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Falklands Battle Centenary Memorial Wall unveiling and Act of Remembrance

Saturday, December 6th 2014 - 08:39 UTC
Full article 44 comments

Gilbert House, seat of the Falkland Islands elected government has released the program arranged for Monday 8th December 2014 to commemorate the victory of the Naval engagements of 8th December 1914, on which day 6 British sailors lost their lives and a number of others died later from injuries received during the battle. 2,260 German sailors also lost their lives. Read full article

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  • redp0ll

    Its apity that there isnt any token GermanNavy representation at the ceremony. Alot of their sailors died in these two battles. I hope all the names of both nations are on the Wall. There is even a Danish citizen among them, born in Copenhagen in I think 1865.
    His name? Admiral Maximilian ,Graf von Spee

    Dec 06th, 2014 - 02:35 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • nigelpwsmith

    I was under the impression that the German Navy were sending some representatives, as well as family members. Very strange.

    Dec 06th, 2014 - 04:16 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • redp0ll

    Yes I think so Nigel, very strange indeed.

    Dec 06th, 2014 - 04:46 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Think

    Not strange at all.....
    And..., for the record...., Maximilian Johannes Maria Hubert was indeed born in Kopenhagen..., but he was NOT a Danish Citizen...

    Dec 06th, 2014 - 05:05 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Conqueror

    @4. Who? Was he some treacherous nazi kraut pretending to be Danish? Here's the deal, numbnuts. Krauts need to accept that they were responsible for the war. Down on their knees, or bellies, and beg forgiveness. Then they need to spend the next hundred years (minimum) trying to prove they can be proper humans. Have you accepted your responsibility, dago? Been down on your knees or bellies? Haven't noticed. Have you proved that you're proper humans yet? You haven't even started. You have yet to begin your 100 years (minimum) of humility. During which we will find every opportunity to humilate you. Down on your belly, gutless!

    Dec 06th, 2014 - 05:43 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Monkeymagic

    I think most Germans do accept they were responsible for the war, and indeed have spent the best part of 70 years showing a reasonable amount of humility.

    Compare and contrast with Argentina, they have spent the last 30 years lying about the Falklands war, lying about the causes, lying about the action, lying about the result.

    Argentina elects governments with no humility, no honour, and many of their population celebrate that fact. It's a shame.

    Dec 06th, 2014 - 06:06 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Marcos Alejandro

    The parade last year in Malvinas.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRJG5lGojsI

    Dec 06th, 2014 - 06:14 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • nigelpwsmith

    After their war experiences there were quite a few famous people who never trusted the Germans ever again.

    Dirk Bogarde was an intelligence officer during the war. He spent a lot of time on photo reconnaissance pictures. After the war, he refused to travel in the same lift as a German. He would rather get out and wait for the next one!

    The only recipient of two Victoria Crosses for actions in combat, the legendary Captain Charles Hazelitt Upham retired to his farm in New Zealand. It is said that he refused to let any German car come onto his land.

    Those officers that liberated Bergen-Belsen concentration camp included the BBC presenter, Sir Richard Dimbleby. He described it as the worst day of his life.

    There were some Germans who were respected. Such as Erwin Rommel, Claus von Stauffenberg, Adolf Galland, Otto Kretschmer and Hans Langsdorff, the majority of Germans were as guilty as those that operated the concentration camps, because they condoned the action by their silence.

    The latest generation of ordinary Germans have atoned for the acts of their parents and grandparents, but their politicians are still responsible for trying to create a superstate ruled from Berlin and 'enslaving' other states financially.

    I have no quarrel with the German armed forces, but their masters are another matter.

    Dec 06th, 2014 - 06:53 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Think

    Bostero at (7)

    Very adequate your video of the “DUMBO” parade...
    Judging by their comments, its cleat that most Anglos in here can't differentiate between their 1914-18 European War and their 1939-45 European War...

