April 1st - 30 years on

30 years ago on the night of April 1st 1982, members of the Falkland Islands Defence Force turned out along with Royal Marines to defend the islands from an invading army.  Many of the FIDF weapons had to be given to the Marines because it was changeover of the group, and there were around 70 Marines instead of 35.  They only had weapons for 35!  This left the FIDF having to use old .303 rifles, and were issued with as little as 10 rounds of ammunition each! 

The invading army was Argentina.  It was apparent that the forces against the FIDF and the Marines were overwhelming, so they were forced to surrender.

There then followed 74 days of occupation by the Argentinians, who were themselves forced to surrender on 14th June.

To commemorate those "old and bold" members, a parade was organised, with a reception at Government House and an after party at the Narrows.  The whole event was covered by the world media, with crews from the UK, Argentina, Europe and even China here to film the events.

The parade arrives at Liberation Monument

 

HE The Governor and CBFSAI arrive

A very moving event, and it was enjoyable being able to talk to the former members, some of whom are in their 80s!