Thatcher honours Falklands war dead

Floral tributes were left at the cenotaph in Whitehall during a poignant and simple service that paid tribute to all those who lost their lives in wars in the South Atlantic.

In pouring rain and chilly temperatures the dignitaries - who included young Falkland Islanders and members of the territory's government - stood in silence as The Last Post was played and a minute's silence observed during the annual Battle Day commemoration.

The Baroness stepped forward with a military serviceman by her side who carried a wreath of poppies, and as they were placed at the base of the memorial the former Prime Minister who spearheaded the fight to liberate the Island from Argentina 25 years ago adjusted them for a few moments.

A total of 255 British servicemen and three Falkland Islanders were killed in the conflict which was sparked by the Argentinian invasion of the Islands on April 2, 1982. They fought at sea and on land before the Argentinian Commander General Menendez surrendered to the British Commander Major General Jeremy Moore on June 14.

Also laying wreaths were security minister Admiral Sir Alan West who commanded the frigate HMS Ardent which was sunk during the 1982 hostilities.

Sara, the widow of Colonel "H" Jones who won a posthumous Victoria Cross for his sacrifice in the battle of Darwin and Goose Green left her own floral tribute at the cenotaph.

The Reverend Peter Millam, a founder member of the Falkland Islands Association and a former Falklands Padre who served in the late 1960s, said a short prayer for the war dead during the service.

December 8 is a public holiday in the Islands. Originally a commemoration of the naval Battle of the Falklands in 1914, those who died in all subsequent conflicts including the Falklands War are now remembered.

It is traditionally marked in the UK on the nearest Saturday to December 8 although this year coincides with the day it fell.