    Dec 06th, 2014 - 07:06 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • redp0ll

    @5 Conqureror. Please get off that sauce you are imbibing. WW1 had been brewing for years. The spark that lit the tinderbox was the assination of an Austian archduke by a Bosnian in what was then a province of Serbia (Sarajevo)
    @4 Does the fact that von Spee might have been a Danish cityzen offend your Skandahovian sensibilities. Why?
    He could probably

    Dec 06th, 2014 - 08:17 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Bulldog

    @8 I was quite friendly with Dirk Bogarde when he was quite an old man and one day he invited myself and my wife for tea at the Ritz hotel London in the Palm court tea room. While we were there he wanted to use the toilet and asked me to help him to get to it as he was at that time a little unstable on his feet. The only one that he could use was up a small flight of stairs which he was unable to walk up. So we arranged for him to use an empty room on the first floor which he needed to use the lift. While we were waiting a party of people came and waited with us for the same lift. As soon as they opened their mouths and spoke in German, he held my arm quite firmly and held me back from entering the lift with them.

    I asked him what the problem was and he quite politely said I never ever travel where any Germans travel I cannot stand that race of people or what they did, he then wagged a finger in my face and said never ever trust them ever they are a despicable race.

    Dec 06th, 2014 - 09:54 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • brianF.I

    @5 Actually the Germans aren't to blame for WW1, it was an inevitable war due to Europe's stupid and dangerous system of alliances which were set into motion by the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, not to mention the arms race between the German and British navies.

    @7 Are you really that pathetic as to mock a WW1 memorial parade? But then again it does look like a parade that could happen in this mythical Malvinas you are always on about.

    Dec 06th, 2014 - 10:01 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Think

    (10) redp0ll

    No problem with Max, whatsoever...
    Just constating the fact that he wasn't a Danish but a German citizen...
    Speaking about Germans...
    Kudos to the boys at the Auswärtiges Amt that refused to participate on this Engrish celebration of a Colonial Battle triumph........ on a Colony.

    Dec 06th, 2014 - 11:44 pm - Link - Report abuse -1
  • Justthefacts

    I don't believe in intergenerational guilt. Whoever was to blame for WW1 they are dead now and no one alive today is responsible. Pretty much the same applies re WW2. That generation, at least those old enough at the time to have any influence on the war, have almost completely passed. I am not aware of any nostalgia for the nazi era among modern day Germans (other than a radical tiny minority of a kind that can be found in any society) and I think it's rude and disrespectful to remind modern day Germans of it.

    Dec 06th, 2014 - 11:55 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Think

    Turnip at (11)
    Yeahhhhhhhhhh...
    Dirk Bogarde claimed to hate the Boches...
    But........ he looked stunning in their uniforms... ;-)

    Dec 07th, 2014 - 12:14 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • nigelpwsmith

    11 Bulldog

    Dirk Bogarde was a very nice gentleman and very wise.

    Although my father was born in Hamburg in 1930 and his mother was German, my Grandfather was British. So we still have German relatives. They are very nice people.

    My gripe is with German politicians and leaders. It appears that they still want to rule the world.

    I've worked with quite a few Germans and they were perfectly normal people. However, I do understand why Dirk Bogarde said what he did.

    Interesting story - thank you.

    Dec 07th, 2014 - 01:34 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Islander1

    Actually German s are represented this year at the centenary COMMEMORATIONS we are holding this week to honour all those who fell on both sides in the Battles of Coronel and the Falklands - and of the 8 Islander members of the Volunteer Force who died on service duty on Dec 1st 1914 when their boat capsized and they were drowned.
    Arrived here now are:
    6 members of the Von Spee family from Germany
    A senior German Naval Officer
    A Senior Royal Navy Officer
    3 members of Admiral Sturdee,s family
    2 members of Admiral Cradocks family
    The Mayor of Coronel (Chile) and his wife.
    and others.

