The Falkland Islands, with a population of under 3,000, is a British Overseas Protectorate. The islands are situated in the South Atlantic Ocean some 8 thousand miles from the shores of the United Kingdom and about 300 miles off the eastern coast of Patagonia on the southern tip of South America.
On the morning of Friday 2 April 1982 Argentinian troops attacked the capital Port Stanley and after overcoming the small Royal Marine garrison stationed there occupied these islands and claimed sovereignty over them. Some three days later a naval task force was despatched by the British Government to liberate the islands by amphibious assault and by 21 May 1982 a beach-head had been established at San Carlos Water.
By 8 June a further beachhead was being established at Bluff Cove and troops, equipment and supplies were being ferried across the water by open landing craft. Despite the dangers of traversing the sound in daylight the Royal Marines and Royal Navy continued to do so. During the afternoon of 8 June a landing craft from HMS Fearless, Foxtrot 4 was crossing Choiseul Sound when it was attacked and bombed by four Argentinian SkyHawk fighter bombers. Foxtrot 4 received a direct hit that killed four Royal Marines and two Royal Navy ratings. Old Edwardian and Royal Marine Robert Griffin was one of those who lost his life that day.
Despite being taken under tow Landing Craft Foxtrot 4 sank with the bodies still aboard. Robert Griffin was buried at sea.
Robert’s name, alongside many others, appears on the Falklands National Monument in Cardiff but I believe that it is right and proper, as well as being a fitting tribute for his name to be remembered in his home city and in the grounds of his old school.
The courage, bravery and selflessness of Robert and those others involved in the liberation of the islands is without question. The motto of King Edward VII School is: Fac Recte Nil Time - Do Right Fear Nothing
Robert is the epitome of this aphorism.
Some OEAs have expressed interest in making donations towards the errection of Robert Griffin's memorial. You can do this by using the paypal link on the membership page, posting a cheque to the OEA address or making a payment via bank transfer SC: 20-76-89 AN: 50396273.
On the morning of Friday 2 April 1982 Argentinian troops attacked the capital Port Stanley and after overcoming the small Royal Marine garrison stationed there occupied these islands and claimed sovereignty over them. Some three days later a naval task force was despatched by the British Government to liberate the islands by amphibious assault and by 21 May 1982 a beach-head had been established at San Carlos Water.
By 8 June a further beachhead was being established at Bluff Cove and troops, equipment and supplies were being ferried across the water by open landing craft. Despite the dangers of traversing the sound in daylight the Royal Marines and Royal Navy continued to do so. During the afternoon of 8 June a landing craft from HMS Fearless, Foxtrot 4 was crossing Choiseul Sound when it was attacked and bombed by four Argentinian SkyHawk fighter bombers. Foxtrot 4 received a direct hit that killed four Royal Marines and two Royal Navy ratings. Old Edwardian and Royal Marine Robert Griffin was one of those who lost his life that day.
Despite being taken under tow Landing Craft Foxtrot 4 sank with the bodies still aboard. Robert Griffin was buried at sea.
Robert’s name, alongside many others, appears on the Falklands National Monument in Cardiff but I believe that it is right and proper, as well as being a fitting tribute for his name to be remembered in his home city and in the grounds of his old school.
The courage, bravery and selflessness of Robert and those others involved in the liberation of the islands is without question. The motto of King Edward VII School is: Fac Recte Nil Time - Do Right Fear Nothing
Robert is the epitome of this aphorism.
Some OEAs have expressed interest in making donations towards the errection of Robert Griffin's memorial. You can do this by using the paypal link on the membership page, posting a cheque to the OEA address or making a payment via bank transfer SC: 20-76-89 AN: 50396273.
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