Sailors mark Falklands anniversary

Eight former sailors reunited on HMS Exeter as she made a commemorative passage from Gravesend in Kent to London where she moored beside HMS Belfast.

For some it was the first time they had returned to their former ship since the 1982 battle, setting off timely reminders of life on board the Type 42 Destroyer.

The ex-sailors climbed aboard HMS Exeter from an RNLI lifeboat, and after coffee and tea in the ward room they toured the anti-air warfare ship as it passed along the Thames.

Ex-leading seaman Ron Hearn, who left the Royal Navy in 1986, said: "It's wonderful to be back after all this time. There are one or two differences that I've noticed but by and large things have pretty much stayed the same.

"This to me was the best ship's company, and part of me never wanted to leave after nine years' service. But they were good years and this has brought all the memories back."

Former marine Eric Barber said: "I immediately recognised the loud noise and the smell of the engine. It's like going back in time. It feels strange to be on board after all this time as a lot of things look the same."

The 4,300-ton warship, which will be decommissioned in 2009, will host three days of public visits alongside HMS Belfast to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the San Carlos landings.

It was on May 21 1982 that Royal Marines from 3 Commando Brigade conducted an amphibious assault that secured the beach at San Carlos from which British forces were able to retake the Falklands.

In total more than 900 people died during the 74-day conflict, including 255 British servicemen, 655 Argentines and three islanders.