MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency
'Stolen' Argentine helmet returned to rightful owner.
The guilt felt for 20 years by a British soldier has resulted in a 'stolen' battle helmet being returned to the grave of an Argentine soldier, buried in the Falklands.
More than 200 veterans of the Falklands War are currently visiting the Islands under the auspices of the South Atlantic Medal Association 1982 (SAMA '82). One of them, Jacko Jackson, a former soldier of 42 Commando Royal Marines, carried the helmet from Britain on behalf of an unknown Paratrooper, who during the vicious battle for Goose Green claimed the helmet of Staff Sergeant Eusebio Antonio Aguilar, who was killed during the fighting.
Mr. Jackson who is the Welfare Officer of SAMA '82 was approached by the former British Paratrooper who told him that he could, 'No longer live with the guilt of 20 years'. Mr. Jackson said in Stanley, 'The soldier was 24 years old at the time and like many others he wanted to take home a momento of his victory. Now he feels that he robbed a young man's grave and has found it increasingly difficult to live with. He feels that by returning the helmet it will assist him with his own recovery and help put the events of 20 years ago, behind him'.
The helmet now sits in front of a plain white wooden cross in the Argentine War Cemetery at Darwin, where 235 Argentines are buried. The brass name plate reads SARGENTO AYUDANTE EUSEBIO ANTONIO AGUILAR 148967. Behind the helmet which inside is written the name AGUILAR, there is a small silver plaque bearing the inscription ' Su Esposa e hijas - "A su memoria".'Your wife and children - to your memory'.
During his recent visit to the Cemetery, the Duke of York was visibly moved by the sight of the returned helmet, and enquired as to how it was put there.
Patrick Watts, (MP) Stanley
Top Comments
Disclaimer & comment rulesCommenting for this story is now closed.
If you have a Facebook account, become a fan and comment on our Facebook Page!