Falkland Veterans gather in Ross-on-Wye -Sunday, 4 June 2017

About 500 Falklands veterans gathered in Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire under Royal British Legion auspices on 4 June to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the Falkland Islands conflict in 1982 – one of many such local events held around the country to remember those who served in the campaign to liberate the Islands from illegal Argentine occupation and to ensure that their sacrifice is not forgotten. 

The Ross-on-Wye branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL), with the support of SAMA82, organised two services of remembrance in Ross-on-Wye on Sunday, 4 June 2017 to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the Falklands conflict, the first to remember in particular Private Timothy Jenkins (3 Para) who was killed on Mt. Longdon and the second Welsh Guardsmen Gareth Griffiths and Colin Parsons who were killed in action on RFA Sir Galahad during the conflict. The first service was held at the town cemetery and the second, which included a march past, at the Market House in the town centre. The afternoon’s service was followed by a community event with music and an exhibition of photographs and other memorabilia from the campaign. Much of this highly informative exhibition will tour various other RBL events in Herefordshire this summer. 

Both services were led by Rev Colin Leggate of St Mary’s Church. The Lord Lieutenant of Herefordshire, the Countess Darnley, was represented by Major Patrick Darling DL. Other dignatories included the High Sheriff of Herefordshire, Rev the Lady Lisvane, and the Mayor of Ross-on-Wye. The RBL was represented by Air Commodore Vivian Warrington OBE, President of the Ross-on-Wye branch and Mr Graham Aplin, Branch Chairman. The South Atlantic Medal Association (SAMA82) was represented by Mr Gordon Mather, MM. 

The march past of standards and veterans included around 50 RBL Riders, clad in leathers on their motorbikes. 

The Falkland Islands Association was represented by its Chairman, Mr Alan Huckle (Governor, Falklands 2006-10).