MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency
Veteran Welsh Guard returns to Falklands to honour best friend
L:R John Rogers (former RM42) HE the Governor Alan Huckle, Shaun Tighe (former Naval Party 8901 and RM40) Falkland Islands 1982 British veteran soldier Clive Davies admitted he, “…cried like a baby,” when on Monday he returned to spot where he witnessed the death of his best friend and countless comrades.
Former Welsh Guardsman Clive was only 18 years old when he stood on the tank deck of RFA Sir Galahad when she, along with RFA Sir Tristram, were attacked by four Argentine Skyhawks off Fitzroy settlement on East Falklands. Thirty-two Guardsmen died, along with eighteen men from the ships' crew and other units. Today Clive is in the Falklands with 44 other Falklands veterans under the auspices of the charity The South Atlantic Medal Association ('82). While in the Islands Clive, who suffers from post traumatic stress disorder, intends to make a number of journeys to the site Sir Galahadsurvivors came ashore. "When I went on Monday I cried like a baby, I felt so much guilt for surviving when so many died," he told Mercopress. Clive says he has put off returning to the Falklands for many years, "I was afraid of the emotions it would bring back. I'm glad I've done it though and I think it will help me." He admitted that being a victim of PTSD has seriously affected his working life and lead to him losing his Heavy Goods driving licence. A few times a year he spends time with the organization 'Combat Stress'. "I'm lucky that I've had so much support from my wife Alison; many of the other Guardsmen's marriages broke down after they returned from the Falklands." Another Guardsman, former Sergeant, Kenny Dawkins, who was 26 in 1982, is involved in organizing this particular pilgrimage along with long time organizer Malcolm Simpson. At a Government House reception for the SAMA visitors on Monday evening, Falklands Governor Alan Huckle welcomed the veterans, saying they were, "…deeply held in the hearts of Falkland Islanders." He said he hoped they would be able to, "…lay some ghosts to rest and there will be some catharsis in seeing the community that has built itself on your brave endeavors." SAMA ('82) is an organization that aims to keep veterans of the campaign in touch with each other as well as establishing and maintaining contact with other organizations involved in the welfare of the armed forces. SAMA82 will also investigate cases of financial hardship or distress amongst South Atlantic veterans. by Lisa Johnston - SeAled PR - Stanley
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