A MOTHER’S tears reflected the pain and pride felt at a service to remember those killed in The Falklands War.

People gathered at Quay Road Christchurch on Saturday to mark the anniversary of victory in June 1982.

Eva Giffin from Somerford held a hand over her face and gently cried as a bugler played The Last Post.

Her 25-year-old son, Royal Marine Lance Corporal Brett Giffin, was killed when his helicopter was shot down during the initial landings.

The 87-year-old said afterwards: “It was a marvellous service but very upsetting. It’s important they are remembered.”

Seven Falkands veterans attended, watched by around 150 well-wishers. Their final act was to stand in a circle and toast the 258 British servicemen who died with a tot of Pusser’s Navy Rum.

The event was organised by Bill McAlester, 51, from Burton, a former Royal Marine, following the founding of the new Christchurch and District Branch of veterans group, SAMA 82.

A family of Argentinean tourists chatted afterwards to a veteran saying how tragic the conflict was and how soldiers fought wars started by politicians.

Dave Leeming, 68, from Christchurch, was a captain in a medical unit aboard the RFA Sir Galahad when it was bombed, killing 50 men.

Steve Overall, 52, from Broadstone in Poole, was a leading seaman on the HMS Coventry, which was sunk by three bombs, leaving him with first and second degree burns.

He said: “Twenty five years ago we would be here saying look at those old guys. Now we are those old guys!

“It was a job that needed to be done and we just happened to be the in the right place at the right time to do it.”

Kevin Greathurst, 50, from Stalbridge, in north Dorset, said with a smile: “Events like this make us older men feel better for a day – it’s that people respect what we did.”

Attendees included Christopher Chope MP, Christchurch mayor, Cllr David Flagg, and Chief Superintendent Martin Hiles of Dorset Police.

  • The Christchurch and District branch of SAMA 82 meets on the second Wednesday of the month in Christchurch Royal British Legion.