Veterans Pilgrimage 2002

By Denzil Connick, Founding Secretary of SAMA (82) 
(Falkland Islands Newsletter No.83, January 2003)

How it all began

I need to briefly describe my first visit to the Falklands in 1999, nearly seventeen years after the war, invited by the Falklands Government in my capacity as Secretary of SAMA (82).

Until the Pilgrimage this November, only a trickle of veterans has ever been able to visit the Falklands; certainly very few had ever been back as civilians. I was very nervous about returning. I wanted so desperately to go, but felt it would be too much to bear emotionally and might make matters worse for nerves shattered by the horrors of war. I suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), as do most combat veterans to one degree or another, and was unsure about confronting such vivid reminders of the saddest and most terrifying period in my life. Even so, the day arrived, and instead of a deadly enemy, I was greeted by my host, old friend and comrade Terry Peck.

All my fears were unfounded. I visited Mount Longdon, scene of the battle fought so bravely and at such huge cost by my battalion, 3 Para, where I was so badly wounded on June 13th, just one day before fighting ended. I visited other places and took time in prayer to remember all my comrades who died seventeen years before. I delighted in the beauty of the Islands in peacetime, untarnished by the misery and squalor of war. I saw how brilliantly the people have taken care of their Islands since they were liberated, ensuring that the sacrifices made for their freedom were not in vain.

The bottom line is this, 'I returned home to Wales a much happier and nicer Denzil Connick'. I was more relaxed, less moody and according to my wife Theresa, 'a much nicer person to live with'.

Reporting back to SAMA, it became obvious that revisiting the Islands could assist other veterans come to terms with their memories of war and 'lay their ghosts to rest'. Soon after this SAMA formed a special committee to investigate the feasibility of a special pilgrimage to the Islands during the 20th Anniversary in 2002.

The planning

Early meetings of the Pilgrimage Committee, headed by Major General Malcolm Hunt, highlighted the enormity of the task. None the less, dedicated members and supporters kept the project alive.

The biggest hurdle was air transport to the Falklands. The RAF couldn't assist. Quite understandably, 'operational requirements' took priority and they couldn't set a precedent for SAMA, if they couldn't do the same for other veterans groups. We would need to charter a plane privately and the cost was daunting. One quote was in excess of £500,000!

After determined searching (by Rick Jolly), we got a more palatable quote from Air Jolly, of about £250,000. The next battle was to get this.

Time proved how generous people can be, given the right cause. From raffles to sponsored parachute jumps (one jumper was our bilateral amputee, John 'No Toes' Jones), public donations following media appeals (in particular in The Daily Express) and by our great friend and supporter Jim Davidson and from an ever generous Falklands population, the money came in steadily. David Brown (SAMA North) made considerable contributions from two reunions at the Guide Inn, Yorkshire. David also helped design and sell the SAMA Polo Shirts. The major service charities such as the RN (RNBT) and the Army (ABF) supported some individuals who could not afford the personal contributions involved. This was boosted by Islanders who gave up their unused FIG Holiday Travel Credits!

With finance assured, a recce party of Lt. Colonel Tony Davies (ex Welsh Guards) and myself returned to the Islands. We met Governor Lamont, the Councillors, our own SAMA Committee in the Falklands, British Forces there, and many others. All were enthusiastic.

This was the first time Tony had returned. The marvellous effect on him again confirmed the good the pilgrimage would do. The SAMA Falklands Committee launched the 'Bed for a Vet Appeal'. A Transport Committee was formed, ensuring this for us too.

Last September, I made a final solo recce to tie up loose ends. This time I stayed at Government House as a guest of HE, an experience I shall always treasure. Here I was in splendid luxury and peaceful surroundings …. in complete contrast to my humble dwelling on a bleak and dangerous Mount Longdon. I must mention too that the Governor's single malt whisky collection was excellent!

D Day is coming!