    The whole emphasis is on the tragic loss of some 400o lives on both sides who fought for their countries and who today rest together in peace beneath the ocean.
    On Monday the 8th,the German and British Flags will fly side by side in Stanley.
    Countries who were once enemies but are now long term friends and allies.The Band of HM Royal Marines will play and the national anthems of Germany and Chile will be heard in Stanley along side God Save the Queen.

    Dec 07th, 2014 - 03:28 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • downunder

    13 #“Kudos to the boys at the Auswärtiges Amt that refused to participate on this Engrish celebration of a Colonial Battle triumph........ on a Colony.”

    but
    17# “Actually German s are represented this year at the centenary COMMEMORATIONS ”

    The 'official' mouth piece forn the Argie government on this blog has got it wrong - again!

    Dec 07th, 2014 - 04:38 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Think

    (17) Islander1

    Woooooooooow.........

    You found seven (7) German citizens that privately accepted the FIG(leaf) invitation to participate, WITH ALL EXPENSES PAID” in that Engrish celebration of the a Centenary Colonial Battle Triumph........ on a still existing Colony!

    Will the FIG(leaf) extend such an invitation to me for Aase's 100 years birthday ?-)))

    Dec 07th, 2014 - 09:12 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Islander1

    Wrong Think -half of them have come at their own expense and at their own request, the German officer as a NATO Officer comes as a guest of his fellow NATO service.

    Dec 07th, 2014 - 09:45 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Think

    (20) Islander1

    To be absolutely correct then...:
    Three German Citizens paid their own way...
    Three other German Citizens paid in full by the FIG...
    One (unidentified) German Naval officer paid by NATO...

    None of them, in any way, officially representing Germany or their former Imperial Navy...

    As I said in my comment (13)...:
    Kudos to the boys at the Auswärtiges Amt that refused to participate on this Engrish celebration of a Centenary Colonial Battle Triumph........ on a still existing Colony!

    Dec 07th, 2014 - 10:21 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Clyde15

    #21
    What colony would that be, did they visit Argentina ?

    Dec 07th, 2014 - 11:17 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Think

    Lowlander at (22)
    That would be “This Colony”, as chiselled in granite by the Sassenachs on theirColonial War “Victory” monument on them contested windblown Islands in the South Atlantic we Argies call Malvinas...
    http://travelphotos.everything-everywhere.com/Atlantic/Falkland-Islands/Stanley-2012/i-LMpqq4h/A

    Dec 07th, 2014 - 12:26 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • The Voice

    Hmmm. Stink seems to be highly disturbed by all this?

    Envy, embarrassment, and pique are evident!

    Most amusing :-) Chuckle chuckle

    Dec 07th, 2014 - 12:45 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Islander1

    Think,
    Still wrong- The German Naval Officer is the guest of both his NATO partners the Royal Navy and the Falkland Islands Govt - and he will be representing the German Navy and the German Govt of today through his diplomatic post.
    In the same way that the Mayor of Coronel is her in his official capacity because of the strong links between the battles and the number of German-Chileans who joined the German fleet in Valparaiso but were then sadly lost just weeks later in the battle off the Falklands.

    Maybe IF Argentina could one day -Grow Up and become a civilized nation - in 2082 we might even invite you to that Commemoration. But it is a BIG IF!

    Dec 07th, 2014 - 01:23 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Clyde15

    #23
    SASSENACH ? Why would you use such a stupid term as this when “Britain” consists of 4 constituent countries equally responsible for this action.
    As to Lowlander, I actually live up a hill with sweeping views over the Firth of Clydetothe Arran hills.
    You seem to “think” that you have some connection with Scotland with your continual use of Scottish references ! You tell us you live in Chubut so that makes you an Argie through and through. Nuff said.

    Dec 07th, 2014 - 02:31 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Think

    (25) Islander1
    That “still unidentified German Naval Officer” may well lay a wrath on that Victory monument and salute the German and Engrish flags...
    But he does, in no way, represent the German Government nor does he hold ANY kind of diplomatic post or status...

