2021

June 14th 2020 Scots Guards veteran ‘Ossie’ Osborn fires the Cannon at Belvoir Castle at 12.00 to coincide with the Chapel’s ‘virtual’ Annual Service!

I would like to thank everyone who sent donations in lieu of attending a PRAYER FOR Chairman’s letter ‘live’ Service last June. I would also THE YEAR by Reverend Neil Jeffers The events of the past year have with a new kind of life, and helping like to acknowledge two significant been both unprecedented and their communities to manage. gifts: the Falkland Islands shocking. Who would have thought We catalogue what happened on Government (FIG) has been most that, when we gathered together for 14th June 2020, illustrating how generous in providing funding our Annual Service in 2019, we remembrance continues to play a for the Annual Services; and a would not meet again in 2020 and significant role in spite of unfolding significant sum has been received that a global pandemic of such epic events. We are truly grateful to from the Merchant Navy Falklands proportions would wreak havoc Rev Neil Jeffers and his team for ’82 Trust, on its closure, which will with all our lives? But it happened, creating the ‘Virtual Service’ which be used for the benefit of Merchant and we can only hope that, after all received over 1,200 views. A link Navy readers and visitors to the the tragedies, the lock-downs and remains on the website for those Chapel. We are indebted both to the disruption to so many, normality who wish to revisit the Service. Vivien Foster and to her Trustees Keep us, good Lord, under will eventually return. So many for their thoughtfulness, and also the shadow of your mercy in of you have suffered challenging We also introduce a new initiative to Members of the Legislative this time of uncertainty and times, and in this issue of our to enhance the Memorial Garden Assembly of the Falkland Islands distress. Sustain and support for their long-standing support. newsletter we tell you how some of through a scheme to allow the the anxious and fearful, and display of commemorative plaques our veterans, families and support lift up all who are brought low; in time for the 40th Anniversary Amongst all the sadness of 2020, organisations have been coping that we may rejoice in your (page 2). we sent messages of condolence to Sadie Clare on losing her husband, comfort knowing that nothing I know that the Chapel Supporters John, and to Pat Goodall on losing can separate us from your love group on Facebook has been her husband Stuart. Both families in Christ Jesus our Lord. extremely active and attracted have been loyal friends of the Amen. many new members – all thanks Chapel and remain in our thoughts to Chapel Friend, and Sama 82 and prayers. member, Joe Erskine! Sunday 13th June 2021 is our As you can imagine, much of this intended date for this year’s Annual The FIMCT office has remained current year will be devoted to Service (page 8), and we very much open throughout the pandemic, finalising our plans for 12th June look forward to a welcome reunion and many of you have been in 2022 and the 40th Anniversary of the Chapel ‘family’ and to bid of the . We shall Congratulations! Sukey Cameron touch. Sadly, the Chapel has had goodbye to the torrid times of 2020. do our best to ensure that this (now) OBE dressed for our ‘virtual’ to be closed for a long period, but Annual Service on 14th June! the situation remains under review. milestone is commemorated with Major General Jeff Mason Please see the website for updates. the respect it deserves. Chairman of the Trustees chapel appeals A Virtual Service and a great team effort!

