Garry Burns shares an engaging account of his service aboard RFA Tidespring during the Falklands War. Raised in a Children's home, Garry understood hardness and strict discipline from a young age. These qualities would benefit his transition into the Royal Navy when he joined. After enlisting at sixteen, he trained as a Gunner, working aboard many warships from HMS Cambridge to HMS Reclaim. This was before choosing to become a merchant sailor, serving aboard RFA Tidespring as a Paint locker-man. Despite leaving the navy, he would soon find himself entering a warzone after Tidespring was called to Ascension Island in preparation for war in the Falklands. Something Garry thought was a joke because the message was received on April 1st. While sailing to South Georgia with a group of other warships, Garry recalls how they were required to bunch up and mimic cargo ships to avoid detection from Russian Satellites who were monitoring them. At South Georgia, many crazy stories unfolded such as, struggling to send marines ashore after the crashing of two helicopters and the drifting of a recovery boat. After the bombardment and surrender of South Georgia, the crew were given the opportunity to inspect the hamlet of Grytviken. Garry was stunned by how forsaken it was. It resembled a ghost town in which everyone had left, yet much was left behind. During the war, they brought hundreds of POWs aboard, including crew members of the Santa Fe submarine which had limped onto Grytviken after being attacked. When meeting the prisoners, Garry noticed how bedraggled some of them appeared. He managed to form healthy relationships with some of them, especially since he knew Spanish from his earlier voyages in both South and Central America. This made him the crew's unofficial translator. Being born mixed race in the 1950s, Garry never had an easy time making friends, especially early on. However, his life aboard Tidespring proved to be a happy one and his skin colour was valuable in gaining the assurance of POWs who may have found it difficult to trust someone of a more English disposition. Garry's story captures the advantages that come from growing up in undesirable circumstances, from the success that can still be attained and the surprising way in which new bonds can be formed.    

Peter was 18 when he started working for P&O on the SS Canberra. Having attended catering college, Peter first worked as a silver service waiter and was quickly promoted to running all the bars. The liner had just been on a world cruise and heading home from Hong Kong when they detoured to Gibraltar to pick up military personnel, rumours flew round about the Falklands and finally they heard the Canberra was being requisitioned. Peter volunteered to remain, in his words for “pride and love of the ship”, never thinking at that stage that anything serious would happen to them. Peter recalls the physical transformation to the ship including the incorporation of two helicopter pads. He also tells us that the first night running the bars and nightclub felt like a party and he worried they were going to run out of beer. They quickly brought in rationing after that. The rapport with the commandos was good and some are still friends to this day. They had to do lots of training for abandoning ship and it was very apparent that, if hit, there weren’t the resources to get everyone off. It became Peter’s responsibility to look after passenger mustering for evacuation. Peter recalls the incredible amount of ships at Ascension Island and the shocking news that, contrary to their contracts, they were being asked to go into the Falklands. Again, he chose to stay with the ship. It was a beautiful day when they arrived in the San Carlos waters and started offloading troops. For a time, Peter thinks they might just have succeeded without detection but all that quickly changes. He describes the chaos and confusion for those, like himself, with no military training when Argentinian aeroplanes start flying over. Peter also recalls his disbelief at seeing the QE2 as he couldn’t believe they would send a ship bearing the Queen’s name into conflict. Thankfully, they come through unscathed but a false report is issued that the Canberra was sunk which shocks family at home. Peter describes the amazing return they experienced with family and friends as well as the Royal Marine band on the quayside. Peter explains that it is difficult to talk about this time but he is proud of his involvement.

Nick was always keen on a career in the Navy and enlisted in 1962. By 1981 he was in command of  HMS Antelope which was a privilege to command as Nick says he was blessed with an excellent ship’s company and modern equipment. It comes as no surprise to Nick when they are instructed to return from training operations to prepare to travel to the South Atlantic. On the way down they practice military operations intensely. Nick is also put in tactical command of six support vessels, a supply ship, a tanker and four landing ships which increases his responsibilities significantly. They arrive at Ascension Island on 21^st April where the Antelope acts as guardship. Nick is then instructed to shepherd the support groups to the total exclusion zone and return with the tanker the RFA Tidespring which is carrying Argentinians to be repatriated. Nick was doubly worried that the conditions onboard for the prisoners did not meet the terms of the Geneva Convention but also that incredibly dangerous members of the Argentinian special forces were in the group and had to be held safely. On 23^rd May the Antelope comes under attack. Nick recalls events in incredible detail how two bombs hit them but did not explode. They are able to manoeuvre the ship to the San Carlos waters to enable bomb disposal but, tragically, the attempts fail and one of the bombs detonates, killing one, injuring more and causing significant damage to the ship. With the ship both lurching and in flames, and communication out, Nick gives the command to abandon ship. They are picked up by the QE2 where Nick is able to decompress with fellow commanding officers of  HMS Ardent and HMS Coventry, both also sunken. It was a relief to return home to family and the grand reception at Southampton. It was heartbreaking for Nick to leave the Antelope and a frustrating Board of Inquiry followed where Nick and two fellow officers were found negligent. Thankfully, the Commander-in-Chief dismissed the findings so the men did not face court martial but Nick says he didn’t feel completely vindicated until after he retired when the surviving bomb disposal expert was interviewed and said the correct decision had been made.