    You would invite us IF we become “civilized”; you say...
    As civilized as you Kelpers were in August 1999...?
    Where were you at the time?
    Stoning Lewis Clifton's house?
    Burning the Argie flag and blocking the Mount Pleasant road?
    Spitting and throwing stones at the Argie bus on the same road?
    Or just writing threatening letters to that Engrish Lamont Guv' and them turncoat counsellors?

    Stop playing stupid games....
    I'm NOT a gullible Anglo Turnip that can be brainwashed & silenced with a red poppy...

    Dec 07th, 2014 - 02:50 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • The Voice

    Ooops! Stink is getting really ratty. So obviously an ex resident of the FI now stewing by the Firth of Clyde, possibly in Billys favourite town, damp Dunoon. Thats the clue Clyde, a bit of research around the Holy Loch should sniff him out. Just look for a fat loudmouthed piper.. Plenty of those.

    Dec 07th, 2014 - 03:00 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Islander1

    Think, The English flag does not fly here - occasionally on St Georges Day - the Flags that normally fly here are the Falklands Flag and the Union - or British Flag whichever you want to call it. On Monday the Black Red and Gold with eagle central of the Republic of Germany will also fly.
    Not the old white and black German Ensign as that was “hijacked” some years ago by a right wing fascist group and is now not officially accepted - other than in its correct WW! historical context.
    And, as you willl learn in the next day of two the German Naval Officer here is a Diplomatic Post Holder and will be laying a wreath on behalf of his Government.
    You see Germany is a grown up nation - like Chile - Like Great Britain. Not trying to live in a past fantasy.

    As for your version of civilized - hmm - same as was done to a BBC crew I recall - same as is done to the British flag in Buenos Aires and Ushuaia from time to time, surely you must be familiar with that saying about people living in glass houses?

    Dec 07th, 2014 - 03:13 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Think

    (29) Islander1
    You say...:
    “Not the old white and black German Ensign....”
    I say...:
    ACHHHH, MEIN LIEBER GOTT !!!
    It's the old BLACK- WHITE-RED German Ensign, you.............. Kelper.

    You say...:
    “same as was done to a BBC crew I recall - same as is done to the British flag in Buenos Aires and Ushuaia from time to time”
    I say...:
    Precisely...
    That means that we, Kelpers and Argies are at about the same low level of civilization.... doesn't it?

    Dec 07th, 2014 - 03:57 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • redp0ll

    @26 Och doonhamer dinna tempt the sage of Chubut with views over Arran and the Cumbraes.
    His Skandahovian forbears LOST the Battle of Largs 750 years ago which by Argentine logic, he, as a descendant should have an unalienable right to claim these islands for his country of residence.
    So watch it
    Argentina is training a navy of brutal basking sharks to evict all doonhamers who have colonised their rightful terretory for the past seven centuries.
    Shush! Dinna tell anyyan. Its top secret!!!!!

    Dec 07th, 2014 - 04:59 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Skip

    Colony?

    Yep. But not an Argentine one.

    2014 and Think still can't change that fact.

    Dec 07th, 2014 - 05:27 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Think

    Yeahhhhhh.....
    And after them basking sharks..., we will permanently locate the North Atlantic Jet Stream over London, drowning them bloody Sassenachs with good old Scottish rain...

    Dec 07th, 2014 - 05:41 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • redp0ll

    Think me old mangel wurzel. You Persist in the belief that the Falkland Islands dont exist ,beleiving instead of some mystical Tir nan Og called the Malvinas. Thus by your logic the Battle of the Falklands never happened.
    So why do you keep commenting about that non event?
    Writing a book a la Berlitz that those sailors were all captured by an alien flying saucer?
    In Patagonia ANYTHING is possible

    Dec 07th, 2014 - 06:57 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Monkeymagic

    What an hilarious thread

    Islander1 has completely “owned” Think...and shown him @19 to be the bitter liar we all know him to be.

