2022 was a significant year for many Royal Navy and Royal Marines veterans, as it marked the 40th anniversary of the Falklands Conflict.
To recognise this milestone, the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) established a new fund to support the participation of veterans and their families in commemorative activities and events.
Over £100,000 was distributed by the RNRMC to more than 30 organisations and associations, reuniting Royal Navy and Royal Marines veterans, many of whom having not seen each other for many years. For some, it was their first reunion since the Falklands Conflict, 40 years ago.
However, there is one group of veterans for whom recognition holds particular importance. Unfairly and incorrectly dismissed as ‘cowards’ by sections of the British Press at the time, the Royal Marines of Naval Party 8901 have, in recent years, been vindicated and recognised for their heroic actions as they attempted to defend the Falklands against an Argentine attack force that outnumbered them by more than 40 to 1. As 2022 ended, a final grant from the Falklands 40 Fund saw the RNRMC cover the travel costs for several NP8901 veterans as they joined their comrades in returning to the islands to lay a plaque, commemorating their bravery and contribution to the conflict.
For the veterans supported by this grant, the chance to return to the Falkands and cement their true place in history with a plaque was a highly emotional experience, one describing it as, “difficult to put into words”. For many, the opportunity for reunion was crucial, not only from a social perspective but also to provide closure to long-standing questions. One veteran explained that the most valuable part of the experience was, “meeting old comrades for the first time in 40 years and filling in the blanks about what had happened. I have a greater understanding of the events that occurred around me.”.
However, most overwhelming is the pride that many NP8901 veterans expressed as a result of the gratitude they received from the Islanders themselves. St Major Bill Muir, who was among the veterans supported by the RNRMC, said that a phrase heard more than once from the locals was, “the Marines of NP8901 are our Marines”, while another veteran reported that, “the appreciation of the Falkland Islanders was overwhelming and how proud they were of us.”
Commodore Jonathan Lett RN, Commander British Forces South Atlantic Islands, said:
“Having been met upon return by newspaper headlines of Surrender in the UK the men of NP8901 have been left with years of guilt that they let down the islanders and the Corps. Once aware of this injustice MLA Leona Roberts was determined to right this wrong and plans were hatched for the unveiling of a plaque at Government House Stanley. RNRMC funding allowed 6 members of NP 8901 to attend this event making a total of 21 members in attendance.
This was clearly a healing event for all that were involved, sadly not all NP 8901 members were able to attend but the fact that, with RNRMC support we maximised numbers is fantastic. From personal contact with all the visitors and e-mail contact with their OC, Maj Mike Norman RM, I know what a difference attendance at this event has made to them.
I would like to thank RNRMC for supporting funding requests in this, the 40th Anniversary year. Events were veteran focused and had a considerable impact on both the attending veterans and those who serve today who they interacted with. Personally, I cannot think of a more fitting way to end the 40th Anniversary year than with the men of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines who defended the Falklands against the Argentine invasion on the night of 1st/2nd April 1982.”
