From the Sea, Freedom!

I have just returned from an amazing personal pilgrimage that was shared with South Atlantic Medal Association veterans of the Falklands War. A number of us returned to the Falklands Islands 37 years after a conflict that transformed us all and changed the course of history.

I stayed at Liberty Lodge, an accommodation centre funded by the Falklands Veterans Foundation charity and opened in 2009 to offer visiting veterans and their families a free place to stay. 

It was my immense privilege to share this journey with fellow veterans George Darroch (RN) and David Bayliss (RAF) both of whom served on HMS Bristol and with Chris Talbot a veteran of HMS Arrow – along with his wife, Christine, a flora and fauna lover, and a very “proud missus”.

We all visited the Falkland Islands Museum in Stanley where Chris presented a framed photograph showing that iconic image of HMS Arrow alongside and providing assistance to HMS Sheffield just after she was struck by an Exocet missile and added a further framed personal photograph of his messmates at that time and to make a personal connection of those onboard.

Whilst in the museum we shared coffee, and a box of "Heroes", a lot of banter and laughter and then after watching a video of the Islanders speaking now as adults, but recounting their experiences as children, we shed some tears.

Liberty Lodge is open to all veterans and provides ample room for up to a dozen guests, and we were sharing with six former members of 42 Commando Royal Marines, who had battled on the ground from San Carlos to Mt Harriet, in the days before Argentine troops surrendered. It was fabulous to have an opportunity to reunite Jack with Bootnecks in the same messdeck! The company and conversations were reflective, but the banter was "jovial" to say the least! 

The hospitality and warmth of welcome from the islanders are enough to melt the heart of even the most hardened of veterans. In addition to the wonderful Ali and Gary at Liberty Lodge, I need to thank Tony and Ailsa of Estancia Farm who gave up a whole day to show us around the Island driving us to memorials and battle sites including San Carlos (a.k.a. "bomb alley") where on 21 May 1982 the troop landings and my own personal life-changing event, took place. It was my privilege to sit in their home and share tea and biscuits while listening to their personal accounts, and substantial experiences throughout the occupation. Thanks also to Dot Gould, who was a child on Pebble Island and remembers the night the SAS destroyed the Argentine aircraft. Thank you for your generous accommodation and hospitality during our visit to the HMS Coventry memorial and weather enforced, extended stay, at Pebble Island.

It was this sincere appreciation and gratitude which was the real tonic. From the simple gift of crocheted scarves designed by Rachael Simons from Carlisle (aged 9 at the time of the invasion) in the colours of our South Atlantic Medal, to a hug from a shopkeeper, and a simple handshake with a "thank you" from a complete stranger whom we met in a Stanley shop, confirmed the gratitude of the Islanders and, for me, made the whole trip worthwhile.

As a group, we didn't want the trip to be all about the war, it's battlefields and it's memorials. Whilst we wanted to acknowledge the sad loss of life and pay our respects, we also wanted to enjoy the Island and understand why so many people call this home. As we explored the Island's amazing beaches and wildlife it is easy to understand why so many people love the Falkland Islands. Where else can you stand on powder-white beaches conversing with a Penguin or standing a few (discreet) feet away from a Fur Seal?

Our party, including the Royal Marines, were invited to meet the Governor and his lady at Government House. We were given a cream tea with a history lesson, explored the economics of the Islands, and explored the reconciliation period following the conflict. For me, it was fascinating and extremely reassuring that the campaign was indeed justified and became a catalyst for the positive change in the growth and viability of the Islands after 1982.  

Since I have returned, it was announced that I was shortlisted in the Scottish-ex Forces in Business Awards. I feel honoured yet humbled to be included in a company of people who have served their nation and who now are making further significant contributions to their country’s welfare. The event, the world’s largest celebration of military veterans in business, comes to Scotland in December for the first time. It promises to be quite a night.

I wish to extend my congratulations to all who have been shortlisted and my thanks to the organisers of this event. It is hugely gratifying having my efforts and those of my team setting up two successful businesses, Safe Shores Monitoring and Communicare247, in my years as a civilian recognised. 

As one who saw active service in the Falklands aboard HMS Antrim, I salute them.

Tom Morton