The nation remembered the Falklands Conflict today as hundreds of veterans from the campaign came together to mark its 25th anniversary.

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 spectacle 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.

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.

He described the spectacle as an opportunity for those who served to thank the country for its support during the 1982 conflict.

“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.

“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.”

The event centred on a stage in the shape of the Falkland Isles which was surrounded by the veterans, many with medals pinned to their blazers and wearing their regiment’s berets.

In the audience were Defence Secretary Des Browne, the Duchess of Cornwall, Baroness Thatcher, Prime Minister at the time of the conflict and Falklands military commanders.

The events of 25 years ago came alive through archive BBC news reports, broadcast on two giant screens, showing how the lead up to the conflict was reported.

Pre-recorded interviews from veterans revealed recollections of their involvement in events.

Andrew took to the stage to recount the events of “bomb alley” where British vessels came under attack from Argentine fighters.

He told the audience: “Ships came alongside other stricken vessels transferring rescuers and survivors. Helicopters lifted men off fire-riddled ships and recovered men, escaping the carnage, from the freezing waters.”

One of those rescued men Ken Enticknap, then a Marine Engineer Artificer First Class, took to the stage to tell his experience on board HMS Ardent whose crew were repairing damage from an attack when they were hit again.

He said: “I didn’t hear the explosion - it was the 18th air attack of the day. The bomb exploded in the same compartment I was in. I was knocked unconscious.

“When I came to I tried to get up but was pinned down by debris and had difficulty breathing.”

He described how he and a colleague tried to escape the smoke-filled compartment and were almost overcome by the fumes and waited to die.

“Then, like a miracle, we got a waft of fresh air and a glimpse of daylight from a hole in the starboard side...and we moved forward towards the light,” he added, describing how they escaped.

Explore UK News

• Crime News

• Education News

• Health News

• Science News

• Scotland News

Times Recommends

• Time-worn Freddie gives up Test matches
• Brighton company 'involved in cyber attack'
• The art of survival: it’s all in the mind