Thanks to the skill and creativity of a Pangbourne colleague, Reverend Neil Jeffers was able to orchestrate a ‘Virtual Annual Service’ for us all Memorial Garden to be enhanced on You Tube at midday on Sunday th For some time now, the grasses and rocks typical of commemorate their involvement 14 June 2020. Following the Trustees have felt that they those found in the Falkland in the Falklands War, as well traditional eight strikes of the RFA should transform the interior Islands, presently contains only as to permit a modest element Sir Galahad Bell in the Chapel foyer, of the Memorial Garden from two wall hung features: a map of fundraising towards the he began the Service by welcoming a less lonely space into a more of the Falkland Islands and the Chapel’s upkeep. his virtual audience of over 1,200 comforting and peaceful place plaque in memory of the SAS veterans and family members. Thence followed a ‘mini’ version of contemplation, and they who fell in 1982. The Trustees The cost of a plaque is set at of the Service we all know and need your help. have decided, therefore, to £1,500. If you are interested love with recorded readings from permit the installation of more in sponsoring a plaque, Cindy Lancaster, widow of David Many of you will know that plaques on the inside walls of please refer to the enclosed Strickland RN, HMS Coventry in the circular garden, which the feature. This will enable information sheet or visit 1982, and Brigadier Charles Page lies adjacent to the Chapel, appropriate organisations, on the www.falklands-chapel.org.uk MBE (pictured left), Chapel Trustee surrounded by its ornamental eve of the 40th Anniversary, to where full details are provided. and former Scots Guardsman in 1982. A cleverly constructed Anthem was sung remotely by the Choir! The Falklands Hymn with the congregation in full flow, and the Appeal to remember ‘the Tumbledown Act of Remembrance which followed it, both featured footage from 2019. Reverend Neil delivered a live, and Nine’ is a resounding success! inspiringly appropriate, Address which was later widely applauded on of Second Battalion Scots Face Book by the Chapel Supporters’ Guards in 1982, made a bid Group membership. Last, but by no to raise £9,000 to remember means least, our own Reverend is open again to the public. In the eight Scots Guards and David Cooper led the Prayers addition, a Donor register, on one Royal Engineer by giving recorded from his living room. view in the Memorial Room, will them each a Seat plaque in As you see, our front page photo contain personal tributes from the Memorial Chapel. Thanks shows Scots Guardsman/BLESMA each generous donor. member Robert ‘Ossie’ Osborn, now to the generosity of members Cannon Master for His Grace the of the Scots Guards and Guardsman DJ Denholm SG, Duke of Rutland, firing the cannons many generous readers, their Guardsman D Malcolmson SG, at Belvoir Castle on the exact hour ambition to commemorate Lance Sergeant C Mitchell SG, of our Chapel Service. ‘their brothers in arms’ Lance Corporal JB Pashley RE, who lost their lives during The Virtual Service remains Guardsman JBC Reynolds DCM the battle for Tumbledown accessible from the Chapel website SG, Sergeant J Simeon SG, Mountain on 13th / 14th (www.falklands-chapel.org.uk) and June 1982, has been achieved Guardsman AG Stirling SG, on the Pangbourne TV platform and the appeal is now closed. Guardsman R Tanbini SG, Warrant on You Tube. Readers may also like Officer Class 2 D Wight SG to know that the Chapel website is In last year’s newsletter, A plaque for each of the following now under new management and Trustee Brigadier Charles has been made and will be in A huge thank you to everyone will be regularly updated with news Page MBE and other members place by the time the Chapel who contributed to this appeal. and photographs. chapel appeals Challenging times for the Reverend ‘Farmer David’

Chapel Trustee and former 2 Para its task and, in sympathy, the logistics were nigh impossible since him were optimistic, encouraging Chaplain in 1982, Revd David dishwasher had decided to retire from the former was in the Southeast, far and positive. He could so easily Cooper lives in the wilds of West any form of washing. And then…just from Somerset, and the latter, in have become pessimistic. He Somerset where he farms with his as I was lying on the floor peering into France. In the case of the funeral, the didn’t, and his courage was partner Jo and their dogs: Wolfhound the washing machine pump system, uncertainty of the indefinite closure infectious. I took courage from his Jade and Dachshund Alice. We invited the plaintive request came as it might of crematoria and the limitations attitude and the belief that we will him to give us a brief glimpse into their to a drowning man to admire an on numbers of permitted mourners, see our way through the changes ‘Covid world’. In his own words… approaching shark: ‘Can you look at ensured a very unhappy and testing in our way of life. It is perhaps the Land Rover, the clutch doesn’t time for the family and friends. I was significant that the light in the ‘There’s no water in the troughs in seem to be working properly’? able to find a local clergyman to take darkness of the lockdown was lit the top fields!’ the service when by a 100 year old ex-serviceman. Such was my first day of lockdown on the crematorium the farm. The water is pumped from re-opened, albeit ‘Farmer David’ a bore hole to a small reservoir at the with limitations. I highest point of the farm and flows, offered to conduct under gravity, to supply the house a memorial service and farm troughs. No water in the when circumstances higher troughs meant that we had permitted. We a leak somewhere in the pipes that still await the serviced the 100 acres, or the pump circumstances that was failing. A quick check showed will permit that the pump was fine, so the water was service. escaping somewhere in the pipe Jade & Alice - best friends At the time of system in the fields. writing, the The problem was that there was no If this was what lockdown was going wedding is postponed indefinitely up to date farm map showing where to bring, then the sooner normality to be held in London, not France, the various pipe runs were. returned, the better! It did, where the bride’s family live. however, allow me time to attend to Again, the numbers permitted to Whilst pondering the problem and these things! attend will be limited. the amount of speculative digging to find the leak that was to occupy After reducing much of our fields to a Both these events underline just my lockdown, and trying to foresee replica of the set of the film ‘1917’, the how far reaching the effect of the difficulties lockdown presented leaks (yes, two of them) were repaired. the virus has been. At the most to a veteran’s impending funeral, The Land Rover now runs, though personal levels, and in major life plus a wedding for another due in a the clutch cylinder needs watching events, the impact has been felt. month, two more problems arose: and the occasional top up. In it all I took great encouragement the washing machine had been on What caused me more concern was from the example of Captain, Sir the same cycle for the past hour and the funeral and the wedding. The Tom. The interviews I heard with a half, showing no sign of completing Thank you AFC!

