Falklands War could become 'forgotten' as forty year anniversary approaches
The military conflict with Argentina began in April 1982
As the forty year anniversary approaches, the Falklands War is at risk of becoming 'forgotten', according to new research.
Figures from the military charity Help for Heroes found that of the 2,100 people surveyed, only 4% were able to answer questions correctly.
Half of people aged between 18 and 34 did not know when the war took place, with one in ten people believing that it was the UK who had invaded the islands which triggered the fighting.
In addition, only one in four young people knew about the armed conflict which took place off the Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic.
The war against Argentina, who also claims the islands as theirs - named the Malvinas Islands - began on April 2nd 1982 under the leadership of then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.
Despite being an undeclared war between the two countries, fighting lasted for ten weeks and resulted in a British victory, reaffirming British sovereignty over the islands.
But the Help for Heroes charity warns that there are many veteran soldiers who fought in the Falklands War who are still struggling with what they had witnessed forty years ago.
Falklands veteran Nick Martin, 65, was in the Royal Navy on the Atlantic Conveyor when, on May 25 1982, it was hit by two Argentine Exocet missiles, killing 12 crew.
As a result of the attack, Mr Martin suffered traumatic brain injuries, lost teeth, as well as burns to his mouth and throat.
Speaking about the support he received by Help for Heroes, he said it was important to make sure what they fought for is never forgotten.
"There was no real support available for me when we returned home. I had a couple of months in Stonehouse Hospital in Plymouth, but nothing more than physiotherapy. There was no mental health support at all. No advice," he said.
"Previously I sabotaged anything that was good, and I wouldn't allow myself to enjoy anything. I kept thinking: 'Those lads who never made it back never had a chance to do any of this, so why should I have a nice life?'
"With Help for Heroes, I had a lightbulb moment that made me realise what I should be doing is living the best possible life I can, because that's what they would have wanted me to do - but it took nearly 35 years to get sorted."
As a result, the charity is calling on veterans continuing to struggle readjusting to normal life to come forward so more people can get the support they need.
Carol Betteridge, head of clinical and medical services at Help for Heroes said there was no shame in looking for help after experiencing a warzone.
"Forty years ago, the support for mental and physical wounds was less advanced and harder to access, making it difficult for veterans to get the support they needed," she said.
"While there have been major improvements in Government support for veterans since then, we are concerned that veterans are falling through the gaps."
She added: "Just because people were injured 40 years ago, doesn't mean they don't still need help, as recovery can take years or last a lifetime.
"We're currently supporting Falklands veterans with long-term issues, including the lasting effects of trench foot and also PTSD. Every one of them deserves our help and we would urge anyone who is struggling to ask for help."
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