Remembrance

The local branch of the RBL have been active today at many war memorials commemorating 40 years since the Falklands War. They had already lain a wreath at Tweedmouth when I popped over to hand the little one back this morning. One local lad lost his life on the Sir Galahad…he was a 2nd engineering officer who was awarded the George Medal for giving the only breathing apparatus to a Junior Engineer Officer who survived the disaster.

My brother was in the Navy at the time of the Falklands but was luckily based on shore at Rosyth awaiting an early discharge as he had employment to go to. One of his mates stopped by ours one Sunday in March to see if he wanted a lift back up the road…he’d borrowed his Mums car as he was being redeployed and was headed home the following weekend with all his kit for some leave. He was due to join HMS Sheffield when it docked at Portsmouth…the ship never docked, heading straight to the Falklands where it was sunk. No doubt there were a few lads who were that lucky but you have to feel for the families looking forward to welcoming their loved ones back after a lengthy deployment who were never to see them again.

A pleasant day weather wise albeit still windy, though it was blowing warm air. L arrived this afternoon so after a quick trip to M&S we walked the prom where we were treated to the sight of two dolphins swimming up the coast very close to shore.

I’ve got my nephew staying for the rest of the week as the rest of the family are away, so it’s going to be a week of early starts to get him out to work…I’ll need a holiday to recover methinks!!