Falkland Islands 30th Anniversary Part 1
After seeing Rob3274's blogs and it being the 30th Anniversary I thought I would share some photo's from that time
I went to the Falklands on the second wave in 1982 arriving towards the end of the Conflict and spent 6 months on the Islands
We flew from RAF Brize Norton to ascension island stopping off for re-fuelling, not sure where but it was very hot and we were stood next to a very deep ditch and we could here Lions roaring in the darkness
We transfered to the North Sea Ferry MV Norland for the trip down to the Falkland Islands, the car decks being used for gym/circuit training
Small arms training continued off the back of the ship
Even the Civilian crew were taught how to use them
Re-fuelling at sea was a precarious moment
Port Stanley church with its Whale Bone Arch
After the cease fire thinks soon settled into normal Military settings
Their mad of strong stuff the Islanders
A march for a special Visitor
Arriving in the Governors Car visiting the junior school
The Islands War Memorial
The following photo's show some of the memorials that were put up to remember the fallen
An aerial view of Port Stanley
The following photo's show the remains or war
The Royal Artillery leave their mark
I hear the smokers amongst you crying lol
these were left during the conflict and they thought that they could have been contaminated so 20,000 Players cigarettes went up in smoke
I hope the telecommunications has evolved
and dyson has finnally arrived on the Islands
6 months on the Island which is known for its penguins and this was the only one I saw
To finish part 1, yes this was me 30 years ago
- Martin B's blog
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Great blog & pictures Martin, it brings back many memories. I was there in `84 with the RAF.
Strangely enough, I have been digging out my old FI pictures over the last couple of weeks & scanning them, only thing is they were taken on an old 110 cartridge camera if I remember rightly & come out awful...many hours of Photoshop ahead I reckon !!
The place you stopped to refuel on your way to Ascension was probably Dakar. We stopped there & had to wait on the dispersal next to a stinking storm trench. I think the reason being was that we had no visa`s to be in Africa, probably an agreement between the African government & ours.
As I say, great pictures, thanks for the memories & sharing.
Jeff.
My first competition entry here....
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A wonderful Historic blog not getting political but with the cuts that our forces are having to suffer I hope the argies dont kick off again , because we wouldn't be able to help .
Thanks for sharing
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Hi Stumpy, This really is a very special Blog, and you have captured it so well. Photos we have never seen taken like a proffessional. It was so hard for all of you and we were all praying for you. It is hard to believe it is now 30 yrs since then.
Your blog brings back so many memories for me. One is that my late husband missed being there by 6 months as he had retired from the Royal Navy after 25 years. He would have been on the Glamorgan. He was very angry at the time, He wanted to be there.
I have been there twice, last time on my way to the Antarctic. I have also visited West Point. It really is a desolate place to be. Apart from Stanley it really has not changed a lot since you were there. It still is desolate, but now there are 2000 people living in Stanley. There are lots of souveneir shops therem it has grown so much. From your ariel photo of the town you can see just how much. The Church with the whale bone is still the same, not to much building near that. I have attached a photo of the harbour where the smaller ships come in. All others still have to anchor in the bay and bring people ashore on the smaller boats. Has that changed I wonder?. I would think not.
Thank you for putting together this superb blog, I have really enjoyed seeing it. Pam.
I saw lots of Penguins there and Albertross. You will see loads more in my blogs.
My Journey to the Antarctic http://www.myfinepix.com/blog/1529/179610
My Journey to the Sub Antarctic South Georgis to see Sir Edward Shackletons last resting place http://www.myfinepix.com/blog/1529/168048
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Great blog - well put together with some fantastic images
I have just done a new Blog called ‘10 Days in Morocco’ it’s taken me a couple of days to download and is a bit of an epic – sorry. I bet you can’t make it too the end
http://www.myfinepix.com/blog/389003/405199
Thank you for all the lovely comments and ‘likes’ on my Blog – 2011 A Good Year
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Very interesting, thanks for sharing.
Cheers Kim.
My Gallery:http://www.myfinepix.com/gallery/600309
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Nice nostalgic piece. Good god, was it 30 years ago?
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great peiece of history and a well written blog this helps us all remeber the prices people paid in the 80's
well done
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what a smashing blog loved every bit of it......thank you
cris...
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Interesting blog, enjoyed that.
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Well done what a great blog. Brings back lots of memories for me escorting lads badly injured. Picking them up at Brize or Northolt and running to QE Military Hosp Woolwich.
Dave.
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Well done Martin, a great blog. I didn't get to go to the Falklands, at the time it kicked off i was attached to 5 Regt RA in Germany. I was a veh mech in the REME, a sgt at that time. A few specialists went and unfortunately one of them didn't come back. You've brought back some memories there mate.
All the best,
Ron.
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Absolutely stunning. We watched with awe thirty years ago, glued to our televisions. You have brought all those memories, and more, flooding back in.
Wales, and particularly the mining areas of Wales, hated Maggie, but I felt safe when she was in charge!
I remember seeing medics carrying an injured soldier, his leg missing.
You have completed the circle with your 'inside and personal' pictures.
Thank you.
Jen xx
Don't run faster than your guardian angel can fly!
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No words to describe what unfolded 30 years ago. I remember watching it on the television and reading all the news. All those that were injured /lost their lives ~ so tragic. We owe so much. Thanks for compiling and sharing Martin. An interesting insight to the Island and your time there. (You look so handsome in uniform by the way)
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A really interesting and great blog Martin. Thanks for putting it together.
Pictures through my kitchen window: http://granddadjohn.wordpress.com/2013/01/22/
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This was a very interesting read with some great images. Thanks for posting I enjoyed seeing images of the Islands.
Ray
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can't believe it was 30 years ago, where does the time go?
Some amazing images here, telling quite a story. Thanks for taking the time to put this together and upload.
Viv
photogirl
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Fantastic images Martin and a great blog. I had a chuckle at the tobacco going up in smoke, though I probably would have got pretty irate about it at the time! Looking forward to more.
Kev.