The weeks preceding our journey were a blur of activity. Final changes to the pilgrim list went on right up to the wire. Sadly, one was Major General Malcolm Hunt, our President and Committee Chairman - ordered by his doctor not to travel. Malcolm had worked hard to keep us going during the difficult early stages, and deserves recognition for his leadership with the pilgrimage efforts throughout, even when he became ill.

With the welcome addition of Debs Ford from FIGO London, communications between the UK and Falklands streamed back and forth with drafts of accommodation lists and the programme. But, Terry and his team came through for us, just as they did back in 1982. Thank you chaps and chapeses.

Rick Jolly, his wife Suzy and secretary Rosalie worked many nights into the small hours on the manifest and loading configuration of our tightly packed Air 2000 Boeing 757.

Our media entourage were co-ordinated by our great friend and superb photographer, Nigel Hawks. Captain Reed MN, another stalwart, and 'Chairman Elect' of SAMA, departed as a one man 'advance party' two days ahead of the main pilgrimage group. He would be our representative for the UK Committee whilst we were in transit.

It's really happening, we're flying today!

Departure from a cold and damp Gatwick Airport dawned with a breakfast at our little hotel, The Corner House. About twelve pilgrims spent the night there, mainly ex 3 Para and some sailors. There was a 'mini reunion'. The bar ran out of beer! Need I say more, but the excitement of our journey overcame all hangovers.

Our check-in desk at the airport was busy checking off the pilgrims who were quickly moved to our private departure lounge to await our special guests coming to see us off. They were none other than Baroness Thatcher, Sir Rex Hunt, Major General Julian Thompson, Major General Malcolm Hunt, Mr Jim Davidson and Miss Sukey Cameron.

There is much affection for Baroness Thatcher from the veterans. I have seen surprise in Britain over this. After all the say, "wasn't it her as Prime Minister who sent us to war and an uncertain future, to suffer?" They have missed the point completely …. we went to war for the most honourable principle known to man, to defend the freedom of our own people. We did so proudly and with the same determination as Margaret Thatcher. She had the courage to take on this awesome responsibility. We did not let her or Britain down! The same affection is shown to the great Winston Churchill. Why should it be different for Margaret Thatcher? Just because the Falklands are 8,000 miles away does not make them any less British or less a sovereign state.

Maggie was on form and patiently signed our special postcards. Sir Rex mingled among the men giving encouragement and best wishes, as did our Generals Julian and Malcolm.

Jim Davidson's speech turned into one of his comedy routines - much to the delight of everyone. Everyone knows of his huge respect for British Forces and he is a relentless supporter of SAMA. The best surprise was when Maggie, Sir Rex, General Julian and Jim Davidson came aboard once we were all seated and gave us a speech over the pipes. There were not many dry eyes as we waved good bye and soared off.

The Great Arrival

As we began our descent to the Falklands the atmosphere was electric. Some tried to catch a glimpse of the Islands. Over West Falkland there was a hint of dawn. A great cheer went up as we touched down; at last we were there!

We were greeted by RAF ground crews and the sound of the pipes from our very own piper, Paddy Burton. I was among the first off (due to my crutches) and was met by Commodore Richard Ibbotson, the Commanding Officer and his staff. He greeted everyone as they stepped onto Falklands soil again, saluted and shook their hands, which I thought showed great humility and respect on his part.

We were taken to the Officers Mess for another breakfast. Any tiredness quickly went as we moved off in buses to our welcome address by the Governor in Stanley. By now daylight was complete. There was excited chatter all around: "Look there is a mine field and look, there is that stone run I walked through one night and wow, that's Mount Harriet isn't it?"

A large home made sign by the road said: 'Welcome SAMA 2002'. These words set the theme for all our time on the Islands as very welcome visitors indeed! The Governor made a wonderful speech. Then everyone went to meet their hosts.

I was staying at the Cable & Wireless house with fellow pilgrims Mike (Mush) Bateman, a comrade of my own platoon and his brother-in-law, Alan Matthews, of the Air Defence detachments, Royal Artillery, in 1982. Mush was wounded by splinters that destroyed his vocal cords. He still has to breathe through a tracheotomy, a hole in his wind pipe.

