Falklands War: 40 years since Argentine forces invaded the island
Hundreds of British military personnel were killed as well as three Falkland islanders.
Last updated 31st Mar 2022
Saturday marks 40 years since Argentine forces invaded the Falkland Islands, a conflict which would last for 74 days.
Three civilians were killed as well as a total of 255 British military personnel and 649 Argentine personnel during the hostilities.
James Garrett from Kirkcolm, near Stranraer, in Dumfries and Galloway was 18-years-old when he got a call asking if he wanted to join the Baltic Ferry.
He told Downtown Radio: "We made our way to San Carlos on the ship and as the army fought its way through the war, we were there to re-supply them with whatever they needed.
"I didn't really have a routine and it was nothing like any other ship I've worked on.
"You had various jobs on rotation so one day I could be on watch or I could be painting something."
"It was exciting being taken for a run in a helicopter"
The 58-year-old claims the war was an experience that will stay with him for the rest of his life.
James added: "I saw some terribly sad things, but I also saw some interesting things too.
"As a teenager, it was exciting to be taken for a run in a helicopter or getting shooting practice."
"I sometimes think I should be remembering the guys who didn't come more more"
When he arrived back home, he recalls slipping back into normal life as if nothing had happened.
"I feel sad when I see remembrance parades because I don't often think about the Falklands War very often.
"I sometimes think that I should be remembering the guys who didn't come home more often than what I do.
"My two daughters know about my involvement in the war but they don't really know much more than that because it is never talked about."
"I don't want to go out with my medal on"
James claims he is not somebody who talks about the war often and he will be taking some time to mark this anniversary privately.
"I will probably sit with a couple of beers and toast to the guys who aren't coming home.
"I don't want to go out with my medal on and walk up the street with my chest sticking out."
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