In recent years, Graeme Gault Fund. Their 2015 experience has former RAF Wing Commander cemented the Falkland Islands, April Fool Club Members ‘Yomping’ in the Falklands and C130 pilot, and his friends in and the events of 1982, as a the April Fools Club (AFC) have fundamental part of AFC history, become valued and enthusiastic and several of their number have supporters of the FIMCT. We joined the FIMCT as ‘Friends’. applaud their £2,000 contribution to the Scots Guards appeal and Founded in 2007, the AFC thank them wholeheartedly for comprises a collection of like- Graeme Gault supporting our Chapel. minded individuals with a common interest in aviation, Recently the Club invited Chapel philanthropy and supporting the We have enrolled onto the Trustee, Reverend David Cooper, Two new ways to military. With over 80 members AMAZON SMILE charities list to deliver a ZOOM talk about which enables anyone who buys from as far afield as Hong Kong, support the Chapel his experiences during the 1982 anything on Amazon to nominate the USA, and the Caribbean, conflict, thereby raising an Thanks to a suggestion from AFC FIMCT as ‘their charity’ to benefit they are both serving and additional £215 for the FIMCT. supporters, the FIMCT is now from a 0.5% donation on each former members of the military, visible on Just Giving and can purchase. This does not add cost to The Club’s first major fundraising as well as successful business receive donations plus Gift Aid from the purchase price of the item. project was a 125km ‘yomp’ across leaders. Members share a passion this source. This does not replace any of the normal ways in which our If you have questions: email the Falkland Islands, in February for the RAF, and indeed all supporters like to give to the Chapel; [email protected]. 2015, travelling from San Carlos three branches of UK’s Armed Bay to Port Stanley to honour Forces, and actively support it is simply a preference for very busy THANK YOU! people or someone who is doing a those who made this journey into ‘the incredible charities’ which sponsored event for the Chapel. battle in 1982; this raised over benefit those who have served, or £200,000 for the RAF Benevolent are serving, their country. Veterans and families in lockdown

Editor’s Note Keeping Standards High Proud to serve For as long as I can remember, fallen victim to the current again! You will notice that this veteran Grenadier Guardsman, enemy. For Richard, and so newsletter is very different Richard Orme, has attended many, the scourge of 2020 has Former Royal Marine, Dee from usual! Looking at the virtually every June Annual been an unpleasant experience, Wright, never expected to be positives of the ‘boat that Service to bear a Standard, and will change lives forever. wearing green again after leaving we are all sailing in’, it has either from his local Royal the in 1989, and allowed me to make contact British Legion or, on special “I will continue to hold my head having served in 45 Commando with so many of you who occasions, the Union Flag. high,” he says, “and keep praying have been kind enough to that all our clinicians will survive in 1982. However, the Global tell me about ‘your life in this In his working life, for the South to return home safely. I will Pandemic presented her and unprecedented pandemic’ East Coast Ambulance Service continue to honour those, past her partner, Katie, with a very and I wish, in a way, that I (SECAmb), he carries the and present, as long as I am able.” different kind of war and a green had more than 8 pages to fill! Ambulance Service colours for protective uniform. There is so much more to ceremonial occasions, as well as In 2018, after 13 years with say…. It has been a real tonic being a Key Worker on the front a parcel delivery firm, Dee to hear what you have been line. Over past months, during enrolled as an Ambulance Care doing to keep spirits up and to the ‘invisible war’ on Covid Assistant with the NHS South serve your local communities. 19, as he calls it, the vivid and Central Ambulance Service The following pages give us troubling memories of losing so (SCAS) and quickly graduated all a glimpse of the fortitude many friends, in both the Welsh to become a key frontline worker. and kindness demonstrated and Scots Guards in 1982, have This challenging role that she in your stories. We can only come flowing back. All the more had trained hard for included hope that the ‘demon that distressing for him now is the attending RTC’s, cardiac arrests, surrounds us’ will subside in loss of so many ‘fit and healthy’ elderly fall patients and new-born 2021 and the Chapel family ex Service clinicians who joined babies. Katie, after serving 12 can be reunited. the NHS Ambulance Services, Richard with Colonel (Rtd) Philip Astle years in