Falklands veteran returns from pilgrimage to honour the fallen

Jo Cave

10 January 2008

A FALKLANDS veteran from Marton has returned to the scene of tragedy to honour the brave men and women who served alongside him.
Retired Sergeant Major John Phillips joined 250 other veterans on a pilgrimage to the islands to mark the 25th anniversary of the war with Argentina.
The journey had an added poignancy for the former bomb disposal expert as he accompanied the two daughters of friend and colleague Staff Sergeant Jim Prescott to the place where their father fell in battle.
St Sgt Prescott was killed on May 23, 1982, while trying to diffuse a bomb on board HMS Antelope. The explosive detonated unexpectedly and Mr Phillips lost his left arm in the blast, which tore the navy frigate in two.
In recognition of their bravery, St Sgt Prescott received the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal posthumously and Mr Phillips a Distinguished Service Cross - the only two naval medals ever to have been awarded to members of the army.
Mr Phillips - who helped organise the pilgrimage - said: "I was a little worried about how the girls would react but they really got an awful lot out of it, so that was a great thrill.
"I have been back and forth to the islands, but for many veterans this was the first time they had returned. On a personal note, I got a great deal of satisfaction from getting those people there. Everyone has been very positive about the whole event, which proves that going back does work."
Fifteen other bereaved family members joined the expedition to pay tribute to the 255 UK soldiers who died during the conflict. It was organised by the South Atlantic Medal Association - of which Mr Phillips is secretary - and Combat Stress, a charity which works with ex-servicemen and women suffering from psychological difficulties.
The week-long trip was timed to coincide with Remembrance Day and the visitors took part in ceremonies and battlefield tours. The commemorations started in London at a special evening reception with Baroness Thatcher - prime minister at the time of the war - as guest of honour.
The Falklands' 3000 residents played host to the pilgrims as a thank you for their valour and courage in liberating the South Atlantic archipelago from the invading Argentinians.
jo.cave@leamingtonobserver.co.uk

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