British pledge over Falklands as heroes of conflict remembered

The Prime Minister hailed the “astonishing courage” of the British forces who took part in the operation and led tributes to the 255 who lost their lives.

Three decades after Margaret Thatcher sent 27,000 troops and more than 100 ships to repel the Argentinian invaders, Buenos Aires continues to set its sights on claiming the territory.

But Mr Cameron said he hoped the decision by the Falkland Islands government to hold a referendum on their future sovereignty would end that dispute “once and for all”.

The anniversary, he said, was “a time to pay tribute to the 255 UK servicemen who paid the ultimate price so that the people of the Falkland Islands could live in peace and in freedom.

“And it’s a time to express our huge debt of gratitude to all those servicemen who showed such astonishing courage to recapture the Islands.

“Their bravery reminds us that freedom is only won, and peace is only kept, because there are exceptionally brave people willing to journey to the other side of the world to lay their lives on the line.”

Britain’s resolve to support the islanders “has not wavered in the last 30 years and it will not in the years ahead”, he said.

In a swipe at Argentina, he went on: “For the last 180 years, 10 generations have called the Falkland Islands home and have strived hard to secure a prosperous future for their children.

“And despite the aggressive threats from over the water, they are succeeding.

“The Falklands economy is growing, the fishing industry is thriving and tourism is flourishing. Next year’s referendum will establish the definitive choice of the Falkland Islanders once and for all.

“And just as we have stood up for the Falkland Islanders in the past, so we will in the future.”

Heroes of the conflict were honoured yesterday at the remote beach-head were they fought and died 30 years ago.

Veterans laid wreaths and saluted their comrades at the British war graves at San Carlos on the island of East Falkland. They were joined by Foreign Office Minister Jeremy Browne who later also laid a wreath at the Argentine cemetery at Darwin, near Goose Green.

The 15-minute service was part of a week of commemorations marking the islanders’ liberation.

In 1982 San Carlos bay, overlooked by what came to be known as “bomb alley”, was the setting for the biggest British amphibious landings since D-Day.

Standing in the cold harsh wind at the circular stone cemetery – the main memorial to the 255 UK servicemen who died in the conflict – veterans, politicians and family members of the fallen, watched as five wreaths were placed beneath a monument.

Among those laying a red poppy wreath was former paratrooper Martin Margerison, 55, from North Wales.

Mr Margerison, who had been a 25-year-old Corporal during the war, saluted as he placed his wreath on behalf of the members of 2nd Battalion the Parachute Regiment.

Four hundred and fifty men from the Regiment defeated 1,200 Argentines in bitter fighting at the crucial battle of Goose Green, during which 17 British troops and 47 Argentine soldiers lost their lives.

The battle lasted a day and a night and was to become one of the most well documented during the 74 day conflict.

Among those buried at the cemetery – shaped like a traditional Falklands shepherd’s corral – are Colonel “H” Jones who won a posthumous Victoria Cross for his sacrifice in the battle of Darwin and Goose Green. The service was conducted by the Rev Richard Hines, who is overseeing all the services during the anniversary commemorations and was brought to an end as two bugles played the last post and people sang the British National Anthem.