St Helena : RMS St. Helena Presentation at Garden Party
Submitted by Saint Helena Herald (Juanita Brock) 24.04.2007 (Article Archived on 08.05.2007)

RMS St. Helena's participation in the 1982 conflict with Argentina has been noted.

Press Release

1982 Participation of RMS St. Helena -Presentation at Garden Party

Over 400 guests attended the Garden Party at Plantation House on Saturday 21 April 2007 to celebrate the Birthday of Her Majesty the Queen.

This was an extra special event for St Helena, as Governor Clancy took the opportunity to present Certificates and Badges of Honour to crew members who served on the RMS St Helena and travelled to the Falklands after the 1982 conflict.  This year marks the 25^th anniversary of the liberation of the Falkland Islands and thus is an opportune time for the presentations.

The citation on the certificates is “In recognition of valuable service with devotion to duty on the RMS St Helena in support of mine-sweeping operations following the Falkland Islands Conflict in 1982.”

On island, the awards were made to: Lionel Williams, Brenda Williams, Peter Sim, Eric Mittens, Maureen Jonas, Patrick Francis, Patrick Thomas, Donald Bowers, William George, Frederick Green and Patrick Williams.  Unfortunately, Peter Sim, Patrick Francis, Patrick Williams and Frederick Green left on the RMS St Helena on Friday and were not able to attend the Party to receive the award in person.

The remaining surviving crew members who served on the RMS St Helena when it travelled to the Falklands in 1982 and who are currently off island, have all been invited to a reception in London on 21 May which will also mark the 100^th voyage of the RMS.  These crew members are: Peter Mercury, Ronald Johnson, Patrick Ellick, Ivan Thomas, Fenwick Thomas and Colin Lawrence.

The Certificate and Badge of Honour was first introduced in 1957 with H M the Queen approving the rules for this award.  These rules allow the Governor to make the award to residents of St Helena who have either given loyal and valuable service in the Public Service that is worthy of special recognition or to those who, by their loyalty and meritorious conduct, have been of exceptional benefit to the Island.

Public Relations/Information Office

Office of the Chief Secretary

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