THE EARL OF Wessex visited Hampshire this afternoon to attend the re-dedication of a memorial to sailors killed in the Falklands conflict.

The Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) memorial outside St John’s Church in Marchwood bears the name of ten men who lost their lives on the Atlantic Conveyor, the RFA Sir Tristram and the RFA Sir Galahad.

Captain Phillip Roberts, who was on board the RFA Sir Galahad, unveiled the original memorial and returned to attend the rededication.

After arriving at Marchwood Military Port by helicopter the Earl was driven to the church, where he attended a brief service before going outside to unveil a plaque listing the names of the men who died.

He was joined by the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire, Nigel Atkinson, and the chairman of New Forest District Council, Cllr Alison Hoare, who represents Masrchwood on the authority.

The Earl saluted as a bugler from 1st Battalion Scots Guards, which performed a pivotal role during the conflict, played the last post, which was followed by a minute’s silence.

Representatives from Marchwood Parish Council were among those attended the ceremony.

The council chairman, Fred White, said: “The village of Marchwood has a very special relationship between 17 Port & Maritime Regiment and more specifically the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.

“We are proud to have in our village a dedicated Falklands memorial to the RFA that served us so well during the Falklands conflict and worldwide.”

During the 1982 conflict the Marchwood based ship RFA Sir Galahad was sunk and the RFA Sir Tristram was badly damaged.

The commanding officer of 17 Port & Maritime Regiment Royal Logistic Corps, Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Chestnut, highlighted the role played by Marchwood Military Port, also known as the Sea Mounting Centre.

He added: “It is most important that we continue to acknowledge the sacrifices made.”

After the ceremony, the Earl met military personnel, survivors of the Falklands conflict and relatives of those who lost their lives.