    Think goes from “no Germans” to “only Germans whenever the FIG paid 100% expenses” to “ more than half the Germans present weren't paid for by the FIG” in quick succession as he was proven to be lying.

    Stupid Think....getting careless as his bitterness and envy overspill...easier and easier to prove a liar.

    Nice work Islander

    Dec 07th, 2014 - 07:25 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Briton

    UK confirms Mk 41 VLS selection for Type 26
    http://www.janes.com/article/46719/uk-confirms-mk-41-vls-selection-for-type-26
    ///
    New Royal Navy base to be built in Bahrain in landmark deal

    http://www.janes.com/article/46719/uk-confirms-mk-41-vls-selection-for-type-26
    Will eventually service , type 45, mine sweepers , aircraft carriers ,
    And submarines,
    Welcome back to the futures past,
    And woo, all those who have been abusive to us..
    /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
    At least the Germans have admitted they were wrong,
    cant say that abt the argies can you...

    Dec 07th, 2014 - 08:21 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • EscoSes Doido

    Wiz Dirk Bogarde nae a poof?

    Dec 07th, 2014 - 08:53 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Think

    Jupppppp......
    And a great Nazi impersonator...
    http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=vDG7Ytkj_a4

    Dec 07th, 2014 - 08:58 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • EscoSes Doido

    @38
    A Great actor indeed.

    But I cant help laughing at the 'Stella Street' version of him...........It is funny.

    Dec 07th, 2014 - 09:04 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Islander1

    Think - OK sorry yes I missed out there is some red on the old Imperial German Naval ensign. They are proudly on the wall in the Stanley Town Hall this week - with pictures of the German Battlefleet and Von Spee beneath - opposite wall the RN Ensign and Sturdee and his ships. So that is all OK as displayed in the historical context.
    But over the doorway are the flags of the Falklands,Great Britain and The Federal Republic of Germany.

    Yes glad you agree there are some lowlifes both sides of the water between us. But no aggressive demos or anything like that here ever since 1999 - your folks arrive in their hundreds on cruise ships - and are all treated respectfully and politely.
    Can you say the same over your side of the pond?
    Incidentally, folks say the von Spee families are really delighted to be here and to have their ancestor acknowledged in this way - more than he would get at home.

    Dec 07th, 2014 - 09:55 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Anbar

    “”“I'm NOT a gullible Anglo Turnip that can be brainwashed & silenced with a red poppy...”“”

    what are you this week btw?

    I've gotten lost between you being Argentine, Swedish, Scottish and whatever other fake persona you want to emulate..

    for the sake of us people who don't come regularly can you please preface your posts with something like

    “Today I will mostly be ^insert nationality^”

    or even better:

    “Today I will mostly be ^insert fake qualification^”

    or even

    “Today I will mostly be ^insert fake insider knowledge due to extensive fake experience of said knowledge^”

    that way your posts will make a lot more sense

    Dec 08th, 2014 - 03:46 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Think

    Turnip at (41)

    As most of the intelligent regulars in her know, there is only one Think...
    ...He is 100% humble Argentinean Patagon, of Scandinavian extraction, with quite a soft spot for the Scottish Highlands and a strong dislike for the Sassenach Absentee Landlords of the North and South, who never brags about academic titles nor earthly possessions...

    Dec 08th, 2014 - 06:23 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Troy Tempest

    42

    There is only one “Think”, he is a liar, a propagandist, and a vulgar misogynist.

    Then of course, there are Think's “sock puppets”.

    Dec 08th, 2014 - 10:13 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • The Voice

    Sock Puppets! What me?

    No, I left, got fed up with his fist up my butt. As for him, he's used to it with Gollums up his - does make him rather tetchy at times.

    Anyway, he's lost his mojo lately, continually failing to land any punches. As for that new Sock Puppet that stole my name, the fat wheezing false Scot and Yank, well I ask you?

    Dec 08th, 2014 - 10:48 pm - Link - Report abuse 0

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