MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency
1982 British landings at San Carlos commemorated
British Forces landing at San Carlos The twenty-fifth anniversary of the landing of British Forces, at the start of the campaign to free the Falkland Islands from occupation by Argentine forces, was celebrated today, 21st May, at San Carlos.
On this day in 1982, after an initial attack by Special Forces on Fanning Head, the promontory which overlooks its entrance, 2,400 troops were landed at four points around San Carlos Water, a large natural harbour to the North West of the main Island of East Falkland and some seventy-plus road-less miles of wild terrain from Stanley, the Islands' capital. The Second Parachute Regiment (2 Para) and Royal Marines of 40 Commando came ashore first, supported by the light cavalry regiment, the Blues and Royals and followed later by 3 Para and the Royal Marines of 42 Commando. This landing was followed by a brave response from the Argentine Air Force, which by the end of the day and at a cost of twelve aircraft, would see HMS Ardent sunk and several other ships, including HMS Argonautsuffering various degrees of damage and casualties. Today, twenty-five years later, and with the bay and its surroundings restored to sun-lit calm, some two hundred people gathered at the British Military Cemetery in San Carlos at half-past eleven this morning, for the annual service of remembrance. The ecumenical service, lasting about half an hour, was conducted by Father Peter Norris, assisted by Anglican minister, the Rev.Cathy Biles and non-conformist minister, Ken Newton, all from Stanley, along with the Forces' Chaplain from the Mount Pleasant Air Base. Wreaths were laid, among others by the Governor of the Falkland Islands, Mr. Alan Huckle, the Commander British Forces, South Atlantic, Brigadier Nick Davies and Councillor Mike Summers on behalf of Baroness Margaret Thatcher. During the course of the service a salute was heard from the guns of HMS Edinburgh,one of three Royal Naval vessels, lending their presence to the occasion John Fowler (Mercopress) Stanley
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