11/06/2026
Today, 11 June, marks the 44th Anniversary of the Battle of Mount Longdon during the Falklands War.
Whilst visiting Aldershot Military Cemetery, I had the privilege of meeting several veterans who had come to pay their respects to fallen comrades.
Amongst them was Ernie Rustill, former 3rd Battalion, Parachute Regiment Sergeant Major of D Company, who was visiting the grave of Private Richard Absolon MM, his sniper during the Falklands campaign.
I have attached screenshots from the London Gazette honours and awards list dated Monday 11 October 1982, recording that Her Majesty The Queen was graciously pleased to approve the posthumous award of the Military Medal to Private Absolon in recognition of his gallant and distinguished service during operations in the South Atlantic.
I also met Jon Cook, formerly a Corporal and Machine Gun Detachment Commander with A Company, 3 PARA. Jon was there remembering his fallen comrades and shared that he had recently returned from Argentina, where he and three fellow veterans met members of 7th Mechanised Infantry Regiment, the Argentine unit that defended Mount Longdon in 1982. A powerful reminder of how former enemies can meet in friendship and mutual respect.
Also paying his respects was veteran Paul Youd, of the Royal Signals. Paul visits every year to place flowers on the grave of Lance Corporal David Scott on behalf of David’s widow, Gloria, who now lives in Kilmarnock. It is a simple but deeply moving act of remembrance that has continued for many years.
A particularly touching sight in the Falklands Plot was that someone -although I do not know who- had taken the time to place knitted ribbons or scarf-like tributes around each headstone. The colours reflected those of the South Atlantic Medal ribbon, and a wreath in the same fabric, had also been laid at the foot of each grave. It was a thoughtful and poignant gesture that added greatly to the atmosphere of remembrance and respect.
Today was a reminder that, even after 44 years, the bonds of comradeship remains strong and the sacrifices made during the Falklands War are never forgotten. The respect shown, the stories shared, and the emotions felt at the graveside demonstrates that remembrance remains as important today as it was in 1982.
Lest we Forget.
Aldershot Garrison The Parachute Regimental Association - Regimental Headquarters Airborne Tulip Memorials The Parachute Regiment Historic Aldershot Military Town BFBS Aldershot
