Remembering the Falklands Few

From: 1039 Online

The Cadets on Parade outside The Garrison Church

CADETS and staff from three Medway squadrons of the Air Training Corps were on parade on Sunday, June 17 to remember those who died in the Falklands Conflict 25 years ago.

The Cadets marched from Sally Port Gardens to The Garrison Church in Gillingham, where a service of remembrance was led by Gillingham Squadron Chaplain, Bernie Pinner, including a reading by Cadet Flight Sergeant Alan Collins, the Citation by Flight Lieutenant Paul Collins and Cadet Shaun Griggs and prayers read by Cadet Warrant Officer Andrew Bairnsfather.

Before the Cadets went inside the Church, they were inspected by the Mayor of Medway Councillor Val Goulden who was also in attendance – along with other members of the public who wished to take part in the service of remembrance.

The parade and Church service was organised by Flt Lt Collins, Commanding Officer of Gillingham Squadron. Both Flt Lt Collins and Mr Pinner were friends of Captain David Wood, a former Gillingham Squadron Cadet and Adjutant of the Second Battalion of the Parachute Regiment, who fought alongside Lieutenant Colonel “H” Jones, Commanding Officer of 2 Para and posthumous VC winner, and who also lost his life in the Battle of Goose Green just moments after David Wood. David Wood has a plaque dedicated to his memory in the Gillingham Squadron Headquarters.

Also being remembered at the service were three other known local servicemen who also lost their lives in the Conflict: Paul Callus, Edmund Flanagan and Jim Prescott.

Flt Lt Collins commented,
“David was a natural leader and had an instant air of authority about him. He was compassionate when dealing with Cadets and passionate about the Air Cadets. It was a great service which brilliantly paid tribute to David and the other local servicemen who gave their lives to protect the freedom of people they didn’t know.”

Anyone wishing to read more about David Wood can visit a detailed biography, including interviews with people who knew David, on the Gillingham squadron website: 1039online.org/dwood

The Mayor of Medway talking to Cdt Flt Sgt Collins

The Mayor of Medway after talking to Cdt Cpl Weston