Latest news with #Falklands
North Wales Live
3 hours ago
- General
- North Wales Live
Reverend who served in Falklands and first Gulf War has died, aged 70
A minister who worked as a chaplain in both the Falklands and Gulf wars has died, aged 70. Reverend Marcus Wyn Robinson from Caernarfon started out as a Presbyterian minister in the Dyffryn Peris area, also returning to same area towards the end of his time with the church. He began his work as a Presbyterian minister in the Llanberis and Nant Peris area in 1978. In 1982 he was appointed chaplain with the Royal Navy. The Falklands War started a short time later and he was on board one of the first ships to reach the islands at the start of the fighting, part of the first aid team alongside his role as chaplain. He was known as a fun, humorous character and nicknamed 'Taff the Laugh' - which helped to build relationships with those serving in the Navy. But there were also incredibly poignant moments as those on board faced the risks and horrors of war. He said during these services "you could hear a pin drop". He told BBC Radio Cymru's Beti a'i Phobol in 2016: "Some really desire prayer for their families and those they loved in situations where it was not possible to do anything else." He also worked as a chaplain in the first Gulf War in 1990 before being appointed to the position of Secretary General for all sea chaplaincy. After he retired from the navy after 20 years of service, he went to work as an industrial chaplain on behalf of Cytûn: Churches Together in Wales, covering north-east Wales. He returned to the Caernarfon area in 2007 - serving in churches in villages like Brynrefail, Llanrug and Bethel. He also appeared on the BBC Wales programme Snowdonia 1890 - in which two families travelled back in time to live as 1890s smallholders on Yr Wyddfa - where he played the role of a reverend. In a tribute, a spokesperson for the family told BBC Cymru Fyw: "As a family we are extremely grateful for his love, support and friendship. His contribution to the lives of those who knew him has been invaluable. "One of his favourite sayings was: 'A man cannot discover new oceans until he has the courage to lose sight of the shore'."
Telegraph
18-06-2025
- Telegraph
Disgraced police chief who lied about Navy career ‘undermined' Harry Dunn case
A disgraced police chief who lied about serving in the Falklands War had a 'detrimental impact' on the Harry Dunn investigation, a report has found. Nick Adderley, a former Northamptonshire chief constable, has been reprimanded for making false statements to the media and blamed for causing an 'avoidable' breakdown in relations between the force and Mr Dunn's family. Mr Adderley, 58, was sacked last year after it was revealed he had exaggerated his naval career and rank. Suspicions were raised when the police chief was seen wearing a Falklands medal, despite having been only 15 when the conflict began. A Ministry of Defence medal expert went on to call the South Atlantic Medal, awarded to British military personnel who served in the Falklands, '110 per cent' fake. Adderley has now received further criticism in a report on the police investigation into the death of Mr Dunn, who was killed when a car driven by Anne Sacoolas, a former US State Department employee, struck the 19-year-old motorcyclist in August 2019. Sacoolas eventually pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving via video link at the Old Bailey following three years of the Dunn family campaigning for justice, after she was able to leave the UK when diplomatic immunity was asserted on her behalf. Among other failings, Adderley was reprimanded by the Foreign Office for giving inaccurate information to the press about suspect Anne Sacoolas's immunity status after she had left the UK. The same report also found that police had prioritised Sacoolas's welfare over a 'prompt and effective investigation', a review concluded. The independent review, commissioned by Chief Constable Ivan Balhatchet, said there was a lack of coordination and adherence to professional standards guidelines amongst senior members of the force under Adderley's leadership. 'The review found that while the investigation was well handled, elements of senior leadership prioritised the suspect's welfare over a 'prompt and effective investigation', it said. 'There was a lack of coordination and adherence to APP [professional standards guidance].' It continued: 'This is evidenced during an interview when Chief Constable Adderley suggested that Anne Sacoolas could make decisions around waiving her diplomatic status, which she couldn't. 