Falklands Landing Day remembered 22.05.12
13It is 30 years since British ground troops landed on the Falkland Islands.
Royal Marines and Paratroopers were transported to shore by landing craft, in what was the start of the Land Battle and the turning point of the war.
Falkland Islanders marked the day with a memorial service in San Carlos, where many of them landed.
Under the gaze of HMS Clyde in San Carlos Water, they gathered to pay their respects.
In the peace and the silence, it is hard to imagine it now. But in 1982, British Royal Marines and Paratroopers arrived here en masse, coming ashore from the ships, in landing craft and pontoons.
The troops dug in, readying themselves for the long march into battle ahead. Relieved to see them after seven weeks of occupation, the Islanders did whatever they could to help.
The troops and ships at sea were soon under attack. Harrier aircraft managed to keep many of the Argentine Skyhawk fighter planes at bay but two got past them, and swooped in on British positions in San Carlos water.
The service of remembrance was held in the Blue Beach Ceremony in San Carlos, where 14 men killed in action are still buried.
The Islanders remain grateful for what was done in their name.