A COMMEMORATIVE event in County Durham yesterday (April 2) marked 40 years to the day since the Falklands conflict began – as veterans and members of the public gathered to pay their respects to those that lost their life in the ten-week war.

As part of the 40-year milestone, an event was held at St Paul’s Church in Spennymoor that saw speeches, hymns, and memories of the Falklands from veterans who served on the Island in 1982.

Led by Rev Matt Tarling, young military cadets sat side by side with decorated veterans that shared stories of what the conflict was like, how they feel 40 years on, and a chance to catch up with fellow veterans that they served alongside.

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Within the service, veteran Peter Reed, who was deployed to the Falklands in May 1982, shared a reading that documented his time.  

Mr Reed, 66, who now lives in Spennymoor, was based in Ripon, North Yorkshire, for a lot of the war – but did use a war diary and camera to remind him about his time in the Falklands.

In his speech, the veteran highlighted an hour-by-hour account of arriving at San Carlos Water on the Falklands at 10am on Monday, May 24 – aboard the Logistic Sir Bedivere.

Here's some photos from yesterday's event:

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He said: “What looked like mist or fog turned out to be smoke coming from HMS Antelope some 150yards in front of us burning after being hit by two 1000lb bombs one of which went off yesterday whilst being defused. It was an eerie sight the fires on Antelope being fanned now and again by a mild breeze. Our first glimpse of what lay ahead it really was war.

“We were attacked for the second time for longer it seemed than the first attack. All we could hear were the guns firing and all we could do was pray. Again, we were lucky as we would find out later.  

More photos of the event at St Paul's:

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“After that the rest of the day was uneventful thank God. That wouldn’t be the last time I would pray in the Falklands, I would speak to God a few more times not least of all to say thanks for bringing me and most of my comrade’s home safely.”

Other parts of the Falklands 40 years event saw fellow veterans share their stories, while a march took place after the church service towards the town’s war memorial.

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