Bill Walworth discusses his early career in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. At the time of the Argentine invasion of South Georgia, he was studying at the Staff College in Greenwich but knew that tensions were escalating. He joined the stores ship Saxonia in April 1982, shortly after the sinking of HMS Sheffield and describes how wartime conditions altered the ship's operations. Adaptable to life aboard the Saxonia with its 28 crew, Bill details the ship’s role in storing and organising supplies. He recounts the Saxonia’s challenges, including the impact of the Atlantic Conveyor’s sinking and difficulties anchoring in South Georgia. Upon returning to Ascension, Bill drafted reports about the Royal Fleet Auxiliary [RFA] and began a distinguished career, reflecting on how the Falklands conflict shaped the RFA’s future role in the Royal Navy.

Andrew Cassels spent his entire career at British Petroleum (BP), joining at 17 and retiring at 60. He admits that a highlight of his time was during the Falklands Conflict when he served as 2nd Mate on the requisitioned Petroleum tanker, the British Avon. With his brother-in-law already involved in the conflict, Andrew happily volunteered. He describes preparing the ship for the journey south, highlighting the technical procedures for filling the tanks and the impressed Royal Fleet Auxiliary [RFA] crew who joined to assist with navigation. Refuelling at sea, particularly with the RFA Olna, was challenging and the stress on the ships' Captain ensured that Andrew had plenty of responsibility. He fondly recalls tuna fishing in Ascension and the Automatic Radar Plotting Aid (ARPA) navigational system on the Avon, though he still enjoyed using traditional star and sun sights with his sextant.

Alison Harris was serving as an assistant purser on the Uganda when the ship was unexpectedly requisitioned for service in the Falklands War. Originally a school cruise ship, Uganda was swiftly converted into a hospital ship, with public rooms transformed into wards and a helicopter pad built over the swimming pool. Alison’s role involved maintaining detailed records of personnel onboard, including injured British and Argentine soldiers. She recalls the surreal experience of maintaining a sense of normality—printing daily menus and holding quizzes—even as the ship sailed into a war zone. Despite the challenges, including water shortages and harsh weather, she speaks of the camaraderie among the crew and the deep friendships formed. Alison reflects on the Uganda’s vital but often overlooked role in the conflict, feeling privileged to have been part of an extraordinary chapter in history.

Jeff 'Bunny' Warren provides a compelling account of his service as a Gunner aboard HMS Antelope during the Falklands War. Raised in Birmingham, his upbringing was landlocked, having no knowledge of the navy. He was inspired to join, following a family boat trip in Weymouth where he caught sight of all the warships stationed at Portland Harbour. After finishing his basic training at HMS Ganges, he was given the choice between Sonar Radar or Gunnery positions. He proceeded with Radar but as the years passed, his disposition leaned more towards Gunnery. Only a few months after switching, war erupted in the Falklands. When his crew set sail on HMS Antelope, they found themselves needing to fulfil some prerequisites relating to Ascension Island before going further south. Even before reaching Ascension, they figured the war would end before they finally arrived. Jeff details their preparation for a potential attack in South Georgia. Unfortunately, the only thing to hit them was disappointment upon discovering that this particular battle was already won, leaving prisoners for them to escort back to Ascension. They would finally see action after the Antelope was sent to San Carlos. Jeff remembers the battle like it was yesterday; the firing of guns as a raid of Skyhawks descended upon their position. At one point, he became a sitting duck in his attempts to fix the gun magazine which jammed. Sadly, they had to abandon ship following the penetration of two inactive bombs which eventually triggered. Before returning home, Jeff assisted the crew aboard MV Norland in the security of POWs. He recalls a mystery surrounding an inmate who wore a marine uniform and the circumstances behind why it was in his possession. Some years after the war, he received devastating news that he was to be discharged following a medical examination that revealed problems with his hearing. Despite this regrettable end, Jeff's display of bravery would be remembered after already being awarded the Distinguished Service Medal in 1982, something he didn't feel worthy of receiving. Jeff's interview captures the passion instilled in those who dream of joining the Royal Navy as well as the substantial achievements and the harsh realities one faces when choosing such a career path.

