the Chapel’s website this, and past newsletters were taken In these circumstances it may be with current GDPR legislation. (www.falklands-chapel.org.uk) by Gareth Jones of Sports-Alive possible to assist using funds set Further details are contained and the leaflet enclosed with this photography, who sadly died suddenly aside for this purpose. (See enclosed within the GDPR Policy Notice newsletter. in October. We send our sincere leaflet). Applications will be treated condolences to his widow, Sally and his family. We shall miss him. with the utmost confidence.

contact fimct ASSOCIATION information

Mrs Angela Perry, MBE SAMA’82 Secretary: Mrs Joanne Stevens Secretary to the Trustees SAMA’82, Unit 25 Torfaen Business Centre, Panteg Way, New Inn, Falkland Islands Memorial Pontypool NP4 0LS. Tel: 01495 741592 Chapel Trust Email: [email protected] c/o Pangbourne College, Pangbourne, Reading, Merchant Navy Association (MNA) Berks RG8 8LA National Secretary: Nigel Whitaker Tel: 01295 738123 51 Penswick Ave, Thornton Cleveleys FY5 3BH Email: [email protected] Tel: 01253 858259 Email: [email protected] Web: www.mna.org.uk