Falklands 2026: An Ardent Veteran Returns to Remember
Forty-four years after the Falklands War, ARDENT shipmate John Reed returned to the Islands in October 2026, accompanied by an old friend and fellow veteran who served aboard HMS Fearless during the conflict.
Their visit was both a journey of remembrance and an opportunity to revisit places that had played such an important part in their lives during 1982.
The most poignant moment came at Campito Hill (pictured above), overlooking the final resting places of HMS Ardent in Grantham Sound and HMS Antelope in Ajax Bay. With the assistance of local Falkland Islander and former Royal Navy sailor John Ferguson, the veterans were able to reach the remote memorial, where a wreath was laid in memory of those who never returned.
The visit also included the Commonwealth War Cemetery at Blue Beach, Goose Green, Fitzroy and several other battlefield memorials across East Falkland.
Throughout their stay, both veterans were deeply moved by the warmth and gratitude shown by the Islanders, a reminder that the sacrifices made in 1982 have not been forgotten.
John has provided a full account of his trip and it provides a fascinating and often moving personal reflection on returning to the Falklands, accompanied by photographs of the memorials, battlefields and people encountered along the way.
[Read the full account: Falklands Visit 2026 (PDF)]
Our thanks to John for sharing this personal account of remembrance and his return to the Falkland Islands.
