Please PM, just give us all the truth
Falklands hero’s plea over
FALKLANDS hero Simon Weston has urged Rishi Sunak to declassify documents about the attack that left him disfigured and killed 56 British servicemen.
Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessel Sir Galahad was bombed in 1982 by Argentinian jets. Her fellow RFA Sir Tristram was also hit in what became the deadliest day for UK forces since the Secondworldwar.
Both of the support ships were unloading at Fitzroy on the islands, dangerously close to enemy lines.
Evidence detailing why troops on the support vessels were left exposed to attack was provided to investigators shortly after the 1982 incident, but it has been blocked for public access until 2065.
However, Mr Weston, whose face became a defining image of the war, said the unsealing of the documents should also come in tandem with a new public inquiry.
He said: “I believe the Prime Minister is a very good man, a compassionate man, and a very understanding leader. I hope it’s within his power to be able to give us the satisfaction of knowing the truth. I call on him to declassify these documents.
“There have been many recent inquiries, for example in Northern Ireland, where we’ve seen documents unsealed because people deserve justice. I make this request for those brave men who cannot because they are no longer with us.”
The Sir Galahad bombing was a defining moment of the Falklands War, coming two months after Argentinian forces had invaded the islands in April 1982. Key testimony was provided to the 1982 private inquiry by Maj Gen Jeremy Moore, commander of the land forces and figurehead of the victory.
It remains sealed from the public. “When it is declassified in 2065 I will be 103,” Simon said. “For 41 years I’ve lived with my disfigurement. I’ve had 90 operations and been through horrendous pain. I lost my friend who died in my arms.
“I can’t forget these things. Please, Prime Minister, serve us the truth.”
‘For the men no longer with us’