History

TALES FROM THE FALKLANDS TASK FORCE

By David Eckhoff

Sidcup & Foots Cray Royal British Legion people who have served in our armed forces.

Peter Hucker, Leading Steward, Royal Navy

At 17 Peter was working for Black & Edgington, the marquee manufacturer in Edgington Way, Sidcup.

He gave it a go but wanted something much more challenging and worthwhile. That something ‘worthwhile’ was joining the Navy, like his grandfather before him.

In the Navy

With his medical and interviews passed, Peter attended the Navy’s HMS Raleigh training school in Cornwall to become a steward. This role involved looking after catering, pay, stores and administration.

But in the Navy, everyone has more than one job, so he also trained to handle fires and to isolate and provide temporary fixes for damaged electrical systems. He then went to Chatham and Portland for further training.

“And then I was assigned to my first ship, HMS Ark Royal!” says Peter. “We flew out to join her in Jacksonville, Florida, on her ‘goodbye cruise’ around the world. We sailed to the north of Scotland where Ark Royal’s patron, the Queen Mother, visited us and then we went down to the Mediterranean, visiting 11 countries.”

Peter talks about camaraderie, particularly on his next ship, HMS Blake: “It seems like yesterday, it was such a great atmosphere, and we recreate it the moment we meet up again, even after all these years.”

Falklands

In 1982 Peter was at Royal Naval Air Service station in Culdrose, Cornwall. Easter had arrived and he was setting off for home when his leave was stopped. The Argentinians had invaded the Falklands and the UK was sending a task force to the south Atlantic.

Peter was sent to HMS Hermes, an aircraft carrier where he and his colleagues had six days to stock the ship with everything it needed. “We frantically stored the ship, 24-hours a day in shifts. Not only were there stores for the crew and ship, we had to take on spares and everything else needed for four squadrons of aircraft.”

Hermes was placed inside the exclusion zone around the Falklands set out by the UK. Danger was ever-present and an Exocet missile, meant for Hermes, hit and sank the supply ship Atlantic Conveyor instead.

Image by jorono from Pixabay

HMS Coventry and HMS Sheffield were also sunk by Exocets. “I lost friends on those ships,” he said. “At first, we didn’t know what was going on but our Sea King helicopters were being continually sent out to rescue survivors, so we knew something awful had happened. I found out about my mates through the ship’s daily bulletin, which was read out to us.”

Homeward bound

After the Argentinian surrender, it took just over two weeks to get back to Portsmouth. “On reflection, I can’t say I enjoyed being in a combat operation, but I was glad I’d been there.”

Peter became an international coach driver after leaving the Navy. He then worked with failing pubs and clubs to help turn them around. Peter and his late wife, whom he sadly lost in 2021, fostered 13 children, many of whom he’s still in touch with.

He described Diane his wife his best friend and keeps her memory alive through his Navy family: “There were 174 sailors at my wedding,” he said.

As for his Navy service, Peter has few regrets. “It was 11 years of my life that I would do again in an instant. “

Peter Hucker is president of the Sidcup & Foots Cray United Services Club and vice-president of Sidcup and Foots Cray Royal British Legion.

Commercial Property Leases

(Acting for Landlords or Tenants)

Are you looking for a local commercial Property lawyer who can help you with your rent and rent reviews as well as so much more?

• Commercial lease covenants (insolvency, disclaimer, surrender and merger) • Authorised guarantee agreements • Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 (Part II) -

Security of tenure • Assignment of commercial property leases- landlord consent/licence to assign • Standard commercial property conditions • Commercial property standard enquiries

Selling and buying existing Commercial premises

• Standard commercial property conditions • Commercial property standard enquiries • SDLT considerations • VAT considerations - Option to Tax or transfer of business as a going concern (TOGC)

Legacy Check Probate & Wills

We pride ourselves on being experts in all things probate. If you want a job done well don’t do it yourself, get a professional to do it.

• Probate and tax implications we can handle • Grant of probate • Administration of the estate • All questions and concerns answered

Residential Conveyancing

• You get a 28 Day exchange new build expert • As little as two weeks for a re-mortgage • Lease extension specialists • Buying or selling a property you will get excellent communication. • A dedicated case manager and their direct dial

Why RG

• You get a £10 discount on our fees • Over 1400 Trust Pilot reviews • Online and mobile case tracker

A free review of how to protect your assets. Find out why a Lasting Power of Attorney and a Will can help you sleep better during the night. They are like car insurance you have it but you hope that you will never have to use it.

Call 0208 269 9901

to claim your discount

*Quote LB10 to get your £10 discount