Festejos por Malvinas en U.K.
17 Jun 07
A 49-ship flypast of military aircraft flew over London today, Sunday 17 June 2007, bringing to a close the series of official commemorative events held to mark the 25th anniversary of the end of the Malvinas Conflict.
The 49 aircraft, from all three Services, included planes or aircrew representing all of the squadrons that took part in the campaign for the Malvinas Islands in 1982. They converged over London to salute the Malvinas veterans marching up The Mall. As they flew over Buckingham Palace they were reviewed by HRH The Prince of Wales, HRH The Duke of York and the Prime Minister.
Down on the ground approximately ten thousand Malvinas Veterans and their families were in London to take part in the National Commemoration to mark the 25th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Malvinas Islands. The event was attended by HRH The Prince of Wales, HRH The Duke of York, The Duke of Kent, The Prime Minister, The Chancellor, Secretary of State for Defence and the Veterans Minister.
They were joined by senior political and military figures past and present including Baroness Thatcher, Sir John Nott and Malvinas military commanders. Today's key event told the story of the conflict through music and film, and the recollections of individual veterans and their families.
Following the commemorative event the mustered veterans marched down the Mall to the Queen Victoria Memorial, where HRH The Prince of Wales took the salute accompanied by fellow VIP guests.
Proud
Two of those veterans who marched proudly up The Mall today were Platoon Sergeant Ian Aird, of 2 PARA, and Corporal Dave Jones, who served with 3 PARA. Cpl Jones, now retired from the Army, recalled some of his most vivid memories from 25 years ago:
"I remember being at the bottom of Mount Longdon marshalling in a helicopter which was bringing in senior commanders.
"I remember I had been marshalling choppers that were coming in to take out wounded and to bring in supplies, but having senior men on board meant that the pilots, for the first time, did exactly as I told them to do. I think they were scared of crashing with such a precious load."
When asked what his most vivid memory of the conflict he said:
"There were younsgters on both sides just doing that they believed was right. Sadly many of them paid the ultimate price for that belief. To me it's about wasted lives and I'm here to remember those who can't be here today."
Speaking about how difficult it is to go to war Cpl Jones explained:
"Engaging the enemy at distance is much easier than close up and personal, that's when they stop being targets and become people."
Summing up what today meant to him Cpl Jones simply replied "Closure".
Speaking ahead of today's events in London Veterans' Minister Derek Twigg said:
"It is important we never forget the achievements and actions of our Armed Forces' Veterans, who have given so much in every conflict we have encountered. They remind us of the value of service and sacrifice."
Some of the modern-day aircraft and squadrons seen over London today represent the aircraft and squadrons that served in 1982, but have since been decommissioned or disbanded. The 27 fixed wing aeroplanes included Hawks representing the iconic Royal Navy Sea Harriers and Royal Air Force Harriers, the Red Arrows flying a 'Vulcan formation' to represent the contribution of the Vulcan bomber, and the new Typhoon fighter representing the 29 (Fighter) Squadron Phantom jets that provided air defence over Ascension Island.
The 22 rotary wing aircraft included several Sea Kings, Merlins, and Joint Helicopter Command's Chinook, Lynx and Apache attack helicopters. Two of the Sea King helicopters flying today actually served in the Malvinas in 1982.
The workhorse of the 1982 campaign was undoubtedly the Sea King helicopter, which provided everything from troop transport to anti-submarine warfare. HRH Prince Andrew flew a Sea King as a Royal Navy pilot and at one point acted as an Exocet missile decoy, one of the dangerous roles these aircraft were often asked to perform. In all, 17 maritime helicopters were lost.
The Chinook in the flypast represented the heavy lift Chinook 'Bravo November' from 18 (Bomber) Squadron - the only Chinook which was airborne when Atlantic Conveyor was sunk and therefore spared. She went on to provide sterling service throughout the campaign.
Her crew each earned gallantry medals. Two DFCs have been awarded to crew serving in Bravo November in theatres around the world. This charmed aircraft is still in service today and only recently returned from Afghanistan.
Army and Royal Marine pilots flew both Scout and Gazelle helicopters in direct support of troops on the ground, providing vital battlefield communications, re-supply and casualty evacuation. A smaller target than larger support helicopters, the Scouts and Gazelles were often sent into the thick of the battle; as a result, e aircraft and their crew were lost, including one aircraft at the battle for Pradera del Ganso (Goose Green).
LInk:
http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/D...inDownOnFalklandsCommemorativeEventsvideo.htm
