Falklands : Battle Day Commemoration in the Falklands
Submitted by Falkland Islands News Network (Juanita Brock) 09.12.2005 (Article Archived on 23.12.2005)
The weather was cold and wet but it didn't stop the commemorations.
Photo (c) J. Brock (FINN) The Clergy kept things going.
BATTLE DAY COMMEMORATED IN THE FALKLANDS
Sea Cadets acted as wreath bearers and the clergy kept everything running smoothly.
By J. Brock (FINN)
Gathering clouds, sleet, wind and rain greeted Battle Day, and by the time the programme began, it was cold and blustery. Nonetheless, at 0925hrs Detachments of the Royal Navy and the FIDF entered the Cathedral. At 0945hrs a memorial service was held. H.E. the Governor, Mr. Howard Pearce, Mrs. Caroline Pearce and Suzanna Pearce and CBSAI Commodore Ian Moncrieff and Mrs. Moncrieff and other senior Officers serving with the British Forces South Atlantic Islands, Members of LEGCO also attended.
The service began with a welcome to all attending from the armed services and youth organisations as well. Reverend Paul Sweeting especially mentioned Captain McNally and the crew of the RFA Grey Rover who are preparing to take Grey Rover, after 36 years’ service, north for decommissioning. He thanked the RFA for their long association and friendship to the Falklands. Also mentioned was HMS Southampton at anchor in Stanley Harbour.
The first hymn was the old 100th – “All Ye that on Earth Do Dwell.” H. E. the Governor Mr. Howard Pearce read the Tld Testament lesson – Psalm 27: 7 – 14. This reading was followed by the hymn “Now Thank We All Our God.” Following was the New Testament lesson, Jude V 20 – 25.
The Reverend Paul Sweeting said a few words:
“On Saturday I was out at the Cape Pembroke Lighthouse. It was a celebration of 150 years of that lighthouse. Very pleasant it was, too. There was sunshine, hot coffee, stronger drinks were also on offer, and plenty of wildlife around. It was a good trip out and standing by the lighthouse I could see the Albatross doing their perpetual dance over the waves.
Ninety-one years ago at 0830hrs the German Cruisers that were to attack Stanley and to take the Governor hostage sighted that lighthouse. And, as they approached, the Germans could also see smoke rising in dense columns behind the low hills. And briefly some German Officers wondered if this signifies British Battle Cruisers. However, the general opinion is that the coal and oil stocks must be in the process of being destroyed. On closing to Port William the German Ships came under fire. But eve then the smoke still obscures the full threat that awaits them.
Admiral Von Spee orders the ships to pull away to the east. But even now there was still no anxiety. There is no reaisation of what’s about to unfold. And then the British ships start to move. And, in moving, the smoke starts to clear. At 1000hrs the awful realisation dawns as two German Officers see a pair of Tripod Masts. And then another pair and they know it. They face two British Battle Cruisers – Invincible and Inflexible – and now they know they are in for it.
Meanwhile as the British Ships pull forward – as Invincible clears Cape Pembroke and that lighthouse, Admiral Sturdee orders the signal – General Chase – to be hoisted. I walked back to Cape Pembroke after being there on Saturday. I went on Tuesday but the weather was now bitter – the wind biting – curtains of snow and hail drawing around the hills of Stanley and sweeping on to the Cape. And I stood there right at the very tip of the Cape facing out towards the empty miles of ocean – the sea heaving in great swells over the rocks. And, I thought of those ships – British and German – fighting their way. And I thought of those ships and men who are out there still.
It was all so long ago but still close to us as well, not least because people here remember ships that fought in these waters 23 years ago. And, people remember some of those ships that still lay in these waters.
What strikes me as I try to learn just a little about what happened at the Battle of the Falklands in 1914, or in the conflict here in 1982, is how easily we mask the reality of warfare in words. A sentence in a book I read briefly describes one catastrophic salvo that strikes a German Ship in the ensuing battle in 1914. This is what it says:
‘One German ship’s decks could be seen to be burning at least in half a dozen places. And, about this time one of her 5.9 inch guns on the disengaged side was hit by a shell, which dropped through the main deck and galley above and exploded, tumbling gun, crew and housing out through the side of the ship.’
That was one instant in many instants of destruction. In that instant men died. Their lives ended, they tumble from a warm ship into a freezing sea. To me it is like this as each man dies. It’s as if the whole world ends and falls in on itself. In the midst of such confusion – and lets be honest here – fear – the German and the British crews fight on with order and discipline. That amazes me and I certainly respect it.
That perseverance in the face of such terror and fear and noise and smoke – that’s quite something. Of course that is what men aboard ships like Inflexible and Invincible have trained for. And, that is, of course, what many here demonstrated in 1982 in the waters of Falkland Sound or San Carlos or elsewhere.
The Bible is big on perseverance. I didn’t have much trouble finding readings about perseverance for today. Psalm 27is a prayer for perseverance in the face of tough times. And, the letter of Jude – that’s a call to perseverance. Elsewhere in the Bible, Job is famous for it. Israel had perseverance in their wilderness wanderings. And Christ himself demonstrates it in that most frightening place pinned to a wooden cross – perseverance in the face of fear - an exploding shell or a wooden cross. Perseverance is something each of us need in our own lives.
When we are honest, we know that sometimes we need that perseverance but the crews of the Royal Navy and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary showed in 1982 that perseverance that God prizes so highly. For each it will be different. For some of our Military friends it might be a hard posting. For some of us it might be a time of loneliness. It might be facing loneliness, it might be facing depression, for we all face such things in our lives.
I pray that you will develop that perseverance. It was demonstrated on the seas off these Islands in 1914 and 1982.”
After the sermon there were prayers and the hymn, “Eternal Father Strong to Save.” Bidding prayers were said by Fr. Peter Norris of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and Rev. Ken Newton of the Seamen’s Mission. The next hymn was “Praise to the Lord the Almighty, the King of Creation.” Padre Wakham-Dawson of St. Cuthberts at Mount Pleasant Complex gave a prayer of thanksgiving, after which the National Anthem was sung. The Rev Paul Sweeting gave the final blessing. Collection of funds was in aid of the Lighthouse Seamen’s Centre was made at the service.
At 1015, a detachment of the Royal Navy and the FIDF marched to the Battle Memorial. At 1045 the detachments arrived at the Battle Memorial. Members of the youth organisations were present. 1058hrs H. E. the Governor Mr. Pearce arrived at the Battle Memorial and inspected the parade as the weather worsened. Prayers were said by Fr. Peter Norris of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Padre Wakham-Dawson of St. Cuthberts, Rev. Ken Newton of the Seamen’s Mission and Rev Paul Sweeting of the Cathedral. After prayers, H. E. and CBSAI and laid wreaths as it began to blow. There was a fly-past at 1110hrs. A VC-10 with refuelling hose and nozzle extended and two Tornado Aircraft.
A soggy march-past for H. E. the Governor and CBSAI who stood on the dias in front of Government House happened next before the crowd went home for something warm to drink.
08 December 1914. Six British Sailors and 2,260 German sailors died. A number of British died as a result of their injuries.
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