Veterans remember Falklands War

Old servicemen who fought to liberate the South Atlantic islands from Argentina commemorated fallen comrades and the achievements of British troops during a major televised event.

The sights, sounds and emotions of the campaign were evoked during the hour-long event which featured the recollections of veterans and their families and began with a 'muster' of servicemen.

Hundreds of spectators filled stands lining Horse Guards Parade in Whitehall and applauded as each contingent of Falklands veterans - Navy, RAF, Army and Royal Marines - and their modern day equivalents marched into the square.

Leading the groups were four men who had all seen service during the 1982 conflict.

Navy personnel were headed by Admiral Sir Alan West, who 25 years ago, commanded the frigate HMS Ardent which was sunk during hostilities. Major General Jim Dutton, who served as a signals officer, led the Royal Marines Group, Lieutenant General Sir John Kiszely, was company commander 2nd Battalion Scots Guards and fought in the battle to take Tumbledown mountain.

At the front of the RAF group marched Air Chief Marshal Sir Clive Loader, who flew Harrier jump-jets from HMS Hermes.

Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, who flew naval helicopters during the campaign, was among invited guests at the event, including the Prime Minister and the Prince of Wales.

"I think it's very important those of us who were down there have an opportunity to say thank you to the great many people in this country who supported the action that took place in the South Atlantic 25 years ago," said Prince Andrew. "We tried on a number of occasions in the past to say thank you, but I think this is really the epitome of being able to say thank you for the support that we had, it was truly amazing."

He added: "Again, as I've said on previous occasions, I was only a small cog in this very large machine, 27,000 of us went down in total 8,000 miles, which is an extraordinary feat of achievement even in 1982."