Brian Summers had stocked the fridge to get us started. Unlike most other pilgrims, we three were going 'self-catering', but Brian offered us a hot meal that evening if we wanted it.

After a while, we had our first visitor, Marvin Clarke. He became, on his volunteering, our guide and driver whenever we needed him. We renamed him 'Marvellous Marvin'!

I had arranged for a vehicle from Stanley Services. On collecting this, I was again surprised by the generosity that would overwhelm us all. Robert Rowlands of Stanley Services said there would be no charge. Thank you Robert.

That evening, after some rest, we paid our first visit to the Globe pub. We were not surprised to see many other pilgrims and Islanders. The pilgrims were impressed with the arrangements and the changes in the town. I took a drive out to Estancia Farm alone to visit Tony and Ailsa Heathman. They are old friends and I wanted to see them as soon as possible.

Day Two - Port Pleasant and San Carlos

Marvin arrived early to take us out, and we saw for the first time the support offered us by Islanders. There were an impressive eighty plus 4 x 4 vehicles to take the pilgrims out.

We headed out up the airport road. It looked like vehicles stretched for miles. I doubt if there had ever been so much traffic on a Falklands road.

Every mile or so, we passed vehicles stopped with veterans looking and pointing to some distant feature, no doubt reminiscing about it twenty years before. Marvin kept us informed with a commentary.

First stop would be Goose Green and the 2 Para Memorial and settlement. This was also the day our Welsh Guards would face their ghosts where they last saw Sir Galahad. This is not at Bluff Cove, as has been wrongly reported, but Port Pleasant. There was nothing pleasant there twenty years ago. This time they could pay respects to their lost comrades, and keep forever a new and more heart-warming memory of the place.

They were supported by the extended family of veterans and Islanders, who were there for them then, as they will be for ever. The Celtic Cross, of Welsh stone, is a beautiful monument on the shore of the wild South Atlantic. Not far away, the men who died, lie in the ship that is now their coffin. You feel as though you can connect with the souls lost in this very spiritual place.

One of the difficulties for the friends and relatives of those whose grave is the sea, is that there is no 'tangible' grave to visit. Memorials are the next best thing. Those at Port Pleasant are among the most moving in the world.

We arrived at the 2 Para Memorial, just outside Goose Green …. and gave the brass plaque a polish …. we cleaned all of them. Mush and Alan were becoming somewhat emotional. Unlike me, this was their first time back. Others began to arrive and we moved on to Goose Green itself.

At the community hall we enjoyed teas and cakes put on by the residents. Its hard to imagine so many men women and children being confined here during the Argentine occupation. You could tell how proud those people are, that they could open their doors again for their victorious saviours.

2 Para veterans described to army and navy colleagues the intricacies of the battle there. This would be returned later on Mount Longdon where contrasting terrain offered opposite problems, in these amazing feats of battle.

Blue Beach Service

Next stop was Blue Beach Cemetery at San Carlos for a short service and lunch. By now the wind was blowing hard, the warm sun replaced by cloud. The pilgrims gathered around the few houses at San Carlos, near the little museum.

A helicopter landed with Governor Lamont, his wife Lynda, Commodore Ibbotson, his aides and the clergy. The beating of the rotor blades brought back memories of the frantic activity here twenty years before as the Task Force gained the 'beach head'.

We gathered around the tiny cemetery. This would be the first of several emotional 'official' services of remembrance. The cemetery reminds me of a stone sheep corral, I guess this was the intention. One of the graves is of Colonel 'H' Jones VC. There is a facing wall listing all those whose grave is the sea. It eases the grief of those with no land grave to visit; again in a splendid location and close to some who rest in the sea nearby.

The Reverend McHaffie began. There was a hymn, prayers of remembrance, a scripture reading, the always emotional 'Last Post', silence and Reveille. We listened to the haunting tune of the bagpipes playing a lament. There were not many dry eyes.

Many veterans and relatives stayed to look at the graves and roll of honour, some tracing their fingers over the names carved in the stone; so many memories, so much grief. It's hard to transcribe my thoughts without a great lump to my throat.

