hi, just seen this on sama 82 site by a member, and what a good idea
During one of the Governers nights, I along with another Vet, discussed with Mr Twigg, the idea of awarding the Falkland Islands with an award similar to the George Cross that was awarded to Malta in WWII. An award for the islands, for the community, for their service.
Is this a bad idea or could we get it moving?
Jazz
3 BAS
WHAT GOOD IDEA.
Hear hear, and my goodness do they deserve it. With you all the way Jimmy. I wonder if one of these 10 Downing Street online petitions would work if it was well enough publicised via SAMA, FVF and the likes - I'd sign it as would many here.Originally Posted by jimmytx3
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/m.../13/do1305.xml
I was only 11 when the Falklands war happened so I didn't know a lot about why it was happening at the time. To read stories like this make conflicts around the world interesting to read about. Seems like there is always a back door deal somewhere with someone who turns out to be unpopular. RIP to all those on BOTH sides who perished.
Oh so true, the Invincible for instance.
Yes, that one keeps cropping up again and again - clearly they believe it even though it's nonsense.
Where do i sign ...
It's only Proper that the Islanders get recognition ...
X2 ......
No War Vet should ever have to put his hand in his Pocket to buy a drink ... for him/herself
They should be free ..imo
I woulda loved to have witness that ....
recognition for islanders
just seen on sama 82 site
by one of the senior figures in sama 82
"I put this subject on my list during the pilgrimage - I will be bringing it up at the Committee Meeting on Tuesday".
things may be happening
Excellent news Jimmy - please keep us posted.just seen on sama 82 site
by one of the senior figures in sama 82
"I put this subject on my list during the pilgrimage - I will be bringing it up at the Committee Meeting on Tuesday".
things may be happening
Remember
The sad fact's are we are not gloating about 25yrs ago we are remembering our fallen.
I have never met a serviceman/women who has seen combat ever gloat about what they had to do, The Falklands Taskforce Rugby Game held at HRUFC (Quins) in London was about paying respect to those alive and those who paid the ultimate price. Today we have veterans who are still paying for being there and every day adding to the list who are affected.
By this i mean the familys who support them i am sure veterans within the argie forces are going through the same.
I for one have no hate in my heart for those who killed my mate they did their duty what i do have is pity for those who cheapen the sacrifice made by good men and 3 women Islanders, for these people have not learnt any thing.
To you who served down there i thank you, for those who died i will remember you.
For those who have seen action i share those days in my mind every week.
For you yet to see any thing may the time it takes to come be many years for you will lose much in more ways than you can imagine.
No way is it gloating - it's all about Rememberance, Respect and Gratitude for their supreme sacrifice.
How nuclear subs were first line of Falklands defence
Five Royal Navy submarines lined up, submerged, on the edge of Argentina’s 12-mile territorial limit to provide early warning of bombing raids on the British task force during the Falklands conflict, according to a new account of the secret role played by the nuclear-powered vessels.
Trailing wire aerials behind them, the submarines were able to pick up launchings of Skyhawks and other aircraft from the main base at Rio Grande, pinpointing their type and number, and giving the task force 45 minutes’ notice in which to react.
The details of the 1982 mission, which was never discovered by the Argentinians, have been revealed by the former second-in-command of one of the boats, HMS Conqueror.
Writing in a special publication, Royal Navy, A Global Force, Vice-Admiral Sir Tim McClement, now retired, says that 25 years after the Falklands campaign it is important to recall the “vital contribution” of the submarines to victory.
The threat from Argentina’s Sky-hawk bombers, armed with 1,500lb and 2,000lb bombs, and its Super Étendards, fitted with sea-skimming Exocet antiship missiles, posed the gravest danger to the task force, mainly because the Royal Navy lacked any proper early-warning system.
Although the two Royal Navy aircraft carriers, HMS Invincible and HMS Hermes,were out of range of the Argentine bombers, located well to the east of the Falklands, the warships on point duty closer to the Argentine mainland, and the troops landing on the islands, were highly vulnerable.
The well-documented secret plan to attack one of the main Argentine air-bases and destroy the Skyhawks, using the SAS, was aborted after a dry run went wrong and a number of SAS soldiers had to seek sanctuary in neighbouring Chile.
The presence of five nuclear-powered submarines – HMS Conqueror, HMS Splendid, HMS Spartan, HMS Courageousand HMS Valiant,and one conventional diesel-electric submarine, HMS Onyx – provided the solution. In the early part of the conflict, most of the submarines were engaged in other, priority missions. HMS Conqueror was trailing the Argentine cruiser, General Belgrano, and on May 2 fired two Mark 8 torpedoes, sinking the ship, with the loss of 323 sailors. HMS Splendid and HMS Spartan were involved in the search for the Argentine aircraft carrier 25 de Mayo, which was suspected of lurking in the mist north of the Falklands, preparing for a pincer movement together with the Belgranoagainst the task force. HMS Onyx was engaged in top-secret special forces operations.
However, eventually the five nuclear-powered submarines took up positions on the Argentine 12-mile limit to act as early-warning platforms. There were several dramatic incidents.
Admiral McClement reveals that in transit to the 12-mile limit HMS Conqueror got her floating wire aerial wrapped around her propeller. “This made a distinctive noise. She knew Argentine submarines were in her area and so had to get rid of the wire,” he writes. All the divers on board the submarine volunteered for the dangerous task of untangling the wire. The former deputy commander of the submarine recalls: “It was very rough, far too rough for peacetime rules to put people on to the deck, let alone put a diver into the water.”
HMS Conqueror surfaced and eight volunteers successfully removed the wire “knowing that if an Argentine aircraft, ship or submarine was detected, the captain [Commander Christoper Wreford-Brown] would have to shut the hatch, dive the submarine and leave them to their fate. Thankfully, they all came home to tell the tale,” Admiral McClement says.
With the 45-minutes warning from the submarines, Sea Harriers on combat patrol were alerted and several Argentine bombers were destroyed, forcing others to return to base. But there were uncomfortable consequences for the submariners. “These [returning] planes jettisoned their bombs before landing, and they did so around the 12-mile limit. All the boats employed in this task experienced some random bombing, luckily without damage,” Admiral McClement writes.
HMS Conqueror arrived back at Faslane, its home base on the Clyde, after 90 days continuously at sea.
“Although she played a significant part in the conflict, her crew never actually saw the Falkland Islands,” Admiral McClement says.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/new...cle2950936.ece
Fascinating story. Thanks. The bit about the random dropping of bombs is strange. What if one had hit? A nuclear sub damaged or sunk by an enemy who would have known little or nothing about it....
Did not the Americans station subs like this near to Japan in WWII to act as SAR units for fliers forced to ditch?
Good story, and a job well done.
And, moreover, honour where honour is due. 25 years is a bit late, but for stories like these, it's never too late.
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