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Ascension remembers Falklands war | |
(about 2 hours later) | |
A commemoration service to mark the 25th anniversary of the Falklands War has been held on Ascension Island. | A commemoration service to mark the 25th anniversary of the Falklands War has been held on Ascension Island. |
The British South Atlantic territory was used as a staging post for the military task force sent from the UK after Argentina invaded the Falklands. | The British South Atlantic territory was used as a staging post for the military task force sent from the UK after Argentina invaded the Falklands. |
Some 200 islanders and visiting dignitaries were at St Mary's Anglican Church to mark Ascension's role. | Some 200 islanders and visiting dignitaries were at St Mary's Anglican Church to mark Ascension's role. |
Canon Clive Duncan, who led the service, focused his prayers on those who died in the conflict. | Canon Clive Duncan, who led the service, focused his prayers on those who died in the conflict. |
Following the service the Union Flag was hoisted above Ascension's main village. | Following the service the Union Flag was hoisted above Ascension's main village. |
Key base | Key base |
Many in the congregation had played a direct role in helping British forces reach the Falklands. | Many in the congregation had played a direct role in helping British forces reach the Falklands. |
Situated approximately half way between the UK and the Falklands, Ascension Island became a key logistical base for troops heading for the war. | Situated approximately half way between the UK and the Falklands, Ascension Island became a key logistical base for troops heading for the war. |
The first British air attacks of the conflict were launched from Ascension Island on 1 May 1982 when RAF bombers made the 8,000-mile round-trip to target Port Stanley airfield. | The first British air attacks of the conflict were launched from Ascension Island on 1 May 1982 when RAF bombers made the 8,000-mile round-trip to target Port Stanley airfield. |
Ascension Island is a British Overseas Territory just south of the equator in the South Atlantic with a population of about 1,100. | Ascension Island is a British Overseas Territory just south of the equator in the South Atlantic with a population of about 1,100. |
Together with St Helena and Tristan da Cunha, it forms a single territorial grouping under the sovereignty of the British Crown. | Together with St Helena and Tristan da Cunha, it forms a single territorial grouping under the sovereignty of the British Crown. |
Troop ship | |
In the UK, a series of events to mark the anniversary have taken place in Southampton which played a key role in supporting the British task force. | |
A lunch for Falklands veterans was followed by the unveiling of a commemorative plaque on the QE2, which in 1982 sailed from the port as a troop ship. | |
A service has been held at Aldershot Military Cemetery to commemorate one of the bloodiest battles for British troops since World War II. | |
Thirty-three members of the Parachute Regiment were killed at Mount Longdon on the Falklands on 11 June 1982. |
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