'According to the FCO [Foreign Office], diplomatic immunity belongs to the sending state. This prompted the FCO to contact Northamptonshire Police and request CC Adderley did not repeat erroneous statements.' Adderley was also criticised for 'discrepancies' during a press conference in October 2019 on the Dunn case and for failing to send what he wished to say to the senior investigating officer for fact-checking, prior to the event. The review said the breakdown in relations between the Dunn family and the force because of Mr Adderley's actions was 'avoidable'. It highlighted incidents, such as a tweet from the disgraced ex-police chief, which showed him react to the family's intentions to sue Sacoolas in the US by saying: 'How sad but how predictable.' A total of 38 recommendations were made in the report, including that the force should adopt an 'investigative mindset' at serious road crashes and review how it recovers material from the scene of a collision. The report also said concerns for the Sacoolas' welfare should not have prevented officers from arresting her. It read: 'A report has been prepared and concerning the consideration of arrest, the (Serious Collision Investigation Unit) lead is of the view that the decision not to arrest is not explained in enough detail and the overriding factor in the decision appears to be the welfare of the suspect and her suffering from shock, with little to no consideration around the full necessity test under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act.' Addressing the role Mr Adderley played in the force's failings, Mrs Charles continued: 'I remain so angry at Adderley to this day… I am glad Adderley is long gone and will never be able to police again.' The mother, who was awarded an MBE in the King's birthday honours list for services to road safety, added: 'Today's review report confirms what we have known for years - that we were failed by the very people we should have been able to trust. 'Harry was left to die on the roadside. Sacoolas was not arrested, even though the police had every power to do so. She fled the country, and they didn't tell us. These are failures no family should ever have to endure.' Assistant Chief Constable Emma James issued an apology to the family on behalf of the force, saying: 'First and foremost, on behalf of Northamptonshire Police I want to apologise to Harry's family for what is now clear was a failure on our part to do the very best for the victim in this case, Harry, and his family who fought tirelessly in the years that followed to achieve justice for him. 'The picture which emerges is one of a force which has failed the family on a number of fronts, and we hope the findings, which are troubling in several respects, will provide some answers to questions which the family will have wanted to know in the years that have passed. 'I hope some good comes out of this. Much of the learning which the force has taken from this has already been put in place and we make a number of specific recommendations for best practice at a national level. 'We have taken a deep look at ourselves and hope the transparent way we have identified failings of the past will go some way to re-building the confidence of Harry's family and friends going forward as well as the wider public at large.'
Rhyl Journal
11-06-2025
- General
- Rhyl Journal
Last Falklands era warship given ‘respectful farewell' as it heads to scrapyard
HMS Bristol was towed out of Portsmouth Harbour on Wednesday, almost five years after it was decommissioned. The warship, which was the last ship serving from the Falklands war, is being taken to a Turkish scrapyard. The Type 82 destroyer was commissioned in March 1973 but having been designed to defend a class of aircraft carriers which was never built, it was the only warship of its class to enter service. Bristol led a group of two destroyers, five frigates and an RFA supply ship providing reinforcements in the Falklands war and later joined the carrier battle task group as an air defence destroyer. In 1987 it became a training ship as part of the Dartmouth Training Squadron before an explosion in its boiler led to it being used as a harbour training vessel at HMS Excellent, Portsmouth, until it was decommissioned in October 2020 after nearly 48 years of service. Members of the public and veterans congregated on Old Portsmouth's Round Tower to wave off Bristol, which was visually rust-stained, as it left the Hampshire naval base. Chris Howe, of the South Atlantic Medal Association 1982, said: 'As HMS Bristol embarks on its final voyage to the scrapyard in Turkey, we pause to reflect on its remarkable and unique legacy. 'This ship played a vital role in the 1982 Falklands conflict, serving as a headquarters and providing steadfast support to British forces. 'For many veterans, Bristol was more than a vessel – it was a home, a place of camaraderie, and a symbol of resilience. 'Its departure marks the end of an era, but its contributions to our history and the memories of those who served aboard will endure. 'We honour all who sailed in her and bid HMS Bristol a respectful farewell.' HMS Bristol was sold for recycling by ship recycling experts from the Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) Defence Recycling & Disposals Team (DRDT), on behalf of the Royal Navy. A DE&S spokesman said it would be taken to a specialist recycling facility within an EU-approved yard in Turkey, with all reusable equipment having been removed for sale. Alistair Hughes, head of DRDT, said: 'Recycling of ships at the end of their hull life is routine business for the Royal Navy and our aim is to achieve maximum value for money for defence in an environmentally compliant manner – HMS Bristol is a fitting example of this after her many dedicated years of service.'
