Former Royal Navy chaplain pays tribute to Falklands victims 40 years on from the conflict's end
Published on 14 June 2022
A former Royal Navy Chaplain of the Fleet has marked the 40th anniversary of the end of the Falklands War with a tribute to those who suffered on both sides, and their families.
The 10-week conflict, which followed the Argentinian invasion of the Falkland Islands and South Georgia in April 1982, came to an end with the surrender of the Argentinian garrison in Port Stanley, the islands' biggest settlement, on June 14.
Rev Scott Brown, who is now Church of Scotland minister of Buchlyvie with Gartmore in West Stirlingshire and was recently appointed convener of the Kirk's Committee on Chaplains to HM Forces, joined the Royal Navy as a chaplain in 1993, 11 years after the conflict and when memories were still very real.
He said: "Today marks the 40th anniversary of the end of the Falkland's War. Many sailors, marines, soldiers and air personnel served with distinction in the South Atlantic. Sadly, 255 paid the ultimate sacrifice and many were injured.
"We remember too those who have had to live for 40 years with unspeakable difficulties, because of what they saw and endured. We remember the Chaplains, who ministered in the name of Christ, and brought something of God's love and peace in the midst of the carnage of war. We remember military families, who waited anxiously at home for news of their loved ones. We remember those who were our enemies, that on this day they may have peace too."
Mr Brown, who spent over 20 years in the Royal Navy including four as the service's senior military chaplain, the Chaplain of the Fleet, added: "The Kirk's Committee on Chaplains to HM Forces continues to support Church of Scotland Chaplains in all three services, and their families, in their important ministry to the Armed Forces community."
During his Naval career he visited the Falklands three times, ministering to the men and women based there.
"I found the community in Stanley or Goose Green so welcoming - although I think every meal was lamb!" he recalled.
"The cathedral in Stanley is a gem of a building, with an enthusiastic worshipping congregation."
The Church of Scotland is set to continue its connection with the UK Armed Forces based on the islands, as RAF chaplain Craig Lancaster is about to begin a four month deployment as the chaplain of Mount Pleasant Airport.