We gathered at the settlement for refreshments. This was a liberal supply of tea, beer and an excellent chicken curry or beef stew. The day had been a great success. Changes in the group were evident already; any nagging doubts about coming to the Islands were gone for ever. The Governor, Commander British Forces Falkland Islands and their group left to meet HRH Prince Andrew at the airport.

The garrison had laid on a landing craft to get across to Ajax Bay. This is where Dr Rick Jollys Field Hospital was set up in an abandoned concrete abattoir. The combined medical teams gave it the endearing name 'The Red & Green Life Machine' after their maroon and green berets. It holds many memories for those with burns, blast and gunshot wounds and those who cared for them. Famously, it was attacked, leaving two unexploded bombs close to those working there. Courageously, the medical teams carried on regardless.

The Royal Standard Flies

Back in Stanley, we passed Government House with pride. The Royal Standard was flying, a rare sight indeed. We watched Coronation Street - and then visited the pubs. In the Globe it was Karaoke Night! I like a good sing song, which my old mates from 3 Para will vouch for! Microphone in hand, I was soon destroying whatever song I chose to sing, but hey! It's only fun! The mood was fantastic, veterans and Islanders, as one, having a ball! I had a dance with a great character …. Mrs Betts, mother of Terry Betts who wrote the song '255', written in memory of those who died in the war.

Day Three - Liberation Monument Service

We dressed in our best for the parade at the Liberation Monument. It was cool and sunny. Terry Peck was anxious to get everyone into position for the arrival of the Governor and HRH. Islanders turned out in force. There were hundreds from town and camp. The Falkland Islands Defence Force (FIDF) provided an Honour Guard in best uniforms. They stood with rifles muzzle down, heads bowed and perfectly still, impressing even the guardsmen among us.

The Royal British Legion and our own SAMA Standards were to my right. Kenny Dawkins, our Standard Bearer, did an excellent job then and later. Well done Kenny!

HE and HRH arrived, and the service began with the National Anthem. We all sang with pride. HMS Leeds Castle was anchored just behind us. She is a veteran of the war and must have been a strange sight for the few Leeds Castle veterans with us.

Following welcome, hymns and prayers, poems were read out by Dr Rick Jolly nad Captain Martin Reed. Rick read his own version of the World War One poem 'In Flanders Fields'. A very moving poem. This time, Rick used the words 'In Falklands Fields' and scattered poppies. Along our front rank many had tears rolling unashamedly down their cheeks. A glance up at the people surrounding the monument showed the same.

We went through the traditional acts of remembrance, 'The Last Post', silence and the laying of wreaths, with a lament from our piper Paddy. It was most poignant when our Next of Kin (bereaved) pilgrims laid wreaths. Widows, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, sons and daughters, come to pay their own homage in a most emotional act in front of so many people.

At the end, the Governor and HRH came along the ranks to meet and greet the pilgrims. What began as a rather formal and stiff occasion soon broke into gales of laughter. Someone (no names no pack drill) broke wind and was clearly noticed by HRH. A shout went up 'I'm Spartacus'! Followed by another person declaring 'I'm Spartacus'! HRH was highly amused. He is a veteran and member of SAMA and clearly enjoys the same 'service' sense of humour. The mood was now one of high spirits as HRH met as many of those present as possible.

Fishing Interlude

The day was warm and sunny. We got a picnic and went fishing with Debs Ford, Ralph (Nobby) Clarke ex 3 Para, his host Maggie Battersby and her mum Nora Smith. SAMA film maker David McCready and cameraman Fraser Reid joined us to film the fishing and get some 'sound bites'.

Our three car convoy left on the road to Teal Inlet. We passed the wreckage of the Argentine Chinook helicopter shot down in 1982 and stopped for a nose about. David filmed this. Close by is the wreck of an Argentine Puma helicopter. We had pillaged a quantity of 7.62mm ammunition from this prior to the battle for Mount Longdon.

