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Latest News > OP News > OP returns to the Falklands to commemorate his comrades.

OP returns to the Falklands to commemorate his comrades.

OP Ivar Hellberg (1955 - 1960) has made a poignant return to the Falkland Islands to dedicate a new memorial to the Commando Logistic Regiment Royal Marines.
22 May 2024
Written by Sue Carpenter
OP News
Ivar with fellow veterans
Ivar with fellow veterans

Ivar writes:

I have just returned from the Falklands where, at last, we dedicated our
lovely memorial at Ajax Bay to those we lost and were wounded all those
years ago (picture attached). The weather was awful, very cold with
driving sleet and rain. The service was taken most beautifully by Rev
Steve Jones, who in 1982 was my radio operator and was there when the
bombs struck.

My small team consisted of veterans, wounded, our chaplain, as well as
some serving members of my old Regiment. We were very well supported by
so many from Stanley, the Falkland Island Government, the Falkland
Island Defence Force, the police and and local veterans etc, but sadly
no CBF. The lovely memorial has come about as a result of much hard
work. Clearance has had to be sought from the Commonwealth War Graves
Commission as well as the UK Government and Falklands Government. The
simple design consists of rocks from Dartmoor as well as local stone.
The lovely bronze casting on top is solid enough to withstand the
onslaught of the Falklands weather (see attached). The building was
constructed by Curly Elstow (ex RM and helicopter pilot). We are so
grateful that this has been finally achieved.

My small team consisted of veterans, wounded, our chaplain, as well as
some serving members of my old Regiment. We were very well supported by
so many from Stanley, the Falkland Island Government, the Falkland
Island Defence Force, the police and and local veterans etc, but sadly
no CBF. The lovely memorial has come about as a result of much hard
work. Clearance has had to be sought from the Commonwealth War Graves
Commission as well as the UK Government and Falklands Government. The
simple design consists of rocks from Dartmoor as well as local stone.
The lovely bronze casting on top is solid enough to withstand the
onslaught of the Falklands weather. . The building was constructed by
Curly Elstow (ex RM and helicopter pilot). We are so grateful that this has been finally achieved.

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