the RAF, had followed her post war, and who have now CEO SECAMB Ambulance Service to SCAS, and works in a separate unit. Then the pandemic arrived and the challenges escalated. It’s music to Smokey Cole gives lunch to Trevor Wood HMS Glamorgan “We had to adapt quickly to our ears a fast changing situation, and Life in Northern Ireland has been the hospitals have managed predictably challenging for Keith incredibly well considering such (Paddy the Piper) and Valerie an unprecedented situation,” says Burton but, like so many of us, they Dee. “Treating have used the time to sharpen up and looking familiar skills and learn new ones. after patients is Valerie has concentrated on her a great privilege crochet and knitting, and Paddy has and is something developed his mandolin skills for that Katie and I outdoor traditional music sessions never thought while the warm weather persisted. that we could achieve. We are “Walking with the wounded have both extremely funded a pipe band here for Veterans proud to be called Mind the Pipes and Drums serving our ...only been going about two months community but a good turn out so far and whilst once again.” my mobility hinders my marching with the band, I can certainly get involved with tuition”. Delivering with fellow veterans Paddy has added a ‘new toy’ to his repertoire of instruments to help Gosport Veterans busy in the him through the winter months. Our photo gives you the answer... Community Gosport and Fareham veterans by veteran Ray Bezani who served took time out on several in HMS Invincible in 1982. Sundays and VJ day during lockdown, with other members Veterans involved were: Smokey of Hermes Masonic Lodge to Cole HMS Intrepid, Jed Dymond deliver lunches and cream tea HMS Newcastle, Mike Izzard to Lodge widows and vulnerable HMS Fearless, Tony Rowan HM members of the lodge. Submarine Onyx, Mick Dilucia HMS Coventry and David Paddy with his ‘new toy’ The lunches were supplied by the Dee and Katie: NHS workers Anglesey Hotel in Gosport, owned Buttriss HMS Birmingham Veterans and families in lockdown Crestfallen? Not a bit of it... The Calm before the Storm Chatting to veteran Mark kitchen table morphed into Smith (HMS Hermes), as I was Mark’s messy work station. during the summer of 2020, I The making and decorating of envisaged an amusing cameo of a ships’ crests is pretty involved but kitchen table laden with mess, a Mark has got the intricate work splattered oven, and a singularly down to a fine art. Our photos unamused wife (Fiona). Mark show some of the stages and the Smith was certainly keeping finished product. himself, and Fiona, busy during ‘lockdown’. I was intrigued… Mark and I also discussed the The last family ‘get together’ to celebrate Alison’s 60th on 1st March just in time before ‘lock-down’ “Over the last 18 months or way in which he, as Chairman of so I have been volunteering the HMS Hermes Association, Life in lock-down for Primary area that children cannot cross in Boathouse 4 in Portsmouth has been keeping in touch with School Teaching Assistant, Alison and if we go into their space we Dockyard, mainly involved with members during ‘lockdown’. Mundy-Gill, and husband Steve mask up. Lunches are eaten in had a peaceful ring to it until classrooms and the school dinners a project to make a coastal motor “We held our April 2020 last September that is, when 270 are delivered. All assemblies are boat, the first wooden boat to be Reunion on Zoom,” he children aged 4-11 returned to on Zoom. I have not seen many built in Portsmouth Dockyard in explained, “and as we all got school. Alison’s twin brother, Ian of my colleagues, other than ‘on the last 60 years,” Mark told me. more proficient at it, we started P Hall, a Weapons Engineering screen’ since March – it’s all very having a regular Hermes quiz “In addition to that, I have been Officer, lost his life on board odd. You can imagine it is not night on Mondays. We also helping collate the Dockyard’s HMS Coventry in 1982 aged 22, ideal, however the children are sent out a link to the 14th June Naval Ships Archive of Crests and she and her family, her elder becoming more resilient as we ‘virtual’ Service at the Chapel, which number at least 5,000 from sister Susan and their mother, Iris adjust. Even though everything is and received a lot of positive across the world.” Hall, have been regular visitors to very different, we are all doing our feedback, particularly from the the Chapel for many a year. Sadly, best in these challenging times.” But what has this to do with a 70 to 75 year olds, about the Iris is no longer with them having kitchen table? ‘new era’ of live streaming. It Alison’s daughter, Tayla, 24, passed away 6 years ago. would be great if you could do is a Primary School Teacher Mark’s archive search drew him that