Falklands War Anniversary, 2 April – 14 June
Tuesday 2 April marks the 42nd anniversary of the start of the Falklands War which lasted 74 days after Argentine forces invaded the Falklands in 1982.
The conflict saw countless acts of great courage, determination and resolve, along with heart breaking scenes of tragedy and loss.
The Falklands War was the first military action since the Second World War that utilised all elements of the Armed Forces, with over 900 losing their lives, 255 of whom were British personnel.
30,000 sailors, marines, soldiers, airmen and merchant mariners served during the war, large numbers of them now living in Dorset.
The War was concluded with an Argentinian surrender on 14 June 1982. Today, the UK and Argentina have brokered a diplomatic peace but neither side has changed its stance on the status of the islands.
Many veterans of the Falklands War still struggle with physical and mental scars, and some have faced life challenges or hardships since the war ended.
Through the Armed Forces Covenant and links to health and wellbeing services, welfare, housing and employment, support is available for both current and past members of the Armed Forces and their families.
We also recognise the commitment the Armed Forces Community makes to Dorset. Thank you for your service!
In remembrance, and to honour those acts of courage, Dorset Council will be flying the White Ensign above County Hall from 2-9 April 2024.
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For information, the Argentinian government did not recognise their occupying forces' surrender in June of that year. It wasn't until around October that the surrender was officially acknowledged. Meanwhile, UK armed forces that remained on station continued to protect the islands from real air and sea threats at that time. This fact had also been overlooked by the UK government until only a few years ago when the original qualifying period of eligibility for the South Atlantic medal was duly extended to honour this.