Just after Estancia, we came across a pleasant inlet where we fished for a while. The tide was going out and we never caught a thing. Still, this was of no consequence as we enjoyed our picnic, sat on the soft grass talking and relaxing.

On our way back we looked at the penguins at Gypsy Cove. Some of the nests, made from holes in the ground, had a penguin inside, but most were vacant. This was because a seal had been disturbing the colony, eating the penguins. The errant seal was nowhere to be seen.

After a most enjoyable day out, it was on to the public reception at the HQ of the FIDF. It was bursting with Islanders and veterans. Tables groaned under beer and food. People stood talking and gesturing, in a tremendous atmosphere.

HRH arrived and moved among us talking with those lucky enough to get close to him. After a couple of hours I got a lift to the Narrows Bar. Here the Fighting Pigs were playing their mix of country, rock & blues and popular music. They can do well at any venue. I was chuffed to be given a T-shirt with the band's motif. I finally crawled into bed exhausted.

Day Four - Remembrance Sunday

I awoke to find Islander Philip Miller chatting to Mush and Alan. Philip is an old friend who as a very young man assisted my battalion by driving the tractors and sledges carrying our Milan missiles. Recently married to his lovely wife Sheena, Philip runs his farm on Cape Dolphin, a very beautiful part of East Falkland. He was recently elected Councillor.

Ready to go again, we met at Christchurch Cathedral for the service preceding the Remembrance Sunday Parade and Service at the Stanley Cross of Sacrifice.

The Cathedral, whilst it is a Cathedral, is only the size of your average village church. It was packed with local people and veterans in the company of HRH. There was an overspill in the nearby church hall. Connected by speakers, the church service was relayed live to all outside the church.

This over, we marched the short distance to the Cross of Sacrifice. Led by the Standards, serving troops, the FIDF and Sea Cadets, we marched with the band playing. We were clapped and cheered by Islanders along the route.

We were now paying our respects to all who died for the Commonwealth in both world wars, as well as those who died in 1982. The Roll of Honour was read out. It was clear that the losses per head in the Falklands had been very high compared with other nations. It shows how proudly British these Islands have always been; a point worth remembering.

Memorial Wood

The service over, we marched to Memorial Wood, and each collected a little poppy cross to be placed by its appropriate tree. Each tree was in memory of one of the 255 killed from the Task Force and the three Islanders. We each went to find our tree and, with one of the children there to accompany us, planted the cross.

There were some strange coincidences. We had collected our crosses at random, none of us knew which tree or person it belonged to until we looked at the map. But a few of the chaps actually got crosses belonging to close friends. Mine was for Neil Grose, killed on Mount Longdon with 3 Para. I had a letter from Ann Grose, Neil's mother, just before we left for the Islands with a special request. It read as follows:-

"Dear Denzil, When we met in June you spoke of putting crosses from relatives in the Falklands when you visit in November. As you know, Neil was with you at Mount Longdon. If appropriate, please leave the following message on a cross."

Neil - much loved son and brother, remembered always, constantly in our thoughts and dreams - Mum, Mark and Debbie.

For me to actually pick up Neil's cross at random and to have his mother's message in my pocket is, to me, more than coincidence. I believe God had a hand in this. There were other similar strange 'coincidences'.

That afternoon, we went to the FIDF for another fine reception. It included the presentation of cheques to SAMA from Captain Tam Noble 2i/c of the Resident Infantry Company posted from the Parachute Regiment. Men from Tam's Company had marched from MPA to Stanley and rowed on a machine a distance equivalent to around both East and West Falkland Islands. Tam is an old mate, who was a Corporal with 3 Para in 1982. Now a Captain, Tam is fiercely proud of his Regiment and its part in the 1982 war. During his six months on the Islands, he often took young servicemen and women on battle field tours, imparting his intimate knowledge to them, particularly on Mount Longdon. His crowning glory, at the end of his tour, was to parachute jump with his platoon onto Goose Green! 'Airborne all the way'! Tam joined the veterans on many activities during the pilgrimage.

