Page run by friends/supporters of the Falklands landing craft “Foxtrot 8”, now seaworthy & based
Operating as usual
Another red letter day in the Falklands. It is Battle Day commemorating the Royal Navy’s defeat of the German fleet in 1914 off Port Stanley; however, today was also the unveiling of a plaque by the members of Naval Party 8901 and Falklands Islands Defence Force marking their valiant defence of Stanley in 1982 against vastly superior Argentinian invasion force.
Steve A Wenham does it again, F8 and VIC 56
Today we travelled to Bertha’s beach to pay respects at the FOXTROT 4 memorial with some legends of 1982; Rear Admiral Larken (then Captain HMS FEARLESS), Commodore Clapp (Commodore Amphibious Forces), Major General Nick Vaux (Commanding Officer 42 Commando) and Lt Colonel Guy Sheridan (Land Forces Commander - Recapture of South Georgia).
After lunch they were invited to answer questions from personnel currently serving in the Falkland Islands.
If one lesson was to be learnt, be prepared to be flexible and independent when the plan goes astray and the comms go down.
Was privileged to be here in the Falklands for Remembrance and the return of the 1982 veterans and their next of kin. After a service at the Cathedral, the platoons and standards marched to Stanley’s Cross of Sacrifice in front of the cemetery, where wreaths were laid.
As the veterans platoon drew level the crowd burst into applause just for them, a nice touch in return for their service and sacrifice.
His Majesty King Charles III has been announced as Captain General Royal Marines on the 358th Anniversary of the Corps.
In a personal message to the Royal Marines as they mark their 358th birthday today, The King said:
"It is the greatest possible pleasure to assume the role of your Captain General. I am exceptionally proud to follow in the footsteps of so many members of my family over the last three and a half centuries, all of whom held the role with a deep sense of admiration.
The Royal Marines have a distinguished and unparalleled history, both on land and at sea. I draw immense inspiration from your courage, determination, self-discipline and a remarkable capacity to endure in the most extreme environments.
I feel greatly honoured to become part of the Corps Family and very much look forward to meeting many of you in the near future. In the meantime, this comes with my heartfelt and special wishes for a very happy 358th birthday.
Per Mare, Per Terram."
Steve A Wenham going the extra mile to capture our best side again
On this day in 1805…..
Now a Corps Memorable Date
☀️ Pontoon Open Weekend☀️
Come on down to Boathouse 4 on the 22nd and 23rd of October to come and have a look around our operational boats 10-16:30
❗️This is our last Pontoon Open Weekend of the year so make sure you come down and see us!❗️
⭐️Our operational boats will be open for you to have a look around
⭐️F8 will be running 20 minute trips at £10 per person (Pre-book in advance to avoid disappointment by emailing [email protected] or book on the day with a Visitor Host)
⏰Times: 13:00, 13:40, 14:30, 15:00 & 15:30
⭐️MGB 81 will be taking passengers out for an hour boat ride with individual tickets available to purchase on Saturday the 22nd of October at £100 per person (Pre-book in advance by emailing [email protected] or book on the day with a Visitor Host)
⭐️HSL 102 will be taking passengers out for an hour boat ride with individual tickets available to purchase on Sunday the 23rd of October at £75 per person (Pre-book in advance by emailing [email protected] or book on the day with a Visitor Host)
⭐️Our volunteers will be on hand to help you come aboard our boats and answer any questions you have
⭐️Vic 56 will be available to explore and she will also be in steam alongside
We can’t wait to see you!
We are delighted that Andrew B, has very generously allowed this page to post his amazing pictures of F8 in action at this year’s Southampton Boat Show.
Apologies to anyone who turned up at weekend hoping for a trip, but F8 had relocated with her “stable mates” (MGB81 & HSL102) to the Southampton Boat Show. There’s still time if you’re quick, otherwise normal service will resume on completion 😁
Steve Wenham does it again 😁
Colin Baxter, also caught us trying to steal some limelight from the Japanese Ship SHIMKAZE
Steve Wenham caught us in the act again, this time photo bombing the Japanese Ship SHIMKAZE😁
Turns out all that effort has earned national recognition, yay us! Congratulations to the other winners too, working hard to preserve our maritime heritage.
It is Armed Forces day this Saturday, why not pop into the Historic Dockyard this weekend and meet F8 and her “stable mates."
Some recent images from the lens of Steve A Wenham catching F8 in action.
Challenge completed 56miles (equivilent of San Carlos to Port Stanley) done, but 46% of the fund-raising to go. Conditions were “challenging” and some may doubt the sanity of the decision to push on, BUT!!!! In 1982 we asked some ordinary people to do something extra-ordinary in inadequate kit, soaked through and under fire, so a few “snowflakes” shouldn’t hold this former polar explorer back. Included in this batch of images are “Ratty Rock,” a useful landmark marking the halfway point and the "whiteout” that had to be “grizzed” through on the way back to camp. Bizarrely, despite only having two layers on I still found myself hot and sweaty halfway around, even though the running was more like slightly faster walking in the snow.
A huge thank you to all those who have contributed already to this worthy cause. We are past the halfway point, if you can spare a few pennies please help us reach the target.
Shady.
After a run of night-shifts and appalling weather I couldn’t put it off any longer, the final “Big Push.” Any sane person might question why do it in these conditions (3” snow and occasional showers o
Today, Gosport’s Explosion museum is hosting a Falklands display which includes contributions from various local groups including artist Colin Baxter.
(postscript: Colin has sent me some images from the day)
Challenge nearly completed, just need to match the fund raising target. All donations are very gratefully received to this worthy cause.
Over the last three days completed two more “yomps” clocking up 16 more miles in the bag. The last one bagged as I changed over from day to night shifts. 9.5miles down to Mare Harbour and back
Maybe of interest to anyone bored and seeking a “hobby job.”
