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Preston navy veteran returns to Falklands after four decades

Posted on - 30th May, 2024 - 7:00pm | Author - | Posted in - History, Preston News, Proud Preston
Featured left to right: Kevin Higgins, Tony Williams, Dave Young, Mike Warren, Tim Jenkins, Kevin Clark, Derick Sullivan, Lee George-Barnes. Pic: RNRMC

A group of veterans embarked on a touching journey from the 18th – 26th of March, marking their return to the Falklands for the first time since the conflict of 1982. A significant aspect of their voyage was the visit to the HMS Coventry memorial on Pebble Island, honouring crew members who lost their lives on May 25th, 1982.

Former Royal Navy MEM Tony Williams, from Preston, was among the returning veterans. He expressed profound gratitude for the opportunity to return to the Falkland Islands for the first time in 42 years, allowing him to pay respects to fallen shipmates and friends.

The opportunity was made possible by the support of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) and Greenwich Hospital.

Read more: Preston City Council gardener creates final Remembrance display

Opening up about his poignant experience, he said: “This trip has helped me enormously with my state of mind, as I always wanted to go to the HMS Coventry memorial and pay my respects to my good friend, Steve Tonkin, who was sadly lost that fateful day.”

Williams continued, “The opportunity to go to the memorial has and will help my state of mind and has allowed me to come to terms with it. For this, I am extremely grateful to the charity for facilitating my return to the islands, paying my respects and meeting 9 strangers who will no doubt become lifelong friends.”

Mandy Lindley, Director of Relationships and Funding at the RNRMC, expressed her appreciation for the positive response stating: “My heartfelt thanks go out to each individual who has generously shared their personal experiences of this trip with us. Your openness and willingness to connect have been nothing short of inspiring, reminding us of the profound impact our funding can have.”

Jonathan Ball, Director of Grants at Greenwich Hospital, emphasised the importance of joint funding to facilitate connections among former Royal Navy and Royal Marines personnel, commenting: “Supporting initiatives, such as this poignant trip to the Falkland Islands, helps keep veterans connected with their wider military community, engaging with colleagues and friends. We aim to foster a sense of belonging and ongoing support among veterans.”

For more information about the RNRMC please visit www.rnrmc.org.uk or contact mygrant@rnrmc.org.uk.

For more information about Greenwich Hospital please visit www.greenwichhospital.co.uk.

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