The Royal British Legion announces commemorative plans for the 40th anniversary of the Falklands Conflict in 2022.
Thousands of veterans, civilians, and bereaved families will be invited to attend an event at the National Memorial Arboretum on Tuesday 14 June to mark 40 years since the end of the conflict.
Our commemorations will focus on the broad range of military and civilian involvement in all aspects of the Falklands campaign, which was unprecedented in modern times.
The Falklands Conflict started on 2 April 1982 and was the first military action since the Second World War that utilised all elements of the Armed Forces.
The conflict lasted 74 days, during which seven ships were lost to enemy action, nine aircraft were shot down, and 255 British personnel lost their lives. Their names are all inscribed on the Armed Forces Memorial at the Arboretum
COMMEMORATIVE PLANS FOR FALKLANDS 40
Commemorations will take place around the country from April 2022 and culminate in the Royal British Legion’s Falklands 40 Commemorative Event on 14th June at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.
On the morning of the event there will be an opportunity for unit associations to conduct intimate commemorations at their respective memorials within the Arboretum.
In the afternoon, the Royal British Legion will hold a special, commemorative event centred around the Armed Forces Memorial. This will feature veteran testimonies from key moments in the conflict as well as the Act of Remembrance.
This event will bring together the experiences of veterans of the conflict from across all three of the Armed Services, as well as those Merchant Mariners and other civilians that played a pivotal role in supporting the Task Force.
ATTENDEES/ELIGIBILITY
The Falklands 40 commemorative event is open to veterans of the Falklands Conflict and their spouses/partners, as well of civilian organisations that supported the Task Force.
REGISTRATION
Registration for the Falklands 40 commemorative event will open on 4th Feb, with accreditation being led by the respective military and civilian associations.
The window for registration will run until 29 April 2022.
Those wishing to attend the event on 14th June are asked to contact their respective Regimental or Service Association to register their interest.
For any other queries, please contact falklands@britishlegion.org.uk
THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION’S ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF COMMEMORATIVE EVENTS, BOB GAMBLE OBE, SAID:
“30,000 sailors, marines, soldiers, airmen and merchant mariners participated in the Falklands Conflict and the RBL’s commemorations and programme of activities will honour and remember their service, the many civilians who supported the Task Force, and the 255 British personnel who sadly lost their lives.
We remain committed to ensuring that service and sacrifice in more recent conflict is recognised
Bob Gamble OBE
RBL Assistant Director of Commemorative Events
“There are veterans of the Falklands Conflict who still struggle with physical and mental scars, and some have faced life challenges or hardships since then. We remain committed to ensuring that service and sacrifice in more recent conflicts is recognised and that all generations of the Armed Forces community know the RBL is here to support them, for life.
WHEN THE FALKLANDS CONFLICT STARTED, GROUND AND AIR TROOPS WERE MOBILISED FOR THE MOST PART BY THE MERCHANT NAVY WITH SIGNIFICANT COLLABORATIVE SUPPORT FROM BOTH THE CIVIL AND CORPORATE SECTORS.
The commemorations will also recognise the civilian support and a nation that came together to support the military.
The RBL is working in collaboration on the commemorations with several other organisations including the Falkland Islands Government, the Ministry of Defence, the South Atlantic Medal Association, the Falkland Veterans Foundation, all relevant military associations, and the Merchant Navy.
Those wishing to participate in commemorations or attend the event on 14 June 2022 are asked to contact their respective Regimental or Service Association to register their interest.
For any other queries, please contact falklands@britishlegion.org.ukat our FAQs below.
40th Anniversary events on SAMA 82 Website
HMS Intrepid association Reunion 9th –12th Sept Southsea Portsmouth
Eight Hospital Ship Uganda Reunion 14th –18th September ( mini cruise on P&O Aurora}
HMS Cardiff Reunion weekend 27th –29th May in Cardiff
Falkland 40 Parade & Freedom of Portsmouth City Award 19th June
HMS Invincible 40th Anniversary weekend 16th –18th Sept Portsmouth
Cenotaph Parade Whitehall London 13th November
HMS Queen Elizabeth Reception ( SAMA members & partners only)
All the details of the above events are taken from the web site and found on
South Atlantic Medal Association 1982
Unit 25 Torfaen Business Centre
Panteg, Way New inn, Pontypool, Torfaen . NP4 0LS
Phone 01495 741 592