Ideal for those who like “Swinging the lamp” or “Unloading the the dittling gun”
In grateful recognition.
The residents have expressed their gratitude to those who fought to free the Falklands from Argentinian occupation.
In case you missed it (I almost did) Foxtrot 8 made it onto BBC Breakfast News this morning 😁
Always happy to oblige 😁
I trust this finds you well, but please take a moment to have a look at Shady’s enthuse page on behalf of the Royal Marines Charity; it would be amazing to make the target before the 14th June. Please give generously and thank you in advance.
https://rmatrmc.enthuse.com/pf/paul-shady-laneI
For many sailors who took part in the Falklands, tragedies such as the loss of HMS Sheffield, Coventry or RFA Sir Galahad were the darkest moments in the 1982 war.
But for veterans of HMS Fearless and the Royal Marines Landing Craft community, the blackest day was June 8 and the loss of a brave crew who’d given their all for three weeks.
Foxtrot 4 was one of eight landing craft assigned to HMS Fearless with 4th Assault Squadron Royal Marines, designed to ferry commandos and their kit ashore… which they did from the moment the campaign to re-take the Falklands began with the landings at San Carlos on May 21.
But the large Landing Craft Utility also served as a rescue boat. Crew ignored orders to stay away from the flames when fire ravaged HMS Antelope after an unexploded bomb detonated. Foxtrot 4 brought more than 100 crew to safety. It earned her coxswain Colour Sergeant Brian Johnston RM, pictured, the Queen’s Gallantry Medal.
He never lived to collect it. He did collect several Land Rovers from Goose Green and had orders to deliver them to 5th Infantry Brigade at Bluff Cove
The landing craft lumbered as far as Choiseul Sound – not too far from the present-day naval base in the islands at East Cove.
Four Argentine Skyhaws flew past, on their way back from bombing the RFAs SIR GALAHAD and SIR TRISTRAM, roaring low over the water. One still had its bombs and unleashed them at Foxtrot 4.
The blast struck the landing craft’s stern, killing five crew instantly, including Brian Johnston; a sixth man, Marine ‘Griff’ Griffin died of his injuries.
Eleven men survived the attack, some with burns, but Foxtrot 4 herself did not. Despite salvage efforts, she eventually sank taking the infantry brigade’s specialised communications Land Rovers down with her. Sea Harriers exerted swift and brutal retribution.
The wreck of Foxtrot 4 is the only vessel lost in 1982 still to be found, but the memory lives on; 4 Assault Squadron operates landing craft Foxtrot Juliet (J for Johnston) and a service of remembrance is held every June 8.
Another Trim classic 🤣
Dear friends,
Whilst on a work 6 month “jolly” to the Falklands, one of our admins is making the most of the time to help raise funds for a worthy cause. Please take a few minutes to have a look and any donations will be very gratefully received. Many thanks in advance.
https://rmatrmc.enthuse.com/pf/paul-shady-lane
To celebrate the 40th anniversary of this iconic event, teams of Royal Marines stationed in Commando Units across the country will recreate the 56-mile yomp finishing on Friday 10th June, just prior t
Photos from Boathouse 4's post
Good news, occasionally
British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace has offered Veterans free flights to the Falklands after the Standard reported a massive hike in fares to the Islands on the 40th anniversary of the war.
Disappointingly languishing in a quiet corner of HMS SEAHAWK’s wardroom another hilarious Tugg classic. This one highlighting the problem of using “Pinglies,” specialist anti submarine hunting helicopters (Pingers) pressed into service to support Junglie squadrons operations over land just they were in 1982.
On this day in 1982: Extracted from 3 Cdo Bde Cmdrs diary
In this day in 1982, (according to 3 Cdo Brigade Cdr’s diary):
* Bde Intsum 005 issued
* Cross decking of personal (by Landing Craft) took place all day
+ 40 Cdo RM to HMS FEARLESS
+ 3 PARA to HMS INTREPID
* 1 Sk (Sea King helicopter) lost at sea with 18 lives lost (aircrew and SAS passengers)
* Amendment 005 to Op Order issued
* Msg from Bde Comd
Interesting, but this is not news to anyone who went “down south”
Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship Tidesurge connected to MT Maersk Peary in Lyme Bay. Replenishment at sea between military and non-military ships can be crucial if access to port is obstructed.
On this day in 1982 (Thursday 13 May 1982).
Taken from the now de-classified COMAW's (Commodore Clapp) narrative.
On this day in 1982:
The Amphibious Group, which had assembled at Ascension Island set sail, destination the Falklands.
To raise funds for in this anniversary year Shady has signed up to this challenge and will be very grateful for your support https://rmatrmc.enthuse.com/pf/paul-shady-lane
Just to be more difficult Shady will be retracing the actual routes across the Falkland in the authentic 1982 kit.
To celebrate the 40th anniversary of this iconic event, teams of Royal Marines stationed in Commando Units across the country will recreate the 56-mile yomp finishing on Friday 10th June, just prior t
Recently been given this amazing artwork, painted by by another Boathouse 4 volunteer James. If you remember James was helping me clean the propellers and underwater surfaces ready for anti fouling.
He had already done the seascape and was looking for a suitable vessel to paint into the foreground, so I gave him the image of T5 putting 3Para ashore.
I’m pondering if their sufficient interest to auctioning it off for charity, would welcome your thoughts 🤔
Portsmouth Naval Base Property Trust, 19 College Road
Portsmouth
PO13LJ
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Colin Baxter, also caught us trying to steal some limelight from the Japanese Ship SHIMKAZE
Cumberland House Natural History Museum
Eastern Parade