PARATROOPERS marked the 40th anniversary of the Falklands War with a drumhead service as Colchester honoured those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country in the conflict.

About 50 people were in attendance at the ceremony in Hollytrees Museum Gardens yesterday, which commemorated 40 years since the surrender of Argentine forces on Monday, June 14, 1982.

Gazette: Paying respects – schoolchildren were also invited to lay wreathes at the ceremonyPaying respects – schoolchildren were also invited to lay wreathes at the ceremony

The conflict, which lasted 74 days, saw 255 British military personnel, three islanders and 649 Argentine soldiers killed.

A total of 42 members of the parachute regiment and attached personnel were killed, with 95 wounded.

A host of dignitaries attended the service, including the leader of the council, David King, mayor of Colchester, Tim Young, and deputy commander of the 16th Air Assault Brigade combat team, Colonel James Loudoun.

Gazette: Honoured – army veterans also played a key part of the serviceHonoured – army veterans also played a key part of the service

A drumhead service was traditionally conducted near the battlefront during an armed conflict, with a stack of drums covered by the colours of the regiment replacing the traditional altar.

And yesterday morning saw Mr Young, Col Loudon, Lord Lieutenant of Essex Jennifer Tolhurst, as well as schoolchildren and veterans, lay wreaths.

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The senior chaplain of 16th Air Assault Brigade combat team, the Reverend Nigel Kinsella, and the mayor of Colchester’s chaplain, the Reverend Sue Howlett, read out passages from the Bible as part of the service.

When asked about the importance of commemorating the Falklands War 40 years on, deputy commander of the 16th Air Assault Brigade, James Loudoun, said the heroism of those who fought in the conflict was an inspiration and testament to the people of Colchester.

Gazette: Humbled – Sarah Halford, of 16 medical regiment, grew up in the Falklands before joining the forcesHumbled – Sarah Halford, of 16 medical regiment, grew up in the Falklands before joining the forces

He said: “It’s extremely important [to remember the conflict] from the point of view that it demonstrated our strategic reach, it demonstrated the Falklands Islands matter to be part of Great Britain, and it also demonstrated that we had the capability to liberate a far-flung piece of the United Kingdom.

“That sense of nationalism and regimental pride, and the inspiration they can give to children and the general civilian population now, is absolutely essential.

Gazette: Paying respects – schoolchildren were also invited to lay wreathes at the ceremonyPaying respects – schoolchildren were also invited to lay wreathes at the ceremony

“These service personnel went 8,000 miles to give their lives in the service of the crown – it’s extremely important we remember their sacrifice.”