There were presentations from individual pilgrims. Phil Adkins presented the FIDF with a Welsh Miner's 'Davey Lamp'. A limited edition print of the two posthumous VC winners of the war, Colonel 'H' Jones and Sergeant Ian McKay, signed by the widow and mother respectively, was also presented.

After a stongly emotional few days, this was a good opportunity to decompress over a few 'more' beers; chatting with serving personnel from MPA, the FIDF and locals.

Day Five - Mount Longdon & Baptism

Another special day. I would once again visit Mount Longdon and finally be baptised into the Christian Church.

The idea of baptism came to me on the flight down to the Islands. Sat in the row of seats behind me was old friend Reverend David Devenney. Like me in 1982, he was a JNCO, but with 42 Commando RM. Like me, he had sailed south on the Canberra. When we cross-decked to our assault ships for the landings, we shook hands and wished each other well for what we were about to face. We never saw or heard of each other again until David joined SAMA fifteen years later. He had found inner peace in God. Not only that, he had studied theology at university and been ordained a Church of Scotland minister.

I am not very religious, but I am a 'believer'. I was shocked to find out I had never been christened as a child. None of my brothers had either. Mother and dad thought it would be better left to personal choice as we grew up. Since I learned of this I felt I needed to get baptised - to make a statement that I do believe in Goad and Jesus Christ our Lord.

Thinking of David assisting the other chaplains during our various services, it came to me that I would like him to baptise me in the Falklands. David thought this a splendid idea, but wanted to chat through the commitments and reasons behind this very important personal event. As he correctly pointed out, this is a personal contract with God himself, and not to be taken lightly! He wanted to be sure that I was doing it for the right reasons. I satisfied his searching questions. H also sought advice and permission from Reverend Alistair McHaffie at Stanley Cathedral. The formalities taken care of, we set the date and place for the summit of Mount Longdon, under the stainless steel cross, for Monday 11th November 2002.

On Mount Longdon would be all the 3 Para lads on the pilgrimage, some of the Next of Kin, these being Dick and Gareth Jones (father and brother of Craig who was killed by the shell that wounded me), Geoffrey Crow (father of my great pal John Crow killed at the height of the battle), our great friend and 'Honorary' Paratrooper, Terry Peck, Phil and Sheena Miller, Tony and Ailsa Heathman (it was Ailsa's birthday too!), Debs Ford, some media followers and our tireless drivers.

This would be my fourth visit to Mount Longdon, but, for most, it would be the first, including Mush Bateman, with me in the Landrover. I sensed the atmosphere change as we got closer. We began to recognise land marks and, of course, the many shell holes now full of dark peaty water.

We gathered about the great silver cross on the summit. Laurie Ashbridge, our RSM in 1982, organised us into a formal group to observe the silence for the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. David said a few words as a service and wreaths were laid, one by Mush and myself on behalf of the Patriot MC of which we are both members. It was eerie to hear the distinctive voice of Laurie Ashbridge, where over twenty years before he had been heard asking of our welfare following the battle. He used our first names then too, something I remember! Some were overcome with emotion as we hugged each other, a sign of the huge bonds that exist between this unique brotherhood.

Then we settled down for my baptism. I sat under the cross. David stood to my side, bible in hand. The words of the traditional baptism were read. I answered the questions and made my commitment to God. David poured water from the cup of a thermos flask onto my bowed head as he spoke the words of baptism. It was cold and windy, but I felt true inner warmth. I know too that those in our company were as moved as anyone could be. It simply felt right and proper to be here at this special place, at this time, surrounded not just by my living friends, but also by the spirit of dead friends …. what could be better than that?

We then went about the old position to reflect and take in the wonderful views from the top of Mount Longdon. A FIGAS plane was flying around with other pilgrims on local sight seeing flights. We waved and cheered as they came close.

Following some lunch, nips from hip flasks, and a whole bottle of whisky brought by the Millers, we slowly began our journeys back to Stanley, some possibly for the last time, but for others, myself included, till the next time, maybe with my children to show them where it all happened for their old man!

That night Sheena Miller cooked us home made sausages and mash with onion gravy. We ate well and went out to the pub again. It was packed.

