The 30th anniversary of the Falklands War will be commemorated by a County Durham museum this weekend when it welcomes former servicemen who fought in the conflict.
Veterans Ian Gardiner and Russ May will offer an insight into the campaign when they visit the DLI Museum and Durham Art Gallery on Saturday (28th April).
Former Royal Marine Ian Gardiner will give a talk on his experiences as the commander of a rifle company in 45 Commando RM in Arbroath.
The Commando ‘yomped’ across East Falkland in mid-winter, carrying extraordinary loads and little food before fighting and winning a night battle on the Two Sisters, one of the key hills around Port Stanley.
With the help of pictures and film footage, Ian, whose book The Yompers was published in February, will describe the ‘yomp’ and this little known but highly successful action.
The talk starts at 2pm. Tickets are priced at £4.60 for adults, £3.60 for concessions and £2.60 for children between four and sixteen-years-old. Prices for annual pass holders are £2.60 for adults, £2.10 for concessions and £1.60 for children.
Russ May fought with the Royal Air Force Regiment in the Falklands, operating a Rapier surface-to-air anti-aircraft missile battery. He and his colleagues will be dressed in the uniforms of some of the regiments deployed to the islands 30 years ago.
They will be on hand between 11am and 4pm to demonstrate the kit they carried and talk about their living conditions. There is no additional charge for this event, although normal museum admission costs apply.
For more information visit www.durham.gov.uk/dli, call 0191 384 2214 or email [email protected]