David Sayer delivers an intricate account of his service aboard HMS Plymouth during the Falklands War. His fascination with the sea began at a young age, having fond memories of watching ships transiting across Torbay from the upstairs bedroom of his grandmother's cottage. Recognising his interest, his parents would send him to HMS Mercury to begin his training. Some time later, he qualified as a Master gunner, serving aboard many frigates. When war in the Falklands broke out, he had been serving aboard HMS Plymouth as a Squadron Gunnery Officer. Following the conclusion of Exercise Spring Train in the Mediterranean, Plymouth, along with an assemblage of other ships, were sent to the Falklands for naval support. The crew soon reached Bomb Alley in San Carlos where they were tasked with fighting off Argentinian resistance. David describes his position in the operations room and the process in which they used their weapons against the enemy. Being well prepared, David was infused with a sense of confidence which benefited the navy in the success they achieved early on. However, as he expected, it would only be a matter of time when their ships would receive a hit. He recalls how Plymouth lost power when it finally received a heavy blow. Thankfully, since it was a steel ship, it did not take long to recover. He reveals how this particular story was overshadowed by the RFA Sir Galahad being attacked on the same day. During the war, David also remembers the implementation of new weapons which were experimental at best. This included the Razzle Dazzle, a new type of laser weapon which was ultimately considered unwieldy. David's journey in the Falklands offers insight into the ingenuity of warships used in the war and the dependability of the officers who served aboard them.

Howard Ormerod provides an enthralling account of his service with Royal Navy supplies aboard the SS Atlantic Conveyor during the Falklands War. Already having a background in trade, Howard's introduction to the navy began after receiving a job at the naval supplies department as part of the Ministry of Defence. However, it would take him four years before finding himself at sea where he volunteered as a civil servant aboard the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. When war broke out in the Falklands, his services became valuable to the SS Atlantic Conveyor, commanded by Captain Ian North. Howard recalls the immensity of the ship, acting as a carrier not just for small items but also large vehicles. He was tasked with managing and protecting the stores onboard. During her voyage, the Conveyor managed to offload supplies to RFA Stromness at Ascension Island and later transferred Harriers to HMS Plymouth. Things were running smoothly until the carrier was hit by an Exocet missile. The situation became so disastrous that the crew was forced to abandon ship. Howard describes his thrilling escape, passing though rising smoke which obscured his view and falling into water after missing a life raft beneath him. Ironically, the same life raft came on top of him at one point, nearly drowning him. His life had briefly flashed before his eyes. After being rescued by HMS Alacrity, Howard noticed that many of the stores were caught in the destruction and even more tragically, the loss of human lives, including the captain himself, Ian North. Following the catastrophe, Howard was sent home by aircraft, an experience he reflects on despairingly. After the Falklands, he would continue his naval supplies career for another three years before moving into accountancy. Despite having no regrets, Howard's brief time in the Falklands War made him wish that some things had gone differently and that more people recognised the success of the civil servants who helped in the offloading of stores. His interview reflects their bravery and achievements in the navy during the conflict.

CONTENT WARNING This interview contains some strong language and graphic descriptions of war casualties, wartime violence and fatalities that some readers may find upsetting. If you are affected by these topics, please consider seeking support from a trusted person or organisation.   Tom Howard’s interview offers a vivid, deeply personal account of his varied and often perilous military service. He begins by reflecting on his transition into the Army and initial training, before being posted to Northern Ireland during a period of intense unrest. He recalls arriving at Musgrave Park Hospital on a day marked by 18 car bombs and describes duties defending police stations and participating in Operation Motorman to dismantle IRA barricades. His reflections include a disturbing revelation that a former friend had joined the IRA. After earning his wings through P Company, Tom joined the 7th Parachute Regiment, taking part in covert operations and jungle training in Malaya. Later, as a medic with the Army Medical Corps, he was deployed to the Falklands. There, he helped establish a field hospital under daily bombardment. Despite severe personal sacrifices, including two failed marriages, Tom remains proud of his service. His testimony is marked by courage, honesty, and resilience.

Having joined the Navy first as an engineer, then as a Seaman Officer, Malcolm had reached the position of Lieutenant Commander Staff Officer and was incredibly busy on the HMS Antrim taking part in Exercise Spring Train by Gibraltar when they starting to hear rumblings about what was happening in the South Atlantic. It then came as no surprise when they were mobilised to head south. Malcolm recalls that there was initially a degree of making things up as they went along as they didn’t know what to expect and nobody, except one Royal Marines Officer, had ever been to the Falklands. One of Malcolm’s jobs was to work on deception tactics such as laying chaff around this ships to appear a larger flotilla and charting a course which looked like they might actually be heading for Argentina. At Ascension, Malcolm transfers to HMS Hermes where he recalls a frenzied race for better sleeping conditions when the Admiral said the officers could share his cabin which included the luxury of a double bed and shower. During this time, Malcolm had two main responsibilities. When on watch he was the Anti-Submarine Warfare Screen Coordinator and when not on watch he managed communications, including highly classified messages. He vividly recalls hearing the tragedy of the Sheffield directly through his headphones but that they only had a brief time to reflect before pushing on with their jobs. Malcolm describes some of their biggest challenges being rudimentary communication, lack of advance warning about airborne attacks and confusion which could arise from the three services not really having collaborated since WWII. He also remembers the tragedies of helicopter crashes and a Harrier exploding, he thinks it was often luck that meant things weren’t worse. Malcolm says it was difficult readjusting to life at home and is grateful to the public who offered members of the task group free holidays. It was a week in Wales with his family, away from home and work, that finally helped him decompress. He reflects that the Falklands will probably have been the last time the Royal Navy will fight a fleet action in that way.