VETERANS have gathered to mark 40 years since attacks on two ships that saw the largest British loss of life during the Falklands war.

More than 100 people paid their respects at a parade in Marchwood to commemorate the attacks against the Sir Galahad and Sir Tristram.

Both ships were bombed by Argentine fighter jets during the conflict on June 8, 1982, which resulted in the single largest loss of British lives during the war.

Daily Echo: The air attack on the landing ship Sir Galahad in which 48 British servicemen died had a major effect on Graham Hopewell (Martin Cleaver/PA) The air attack on the landing ship Sir Galahad in which 48 British servicemen died had a major effect on Graham Hopewell (Martin Cleaver/PA)

On Wednesday, veterans who served onboard the ships gathered to lay a wreath at the Falklands War Memorial which is dedicated to those who lost their lives whilst serving in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.

Alan Roach, 75, travelled to the event from Royal Hillsborough in Northern Ireland.

He served in the RFA for 37 years as Chief Officer on Sir Tristram during the Falklands campaign.

He was promoted to commander after the conflict in the South Atlantic before his retirement in 2000.

READ MORE: Johnson pays tribute to Falklands War veterans

He said that the service was “very nice” adding: “We as Sir Tristram, there’s only seven of us left from the officer corps and we usually come about every three or four years.

“Of course because of Covid we haven’t been since 2017.

Daily Echo:

“It’s nice to see all the boys but we’re getting older so you’ve got to do it while you can. You can’t miss something like this.”

He went on to explain that he often thinks of those who lost their lives that day and said it is “important” to remember them.

Former Second Officer on Sir Tristram, Sean Jones from Staffordshire added: “It’s very nice, it’s good to see all the guys again. We’re all retired now.

READ MORE: Princess Royal to attend event in Marchwood next week

Peter Breeze from Dorset was Naval Liaison Officer on a ship called the British Wye which was the only merchant ship tanker that was bombed and survived.

“We normally try and come down because the captain of the Galahad is a great friend of ours so we come down to support him.

Daily Echo:

“It’s been well attended today which is nice to see. There’s people here that I haven’t seen for years.

“There were some rough times down there and by and large we got through it. We were the lucky ones.”

A total of 48 men were killed on the Sir Galahad at Bluff Cove and eight aboard the Sir Tristram.

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