Day Six - Fly Fishing on the Malo and Pedro

Today I would be having a day for myself. No memorials, no battlefields or official visits and functions, the day was clear for me to fish some of the most productive sea trout rivers to be found anywhere in the world, total bliss!

I went with Pete Lygo (ex 3 Para). He caught the 'bug' (excuse the pun) to fly fish from me last year on Exmoor where I taught a number of SAMA members who suffer from PTSD how to fish. Fishing is good therapy for stress, and here in the Falkalnds, you would be hard pressed to find more unspoilt natural beauty.

Our guide was expert fly fisher Paul Chapman. He moved to the Islands from his native Yorkshire after falling in love with them while on contract as a decorator. Now he is a respected Falklands' citizen, and member of the Malo Fly Fishing Club.

Time flies when you are enjoying yourself and it was soon time to leave. On our way back, we visited the Heathmans at Estancia. We were pleased to see they had a house full.

Back at my digs there was just enough time to change and get a taxi to Government House. The taxi services in Stanley were working 'overtime' and did a great job at very reasonable fares. The standard fare is £2 anywhere in town.

Governor's Reception

We were greeted by Governor Donald Lamont and his charming wife Lynda. Government House layout is now quite familiar to me. It is very British in its design and furnishings. Pilgrims visiting for the first time were impressed too - with the house and the hospitality of our host. Donald made sure that plenty of food and drink was available and this was brought by very attentive house staff.

Our Pilgrimage was one of the last official events for the Governor. He had already served as Governor for well over three years and had an extension to be there for the pilgrimage and royal visit. I know personally how interested he was that these should be a success and was in regular contact with him throughout his Governorship. I hope to remain in contact with Donald and Lynda, who I regard as friends. I would like to thank them for being such wonderful hosts and for taking a keen and helpful hand in the pilgrimage plans.

Ours was the last of the Governor's receptions for the Pilgrimage - and an opportunity for some speeches. The Governor made the first, and it went down well. He came over as genuine, which I already knew, and which others recognised too. David Brown presented him with another framed and signed print of the two Falklands War VC winners Lt. Col. 'H' Jones and Sergeant Ian McKay. This will probably hang in Government House. Dick Jones presented the Governor with a bottle of rare Scotch from a limited number specially labelled for the Parachute Regiment, allegedly the last bottle! The Reception was a great success. Our last night ended back in the pubs, many 'goodbye' drinks and a very late night. Tomorrow, we were going home - all too soon. A rather sad atmosphere pervaded that this was the case.

The Return Journey

We were awake early and frantically packed. Marvin was on hand to assist. I had far more things than when I arrived. I carefully packed a beautiful limited edition gift set of Falkland Islands crystal glasses made to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the war. The owners of this Falklands business, Keith and Marilyn Grimmer, gave me set number 82 - very special indeed. Keith is a great fisherman too!

Everyone had to be at the HQ FIDF by 0730 to be collected by the coaches. Governor Lamont made a great farewell speech, as did Gary [Clement], the champion of our Transport Committee, who had pulled off a minor miracle. The Governor, assisted by two children, then presented SAMA, on behalf of the Falklands people with a copy of the document giving the Freedom of the Islands to British Forces who had served and continued to serve in the Falklands to maintain the hard won freedom and peace that is enjoyed by everyone today and in the future.

Rick Jolly accepted this and thanked everyone for the wonderful time we all had on this very special pilgrimage. Special mention was made of those who had helped in the planning, in particular Terry Peck and his team, FIGO and the many ordinary Islanders who had given up their homes, vehicles, time and money to make the venture possible.

Rick then presented the Governor, for the people of the Falklands, solid silver medallions showing the obverse and reverse of the South Atlantic Medal, struck in the Royal Mint by permission of the Queen. These were in recognition of the many Islanders who by passive resistance or otherwise defied the Argentines and who never received recognition with a South Atlantic Medal. Her Majesty received solid gold versions of these medallions at a special audience later.