Glasgow Times
11-06-2025
- General
- Glasgow Times
Last Falklands era warship given ‘respectful farewell' as it heads to scrapyard
HMS Bristol was towed out of Portsmouth Harbour on Wednesday, almost five years after it was decommissioned. The warship, which was the last ship serving from the Falklands war, is being taken to a Turkish scrapyard. The Type 82 destroyer was commissioned in March 1973 but having been designed to defend a class of aircraft carriers which was never built, it was the only warship of its class to enter service. HMS Bristol was towed out of Portsmouth harbour on Wednesday to begin its journey to Turkey to be recycled (Andrew Matthews/PA) Bristol led a group of two destroyers, five frigates and an RFA supply ship providing reinforcements in the Falklands war and later joined the carrier battle task group as an air defence destroyer. In 1987 it became a training ship as part of the Dartmouth Training Squadron before an explosion in its boiler led to it being used as a harbour training vessel at HMS Excellent, Portsmouth, until it was decommissioned in October 2020 after nearly 48 years of service. Members of the public and veterans congregated on Old Portsmouth's Round Tower to wave off Bristol, which was visually rust-stained, as it left the Hampshire naval base. Chris Howe, of the South Atlantic Medal Association 1982, said: 'As HMS Bristol embarks on its final voyage to the scrapyard in Turkey, we pause to reflect on its remarkable and unique legacy. 'This ship played a vital role in the 1982 Falklands conflict, serving as a headquarters and providing steadfast support to British forces. Dick Shenton of the HMS Bristol Association holds up a flag as HMS Bristol leaves Portsmouth harbour (Andrew Matthews) 'For many veterans, Bristol was more than a vessel – it was a home, a place of camaraderie, and a symbol of resilience. 'Its departure marks the end of an era, but its contributions to our history and the memories of those who served aboard will endure. 'We honour all who sailed in her and bid HMS Bristol a respectful farewell.' HMS Bristol was sold for recycling by ship recycling experts from the Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) Defence Recycling & Disposals Team (DRDT), on behalf of the Royal Navy. A DE&S spokesman said it would be taken to a specialist recycling facility within an EU-approved yard in Turkey, with all reusable equipment having been removed for sale. Alistair Hughes, head of DRDT, said: 'Recycling of ships at the end of their hull life is routine business for the Royal Navy and our aim is to achieve maximum value for money for defence in an environmentally compliant manner – HMS Bristol is a fitting example of this after her many dedicated years of service.'
Leader Live
11-06-2025
- General
- Leader Live
Last Falklands era warship given ‘respectful farewell' as it heads to scrapyard
HMS Bristol was towed out of Portsmouth Harbour on Wednesday, almost five years after it was decommissioned. The warship, which was the last ship serving from the Falklands war, is being taken to a Turkish scrapyard. The Type 82 destroyer was commissioned in March 1973 but having been designed to defend a class of aircraft carriers which was never built, it was the only warship of its class to enter service. Bristol led a group of two destroyers, five frigates and an RFA supply ship providing reinforcements in the Falklands war and later joined the carrier battle task group as an air defence destroyer. In 1987 it became a training ship as part of the Dartmouth Training Squadron before an explosion in its boiler led to it being used as a harbour training vessel at HMS Excellent, Portsmouth, until it was decommissioned in October 2020 after nearly 48 years of service. Members of the public and veterans congregated on Old Portsmouth's Round Tower to wave off Bristol, which was visually rust-stained, as it left the Hampshire naval base. Chris Howe, of the South Atlantic Medal Association 1982, said: 'As HMS Bristol embarks on its final voyage to the scrapyard in Turkey, we pause to reflect on its remarkable and unique legacy. 'This ship played a vital role in the 1982 Falklands conflict, serving as a headquarters and providing steadfast support to British forces. 'For many veterans, Bristol was more than a vessel – it was a home, a place of camaraderie, and a symbol of resilience. 'Its departure marks the end of an era, but its contributions to our history and the memories of those who served aboard will endure. 'We honour all who sailed in her and bid HMS Bristol a respectful farewell.' HMS Bristol was sold for recycling by ship recycling experts from the Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) Defence Recycling & Disposals Team (DRDT), on behalf of the Royal Navy. A DE&S spokesman said it would be taken to a specialist recycling facility within an EU-approved yard in Turkey, with all reusable equipment having been removed for sale. Alistair Hughes, head of DRDT, said: 'Recycling of ships at the end of their hull life is routine business for the Royal Navy and our aim is to achieve maximum value for money for defence in an environmentally compliant manner – HMS Bristol is a fitting example of this after her many dedicated years of service.'
