- MOD to run a ballot for veterans and bereaved families from the Falklands Conflict to apply for free flight to Falkland Islands.
- Visit to take place in November 2022 to mark Remembrance Sunday in the 40th year since the liberation of the Falkland Islands by the UK Armed Forces.
Veterans and the bereaved of the Falkland Islands Conflict are being invited to register their interest for a balloted flight to the Islands, funded by the Ministry of Defence.
Over 100 places will be allocated to those eligible and a partner of their choice, who will be given the chance to be in the Falkland Islands over Remembrance Weekend this November.
Once there, they will be able to visit some of the sites of the conflict forever etched in history. A full timetable and schedule will be communicated to those selected by the ballot process.
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said:
“Thousands of miles from home, our Armed Forces battled against the odds to defend the Falkland Islands from an illegal invasion and reminded the world that the United Kingdom will always protect its people
“I am delighted to offer veterans and relatives the opportunity to visit the land they and their loved ones fought so hard to liberate and witness the services held to remember their great sacrifice and those of their fallen comrades.”
Applications can be made via this link, which will remain open until 31 August 2022. The final travelling party will represent the Royal Navy, the Royal Marines, the British Army, the Royal Air Force, the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and the Merchant Navy; all services that counted their own amongst the 255 personnel who lost their lives during the conflict. Applicants who are veterans must be recipients of the South Atlantic Medal. Applicants who are bereaved next of kin must be related to recipients of the South Atlantic Medal.
As well as being provided escorted tours of the Falkland Islands, those on the trip will also attend memorial services for those who died in the conflict.
This flight will make up part of the Ministry of Defence’s commemorations to mark 40 years since the Falkland Conflicts. On the anniversary of the Islands’ liberation on 14 June, The Defence Secretary and Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin both attended the National Memorial Arboretum’s commemoration alongside service personnel and veterans. Music was provided by The Band of the Welsh Guards and a flypast made up of helicopters from all three services concluded the event. Meanwhile in Stanley, East Falkland, Minister for Defence Procurement Jeremy Quin attended events held by the Falkland Islands Government.
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