every year for those unable Alison (60 in early March when in a much larger environment to focus on crests from Royal to attend through illness or they managed the ‘last family in Nottingham where she is Navy ships, and among them, the disability,” he added. gathering’) told me about ‘school experiencing similar challenges, HMS Hermes crest (he is now life with Covid 19’ in Misterton, and her son Jordan, 27, is in Chairman of the HMS Hermes I know that the Trustees and South Yorkshire : marketing with Taylor Wimpey, Association). Due to the expense College are already on that case. working from home near Reading. of such crests, he decided to set I am also pleased to report that, “All the children are back! We are about reproducing copies of the since the start of his crest making in class bubbles including a teacher One has to wonder what effect originals for eventual sale in project, Mark has built himself a and teaching assistant. Children all this will have on the younger Boathouse 4, post lockdown. He ‘man shed’ and peace and order and staff cannot mix across bubbles. generation when life eventually brought a variety of crests home, have been restored to Fiona’s We have a staggered start and finish returns to ‘old normal’! which was the point when Fiona’s kitchen at the Smith residence. time for each class as well as break and lunch times. The playground is segregated into three areas so that Mix and Pour... Cooked! bubbles don’t mix. Hand sanitisers are everywhere and used on entering and exiting buildings. The children hand wash during register and after break times, before and after eating lunch.” I asked Alison what it was like, teaching under such difficult circumstances. “Teaching is hard as we cannot R-L Alison with daughter Tayla, be too close to the children for husband Steve and son Jordan at very long. We have a taped off Tayla’s Graduation Day

Now paint it! Happy result!

Smokey Cole pays tribute to the Fallen in Falklands Gardens, Gosport, on 11.11.2020 Veterans and families in lockdown Jane does her bit for the NHS and RBL A Moving

Birmingham-based Jane Mellor and they are all so thrilled that Story Jane Mellor - kitted up for work is the sister of Captain G John they are able to have the scans Hamilton, MC, 22nd SAS they need to see if treatments Regiment / Green Howards have worked. Some have been in 1982. The NHS have been waiting months at their own making good use of her skills trusts. It makes me feel very during the pandemic, and as a proud that we have been able member of the local RBL, she to help in this small way as I has been contributing to their know the psychological impact Ray and Mandy Barnes important work in the community. any delay in the pathway of treatment must be having on “I am a CT/MRI Radiographer Moving home during lock-down was these patients. It’s tough times, working at Spire Little Aston no mean feat for Ray and Mandy but hopefully there is a glimmer in Sutton Coldfield. Contrary Barnes. Having put their Hampshire of light on the horizon!” home on the market in 2019, they to some people’s perception, we secured a sale in February 2020, just have not been sitting around One of the tasks in which Jane Tending Commonwealth war graves as lock-down loomed on the horizon! doing nothing!” Jane tells us. was involved with her local Undeterred they started packing but “The NHS took over all the Royal British Legion friends the job was made even more difficult Private Hospitals and we have was spending a weekend tidying because everywhere was closed for been providing theatre time up six Commonwealth War the deposit of unwanted items, and for essential operations to two Graves at the local cemetery there was no clue as to when they local trusts. In Imaging we in Aldridge. Our picture shows might be allowed to move. Finally in are running full lists of NHS how much work they have June 2020 it happened, albeit with patients, mostly oncology taken on with this ongoing complications! patients, many of whom have project! The RBL group have “First we thought completion had their scans delayed because also maintained regular contact wouldn’t go ahead in time on our new of the virus. The impact on with older members who may be home in Christchurch and we could these patients has been huge lonely or isolated. be homeless! Luckily our solicitors pulled out all the stops and we just got the keys in time,” said Mandy, whose brother Lance Corporal Pat Giffin, 3 Commando Brigade, Air Remembering the six: Squadron RM lost his life in 1982. Foxtrot 4 “Our possessions arrived two days later,” she added, “but forward A ‘virtual’ Memorial Service in especially poignant since Bill was Captain PeterLCU Laughton Foxtrot RN 4 inMBE 1982 thinking had made me pack a kettle, honour of the six crew members