The roller coaster of emotions now finally spilled over. We boarded our coaches and paid last farewells to our many friends, with tears nad hugging and lumps in throats. We left Stanley with a police escort, and were waved the whole way out by the many people who turned out to see us all off.

On my coach, we were kept from crashing down too hard by Laurie (Blandy) Bland (ex 3 Para). He is a natural comedian and found a microphone lying idle …. deadly mistake! Blandy entertained us with quips in his fine Yorkshire accent as though he were a tour guide in the Yorkshire Dales.

In the airport, Paddy struck up on his bagpipes. I laid my crutches on the floor as crossed swords and Blandy danced a 'highland fling' between them, much to everyone's delight.

A good number of Islanders had followed us to the airport to wave us off. These farewells were very emotional. Hugging Philip and Sheena Miller my own waterworks began and I had to make my excuses to try and be alone.

Claudette [Anderson] handed me the flag of the Falkland Islands that once flew outside the Councillors' Office and said it could now be used by SAMA to drape over the top table at official functions. We had a more immediate use for it! We formed a group and posed for a photograph, the flag held out by the front row - one for the album!

After we took off, the Captain did a low pass over MPA. The mood was subdued but we cheered up a little at Rio for refuelling. There we dropped off Colonel Mike Bowles and Richard Morris. Mike was a Major in 1982 with the RCT Port Squadron and is now Military Attache at the British Embassy there. He kindly brought us all a round of coffees and beers. Richard Morris, an ex RM, now lives in Florida and was catching his connection on from Rio the next day. Richard is the SAMA rep in the USA.

Banjul

We continued on to Banjul in the Gambia. The Captain and crew had spent the pilgrimage with us, and gave us a moving speech about how privileged they had been. We had blown a tyre on landing due to runway debris. This delayed us eight hours! We had a replacement tyre, but no compressor to inflate it. Messages were sent to the UK that we would be very late. Rescue came from a passing Russian Ilyushin. They had a compressor at a lock-up used for maintenance at the airport.

The Gift of a House

The flight to Gatwick seemed to take for ever. Before we landed, Rick Jolly said a few words and so did John Jackson our welfare officer. He announced the amazing gift of a house on the Falklands by Falklands Councillors and farmers Roger and Norma Edwards at Fox Bay on West Falkland. I said a few words on how fantastic the week had been for me and how I knew how much it had meant to all concerned. Mr Gerald Howarth, MP for Aldershot, with us for the pilgrimage, told of his own feelings of privilege on being with us, and that he would quickly report back to his colleagues at Westminster on its success - and encourage them to support future similar ventures.

David Morgan, Phil Adkins and I caught the bus back to our hotel to collect my car and travel back to Wales. I arrived home at midnight - totally exhausted.

Early Aftermath

In the weeks since, I have been moved by the many letters and emails from pilgrims, wives and family telling of the great benefits the pilgrimage has brought them. Dr Morgan O'Connell, our in-house psychiatrist and a 1982 veteran himself, is collating the questionnaires we all completed. This will form part of valuable research into the therapeutic values of conducting a pilgrimage in the way SAMA has.

In the future, hundreds more Falklands War veterans and families will travel to the Islands (in smaller groups) based on the 2002 experience. In the long term, many thousands of veterans stand to benefit from this. In the words of one pilgrim from the Welsh Guards: "One week in the Falklands has done me more good than a whole year of counselling."

My own last words are these: "No one can be as proud as I am on seeing the SAMA Falklands Pilgrimage become the reality and success that it has. The hard work that it took by many dedicated people has been rewarded with the 'well being and healing' it has brought to the hundreds of veterans, families and Falkland Islanders. I am proud to be associated with SAMA, the Falkland Islands, and with the on-going success of all our endeavours. Thank you."

This article appeared in the Falkland Islands Newsletter, Edition 83, January 2003. The Falkland Islands Association is an independent organisation which brings together those who support the continuing freedom of the people of the Falkland Islands. Its Constitution states that its objectives are to assist the people of the Falkland Islands to decide their own future for themselves without being subjected to pressure direct or indirect from any quarter.

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