The veterans embarked on HMS Exeter at Gravesend in Kent, via a RNLI lifeboat, for the final leg of the Type 42 Destroyer's journey into London.

The ship's visit to the capital is part of the 25th anniversary events of the Falklands conflict. Moored alongside HMS Belfast, the day after her arrival she opened her doors to the public. Around 500 people took the opportunity for a tour of the ship.

The eight veterans included sailors who were aboard HMS Exeter during the conflict 25 years ago. For some of them it was the first time they had been aboard the ship since 1982.

Ex-leading seaman Ron Hearn, who left the Royal Navy in 1986, worked in the Operations Room of the ship 25 years ago. Visiting his old workplace he said:

"It's wonderful to be back after all this time. There are one or two differences that I've noticed but by and large things have pretty much stayed the same.

"This trip has been a unique occasion which was more emotional than I expected. Whilst no one was killed on board Exeter, the day invariably brought back memories of others killed during the conflict."

Former marine Eric Barber said:

"I immediately recognised the loud noise and the smell of the engine. It's like going back in time. It feels strange to be onboard after all this time as a lot of things look the same."

Former engineer Adrian Butler added:

"Coming onboard has brought many memories back for me and the others as well.One of my most vivid recollections was at Bluff Cove where I remember lying on the floor and grabbing a mattress as the ship tried to avoid missiles. But the biggest memory for me was the homecoming to Portsmouth, with the crowds of well-wishers and families who made it such an unbelievable day for us."

HMS Exeter is now based at Portsmouth. She entered service in 1980 and is the fifth ship to bear the name Exeter. She was awarded her sixth battle honour in the Falklands' conflict.

The primary role of the Type 42 Destroyer is to provide air defence to a group of ships. Secondary roles include the provision of naval Gunfire Support. They also take part in anti-surface operations and provide an anti-submarine capability. As well as these aggressive capabilities, the Type 42 is also capable of providing aid to civilian powers, disaster relief and any similar peace time duty that they may be called upon to perform.

HMS Exeter was involved in defence activities again when she was employed as an escort for a US Battleship and Mine Counter-Measures Units off the Kuwait coast during the Gulf War of 1991. She has visited most areas of the globe, been involved in countless exercises and in 1997 she was admitted into Rosyth Dockyard to begin an extensive refit programme which she competed on 11 September 1998.

The veterans were joined on the voyage into London by current members of the ship's company and officers, including Commanding Officer Gavin Young who said:

"Being the only remaining warship from the Falklands still in service, it is fantastic to be able to welcome back some of the people who served on her. It's a poignant reminder of the events this ship has been through in her history, and we warmly welcome the people back who helped play a part in that."