only 18 years old on his first draft, two mugs and tea bags in our car!” of LCU FOXTROT FOUR in HMS Antelope, when she was Now happily settled in their new killed in action on 8th June bombed and then set alight. He home, Ray and Mandy can walk to 1982 was recorded on an LCU remembers clearly the actions of the Christchurch Priory Memorial ( Utility), and LCU F4 and remainsHMS truly FEARLESSgrateful Garden where there is a stone orchestrated by HMS Albion to them for their incredible rescue Capt Peter Laughton MBE RN dedicated to Mandy’s brother, Pat. OC Lieutenant Colonel Richard of the crew of the stricken ship. (Pictured) Thurstan RM and his team. Only quite recently did he become HMS Fearless “Pat was buried at sea from SS On 8th June 2020 the video aware that F4 had been sunk and Canberra and, following a Service of the Service was streamed the six men lost. for him in June 1982, the vicar’s through You Tube and the ‘F4 A bugler played the Last Post and pew collection was such that he Remembered’ Facebook sites and offered Pat’s widow Sue, and my Reveille and the one minute’s watched by many HMS Fearless parents, Frank and Eva, a memorial silence was filled with photos of veterans and families. stone by the Mill Stream in the the sixLt crewmenCol Richard who Thurstan Mrslost Mandytheir RM Kazmierski This truly moving Service church grounds”. Says Mandy. “Our lives. After the Padre’s Blessing, granddaughter, Rose, who sponsored of Remembrance, was led by one of Albion’s Officers of the a window in the Chapel for her HMS Albion‘s Chaplain, Padre Watch, Lt Tom Dawkins RN, sang uncle Pat, will be moving here soon Janice Honey-Morgan, with the Naval Hymn whilst images of with her parents. It will be lovely contributions from many of the F4 were shown, including what when we are all here together.” crew members. The Order of Colonel Thurstan believes might Lt Col. Richard Mrs Mandy Service included Families’ readings be one of the last photos taken of Thurstan RM Kazmierski from Mrs Mandy Kazmierski, sister her, by a crewman on LCU F1, on of Mne Robert Griffin, and Mr the morning of 8th Jun ‘82. Mr Bill Parry Bryan Miller, brother of LMEM Mr Brian Miller David ‘Dusty’ Miller. Sgt Gavin Our thanks to Captain John Kelly Smith RM delivered a reading of (HMS Fearless) and to Colonel CSgt Johnston’s QGM citation Thurstan for this insight into the which was followed by a few HMS Fearless/Landing Craft F4 words from Mr Bill Parry (a retired Service of Remembrance, and for Mr Brian Miller Mr Bill Parry The stone ‘In Mem’ Pat Giffin RM RN WO (Warfare)). This was supplying the photographs. outreach and support in 2020 A life-saving gift for From little acorns, a Stanley Hospital nationwide lifeline was born On 20th March 2020, Chief We’ve been in touch with Ann Executive Derek ‘Smokey’ Cole, Townsend whose son, Private Neil together with the Chairman Grose, 3 Para, was tragically killed and Trustees of the Falklands on his 18th birthday in 1982. Ann Veterans Foundation (FVF), is a Chapel Friend and, with her found themselves having to husband George, has for many years make the harrowing decision to brought her family to our Annual close Liberty Lodge in Stanley Services. In 2007 whilst on a Painting by Zoom due to the pandemic. As many pilgrimage to the Falklands, she met as 131 Veterans and Next of Kin Joe Erskine, Dr Morgan O’Connell own team of clinical professionals, would miss out on their 2020 and David Watts and together they who provide mental health and pilgrimages to the Islands. resolved to start up the Veterans addiction support to those who Outreach Support (VOS) ‘Drop- need it. Run and supported by many So ‘Smokey’ came up with the veterans, teamwork, collaboration idea of offering Liberty Lodge in’ centre in Portsmouth. On ‘day one’ - Wednesday 4th July 2008 - and camaraderie are at the heart to Stanley Hospital (KEMH) as of the charity’s success, with 40+ an overflow or respite centre if four veterans came through the door for some help and a ‘cuppa’. highly professional delivery partners the pandemic took hold. With and over 30 dedicated volunteers. the blessing of the FVF Board, Loretta Webb, the Manager of a Today VOS has registered over team of ten nursing staff, told us: 1, 800 service users, and Ann, Joe, Outside of monthly Drop-Ins, VOS the offer was enthusiastically also combats loneliness and social accepted by KEMH, and within a “From Day 1, our residents have Morgan and David are all Life Vice Presidents and remain involved, isolation through a programme of week they had moved their long thrived at Liberty Lodge; quickly group activities and gatherings, term patients into the facility. referring to it as home. They are helping out when they can. VOS is a very good example of a life- ranging from creative workshops