Prime Minister Boris Johnson paid tribute to the 'incredible daring and bravery' of British servicemen and women at a service marking 40 years since the end of the Falklands War. The event took place at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, attended by veterans, bereaved families, and senior UK defence staff.
Argentina surrendered on June 14, 1982, after 74 days of conflict. Johnson, who laid a wreath, recalled the 'incredible thing' achieved by the 26,000 troops sent to reclaim the islands. He noted that the 'greatest tribute' to those who died was that the Falklands have since 'thrived in peace and freedom'.
The war claimed 255 British lives, 649 Argentine, and three Falklands islanders. More than 2,000 were wounded. Johnson spoke with a veteran who survived the sinking of HMS Coventry, which lost 19 crew. The conflict saw seven British ships lost, including HMS Sheffield, hit by an Exocet missile.
Historian Max Hastings also addressed the service. The day ended with a military fly-past, including a Chinook helicopter.
