Never forget the Falklands
FORTY years ago on Tuesday, one of the bloodiest episodes in our military history was brought to a conclusion.
The 74-day struggle for the Falkland Islands waged between British and Argentine forces was a campaign defined by extreme hardship, intense violence and unspeakable bravery.
Thirty thousand sailors, marines, soldiers, airmen and merchant mariners took the long voyage south. Tragically, 255 would not return home. Many thousands
‘The battle for the height was ferocious’
more still live with the mental and physical effects from the war.
However, the Falklands is at risk of becoming a forgotten war. Research conducted on behalf of Help for Heroes found more than a quarter of people aged 18 to 24 had never heard of the conflict.
There are many chapters of the Falklands story that need to be told. From the Gurkhas and Royal Marines on the ground to the pilots in the skies; the sailors, and the losses suffered by Argentine forces.
For me, this week’s anniversary is a moment to reflect on the legacy left by the forefathers in my regiment. The Paras who went south occupy a legendary place in the annals of airborne history. None more so than Ian Mckay, of Wortley, South Yorks.
After six weeks at sea, Sergeant Mckay and his comrades from the 3rd Battalion landed at Port San Carlos.then followed a gruelling 60-mile march to the key objective of Mount Longdon.
The battle for the height was ferocious. Argentine forces were dug-in and welldefended by machine guns, mortars and artillery.all approaches were mined.
The enemy was only one obstacle with which the Paras had to contend. Icy rain and biting wind swept across the landscape. Some of the most robust men collapsed with exposure and exhaustion.
With his men pinned down, Sgt Mckay charged an enemy position alone against a hail of gun fire and despatched grenades.
He bought his comrades precious time but was killed in the act.
The war was over two days later. Sgt Mckay was later awarded a Victoria Cross – one of only two recipients from the campaign. The other – also posthumously – went to Lieutenant Colonel “H” Jones, the commanding officer of 2 Para.
Forty years on, we recognise their sacrifice and everyone who fell.we pay tribute to all those who went south.and we stand with those who still bear the scars of the conflict.theirs is a debt we can never repay but one we will always remember.
I WAS KIDNAPPED BY ARGENTINA’S GUCCI GUNMEN DURING THE WAR: PAGES 34&35