MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency
Falklands Commodore leads wreath layers
One of the outstanding commanders of the 1982 Falklands War, Commodore Mike Clapp, CB, laid the wreath in memory of the Armed Forces at the Falkland Islands Association (FIA) annual Act of Remembrance commemorating Battle Day on 8th December, 1914, when the German South Atlantic fleet was vanquished by the Royal Navy.
London's busy traffic was brought to a standstill by the police to allow the service to take place at the Cenotaph in Whitehall on a dull, cold morning (on Saturday, December 7th).
The service was conducted by the Reverend Peter Millam, a former rector of Christ Church in Stanley.
Wreaths were also laid by Sir Rex Hunt, Chairman, for the FIA; Miss Sukey Cameron London Representative, for the Falkland Islands Government; Mrs Sara Jones, CBE (widow of Lieutenant Colonel H. Jones, VC) and Mrs Paula Shear for the Falkland Families Association; Captain Martin Reed (formerly of the liner Canberra in 1982) for the South Atlantic Medal Association of which he is chairman; Mr Michael Poole for the young people of the Falkland Islands; and Sir John D. Grugeon for the Association of Men of Kent and Kentish Men, which has many links with the Falkland Islands and the First World War battle.
The Royal Naval Colour Party, several of them veterans of 1982, were accompanied by representatives of Pangbourne College and the Falkland Islands Defence Force and led by the parade marshal, Air Commodore Peter Johnson, a former Commander of British Forces in the Falklands. Royal Marines buglers played the Last Post and Reveille.
Commodore Clapp conducted amphibious operations in the 1982 war, with the heavy responsibility of landing the liberation forces at San Carlos, under constant threat from Argentine air attack.
Harold Briley, (MP) London
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