spending time together in the and outdoor visits to social groups, David O’Neill, Director of Health enhancing service for veterans, so communal lounge and looking where like-minded veterans and and Social Services at KEMH told us: out at the stunning views over we asked its CEO, Cdr (Rtd) Ian Millen (HMS Antrim in 1982) to their partners can enjoy a cuppa “As we were wondering how the harbour. This stimulation has tell us more. He writes… and a chat in good company. to cope with all the unknown worked wonders; for example, one resident was starting to speak and circumstances of the growing “VOS is an award-winning charity, communicate with others which pandemic, we were contacted by providing relaxed settings where UK he couldn’t in the hospital. We Ali Dodd (Manager of Liberty veterans and family members can have the oldest lady (98) in the Lodge) asking if Liberty Lodge drop in for confidential, social or Islands under our care; she loves could be of any help in our plans. psychological support. VOS serves to wave at people walking past, is What a wonderful offer! It would those who have served their nation Veterans enjoy a day trip on the able to complete copious amounts allow us to move our ‘long-term’ and, in recognition of its Falklands- Solent on HMS Puncher of crosswords and sits down to and elderly patient residents out related origins, welcome members eat meals with staff. We have VOS is known for its personal, face of harm’s way, should COVID of all three services of the British strived to make Liberty Lodge to face approach, so the Coronavirus cases need to be admitted to the Armed Forces and Reserves, the a home for the residents and Lockdown has come as a shock for hospital; in addition it would RFA and the Merchant Navy. VOS with the help of 10 nursing staff, the charity and those it serves. The release space in the ward area for became a charity in 2013 and was we have succeeded. It makes us good news is that the same flexibility ill patients.” a proud recipient of the Queen’s proud to see our residents happy. and ‘will to win’ that is ingrained Award for Voluntary Service in As a result, explains Mr O’Neill, Thank you, Falklands Veterans in our armed forces, along with 2017. The charity meets the welfare, the residents are much happier, and Foundation, for loaning us Liberty generous support from our donors, wellbeing and mental health needs generally more alert, and responsive Lodge and giving the residents a has meant we have found new ways of veterans, and extends its outreach to their new surroundings. second chance.” of working, including online and on throughout the UK. At its Drop- the telephone. We support veterans In centres, based in Portsmouth and their families just as we always and the Isle of Wight, the charity have, albeit in different ways. We brings together the public, private look forward to returning to the and charity sectors in a supportive brews, the banter, the laughter and ‘one-stop shop’, providing general the friendly gatherings that have welfare support, from legal, housing, been our hallmark since 2008.” financial and employment help To contact VOS: 023 973 1767 from experienced third sector (75-80 Queen Street, Portsmouth welfare agencies, such as SSAFA PO1 3HS) and the Royal British Legion, to wellbeing support from activity- www.vosuk.org based providers. VOS also has its www.facebook.com/ veteransoutreachsupport

VOS ‘Drop-In’

The HMS GLAMORGAN service was streamed live by FITV from Hookers Point near Stanley on Friday 12th June 2020 with 50 people only attending since Stanley was in lockdown. Over 100 viewed it virtually on Facebook most of whom were GLAMORGANs. Fun and Games at VOS ‘Drop-In’ books and information

Too little has been told about the defence of the Falklands at the time Annual of the initial Argentinian landings in April 1982. This volume by Robin Brodhurst Service 2021 devotes the majority of its story Sunday 13th June to that defence. It is written by Chapel Librarian the commanding officer of Naval Ever hopeful that it will go ahead, Party 8901, the Royal Marines the 2021 Service of Remembrance detachment on the Islands, who had and Thanksgiving will take place on arrived for his year’s deployment Sunday 13th June at 12.00. The day on the evening of 29 March, 72 The Falklands War; There and Back Again includes coffee/tea on arrival (from hours before the Argentinians. 