MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

First Sea Lord unveils Merchant Navy Falkland Memorial

Admiral Sir Alan West, First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff, attended the Merchant Navy Day Memorial Service at Tower Hill on 4 September when he unveiled the new Merchant Navy Falklands 1982 Memorial.

After unveiling the memorial Admiral West paid tribute to the crucial contribution made by the Merchant Navy during the Falklands War which saw the loss of the merchant vessel Atlantic Conveyor as a result of enemy action.

He said, "Men and women of the Merchant Navy worked shoulder to shoulder with those of the Royal Navy during the campaign to liberate the Islands, as they did in the two world wars of the last century, and have done so since."

Also in attendance at the memorial ceremony were Captain John Sail, Chairman of the Merchant Navy Association, Commodore Bob Thornton RFA and Lt Col Ben Bathurst, Commanding Officer 1st Battalion Welsh Guards. A guard of honour was provided by Royal Naval Reservists from HMS President, along with the Royal Marine Band from CTCRM Lympstone.

At the time of the Falklands War Admiral West commanded HMS Ardent which was lost due to enemy action. (RN)