Veterans remember the Falklands Conflict 40 years on On 2 April 1982, Argentinian forces invaded the Falkland Islands, a British overseas territory. A task force of warships and rapidly refitted merchant ships was dispatched, and Argentinian forces surrendered on 14 June. 25,948 British personnel served in the campaign. Today, surviving Falklands veterans are in or approaching later life. Some maintained contact with the Armed Forces community. Army veteran Les had a second career as a sales rep for regimental silver and corporate gifts. “I currently chair the Scottish Branch of the South Atlantic Medal Association and am active with Legion Scotland,” he says. “Helping out keeps the brain and body active!” For others, including former submariner Lenny, the connection waned. “The military is a way of life, and you never forget. But I’ve not been involved with the ex-service community.”
I’m doing alright now, but I need the support of the veterans’ community to keep me in a happy place.
18 www.unforgottenforces.scot
