8 June 1982 saw the worst number of casualties (47) sustained in a single day by the British during the Falklands campaign.

Military personnel onboard the two Fleet support ships, Royal Fleet Auxiliaries Sir Galahad and Sir Tristram, were en-route to Bluff Cove when the fatal attack took place near the settlement of Fitzroy on East Falkland.

The ships came under attack from two Argentinian jets, which dropped a series of bombs.  The few that connected caused untold damage below decks and the ships immediately started to burn. The men caught on board quickly made their way to shore in life-rafts but 47 were killed, mostly Welsh Guards. Many more suffered severe burns.

Twenty five years later, on 8 June 2007, the sacrifice of these men was honoured in a four-part memorial service which took place on East Falkland.

The different parts of the service commemorated each of the different cap-badges representing the personnel who lost their lives. Wreaths were laid to remember those lost from the Welsh Guards, the Royal Fleet Auxilary and the Royal Army medical Corps.  Finally the assembled moved to a generic 5 Brigade memorial in the settlement of Fitzroy itself.

Brigadier Nick Davies, Commander of British Forces South Atlantic Islands, laid three wreaths.  He said:

"This was biggest single loss in terms of men to the campaign effort; the fact that they were unable to do anything about what was going on as they were on a ship is heart-wrenching. The casualties sustained were horrific and it is through these memorials that our recognition of the sacrifices and sympathy with the lives that were irrevocably changed can be demonstrated. It is vitally important that we remember those that lost their lives in a fitting and sombre fashion.

"Equally, it is testament to the resolve of the nation and the military at the time, as it is now, to continue to fight those that oppose democracy. The determination gleaned from the setback at Bluff Cove stood the remainder of the Task Force in very good stead as they resumed the push on Stanley."

Lieutenant Colonel Guy Levene, currently serving in the Falklands, also laid a wreath at the service. He said:

"I’m privileged to be able to demonstrate my respect and recognition for what these very brave men achieved in these islands. The incident at Bluff Cove was horrendous for those involved and we must remember also remember their continued suffering even today.

"The main commemorative period starts next week, and we have number of important visitors coming to pay their respects.

"Indeed, on Horseguards in London a large parade with the veterans of the conflict is taking place in synchronisation with a large event at San Carlos next Sunday week.
 
"However, it is vitally important that all the various anniversaries are remembered correctly on the day that they occurred. It is the least that we can do to remember those that gave their lives.�?/P>

As well as veterans of the conflict, the event was attended by His Excellency, Governor Alan Huckle.  They were joined in paying their respects by a large contingent of serving military personnel and civilians.