10.00) and a buffet lunch in Drake The Story of Naval Party 8901 Hall after the Service. Tickets are Major Mike Norman was placed not required this year but please in an impossible position by the By Mike Norman and Michael Jones let us know you are coming (for lacklustre performance of both Published by Pen & Sword £25 catering and Chapel seating) by the Ministry of Defence and the completing the Invitation/Reply slip Foreign Office. Norman is not Foreword by Major General Julian Thompson enclosed. Please ensure that your just critical of them, but, quoting 230 pages, 32 black and white photos, 5 maps, index, bibliography name and contact details are on the chapter and verse, shows how form! There will be a train collection poorly they served the nation, ground attack was commanded and return service at 11.00 from and the Falkland Islanders in aircraft. Those by the author. In Reading Station. particular: an underestimation of Royal Marines were his account of the NOTE: Applications are dealt with the likely Argentinian actions, willing to lay down campaign he brings on a first-come first-served basis. a failure to support the Royal their lives to defend out excellently the If / when numbers exceed 600, Marines detachment with arms the sovereignty of Arctic conditions applicants will be invited to take and munitions, a commitment the Falklands, and they encountered part in full audio-visual streaming to defence cuts called for by only ceased fighting and again the of the service in the Nancy Harding the Treasury, rather than by a when ordered, so as professionalism Recital Hall. rational assessment of risks and to avoid loss of life, of the Marines The Trustees would like to thank commitments, exemplified by both military and shines through. the Members of the Legislative the decision to decommission civilian. In their Symbolically, it Assembly of the Falkland Islands HMS Endurance. To those on resistance they had was this group who Government for contributing to the the spot, these were foolhardy in badly damaged an raised the flag at cost of this event. the extreme, but Norman in his Argentinian vessel Government House Need Help to Attend? briefings at both ministries was (surely the only on 16 June. The Trustees would like to hear from fobbed off with excuses and a lack occasion a naval Little more needs to be added. any family members or veterans of effective direction. It makes ship has been damaged by an anti- This volume represents the Royal who would like to attend but are for difficult reading at times as his tank round) and killed at least 5 Marines at their best: experts in what unable to do so due to financial exasperation shines through. This and wounded at least 25 of their they do, tough and professional, yet hardship or inability to travel amateurishness of government is enemy. Amazingly they suffered no human, humorous and even earthy. distances unaccompanied. In these contrasted with the professionalism casualties of their own, a tribute to Their commitment to each other circumstances, it may be possible to of the Royal Marines. their abilities. As Wavell remarked comes across time and again, both assist using funds set aside for this to Churchill “A big butchers’ bill is purpose (see the enclosed leaflet). The total lack of understanding in what the authors write, and no indication of good generalship!” Applications will be treated with in London is shown by the feeling in the numerous quotations from Scandalously, no awards for bravery the utmost confidence. other members of Naval Party 8901. of betrayal when they returned were allowed, although the troop It is this worm’s eye view of the FIMCT website: to London. Rather than wait for leader on South Georgia, part of campaign that brings the story to life Over past months we have made accurate information as to what Naval Party 8901, was deservedly in a way that the lofty political view changes to our website management had actually happened, the press awarded a D.S.C. took the word of the Argentinians usually fails to do. Major Norman www.falklands-chapel.org.uk and that they had had an easy victory. Despite initial reluctance within and Michael Jones have asked some are now able to keep it much more Consider the facts: 65 Royal the MoD (how typical one may difficult questions of what went on up to date. We will always welcome Marines, and a few Falkland Island think), the returned Royal Marines in government circles before April your suggestions if you would like to Defence Forces, against over 700 volunteered to a man to return 1982 and I would guess that many get in touch. Argentinian regular Army and to the Falklands as part of the of the survivors from those circles Date for your diary! 40th special forces, backed by naval Task Force, and became part of J will find this book uncomfortable Anniversary Annual Service: gunfire, armoured vehicles and Company 42 Commando, which reading. They should. Sunday 12th June 2022.

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: Capt David Parsons Tel: 01295 738123 49 Westmead, The Park, Yeovil BA20 1DF Tel: 01935 414765 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Web: www.mna.org.uk