The dedication of the Falklands Bench, purchased by the Ross branch of the RBL, in honour of the fallen of the Falklands War of 1982, took place in glorious sunshine on Saturday, April 14th.

Members of the RBL Riders stood alongside veterans of the 3rd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment and the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards in Ross-on-Wye Market Place.

Three men with local connections, Private Timothy Jenkins, Guardsman Gareth Griffiths and Guardsman Colin Parsons were especially remembered, and members of their families joined the special service.

Trevor Bradshaw a comrade of Private Tim Jenkins, and a member of 3 Para in 1982, gave a moving tribute. He explained that he had often questioned whether the war had been worthwhile, especially the sacrifice made by the 255 British Task Force Servicemen and the three civilians who died during the conflict. However a pilgrimage to the Falkland Islands, where he spoke with the people who live there, assured him that their gratitude made it worthwhile.

Major Patrick Darling DL representing the Dowager Countess of Darnley, Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Herefordshire thanked the Ross RBL for organising the purchase of the memorial bench and the dedication service. Everyone who had donated to the purchase of the bench, including SAMA Wales and the Brecon Royal British Legion, were also thanked.See the full story in this week’s edition of the Ross Gazette, or subscribe to our online edition here