Ascension remembers Falklands war

The first British air attacks were launched from Ascension Island

A commemoration service to mark the 25th anniversary of the Falklands War has been held on Ascension Island.

The British South Atlantic territory was used as a staging post for the military task force sent from the UK after Argentina invaded the Falklands.

Some 200 islanders and visiting dignitaries were at St Mary's Anglican Church to mark Ascension's role.

Canon Clive Duncan, who led the service, focused his prayers on those who died in the conflict.

Following the service the Union Flag was hoisted above Ascension's main village.

Key base

Many in the congregation had played a direct role in helping British forces reach the Falklands.

Situated approximately half way between the UK and the Falklands, Ascension Island became a key logistical base for troops heading for the war.

The first British air attacks of the conflict were launched from Ascension Island on 1 May 1982 when RAF bombers made the 8,000-mile round-trip to target Port Stanley airfield.

Ascension Island is a British Overseas Territory just south of the equator in the South Atlantic with a population of about 1,100.

Together with St Helena and Tristan da Cunha, it forms a single territorial grouping under the sovereignty of the British Crown.

Troop ship

In the UK, a series of events to mark the anniversary have taken place in Southampton which played a key role in supporting the British task force.

A lunch for Falklands veterans was followed by the unveiling of a commemorative plaque on the QE2, which in 1982 sailed from the port as a troop ship.

A service has been held at Aldershot Military Cemetery to commemorate one of the bloodiest battles for British troops since World War II.

Thirty-three members of the Parachute Regiment were killed at Mount Longdon on the Falklands on 11 June 1982.