New Memorial Honours Falklands War Dead

A new memorial commemorating British service personnel killed during the Falklands War has been unveiled.

The memorial honours the 255 UK servicemen who died during the conflict 30 years ago.

It is a 7ft-high curved wall made from Cotswold Stone and is designed to resemble the San Carlos memorial wall on the Islands.

More than 1,000 veterans attended a service at the National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas in Staffordshire.

As well as commemorating the British servicemen, there is also a plaque honouring the three Falkland Islanders who were killed during the war.

The service ended with the last airworthy Vulcan bomber taking part in a flypast.

The Vulcan was used in bombing raids on the Islands' main airfield at Port Stanley.

The flypast has special significance due the Vulcan being flown by Flight Lieutenant Martin Withers DFC - the pilot who led one of the raids.

The service also included a pipe lament, a solo sung by the daughter of a major who died, and a reading by a Falklands widow.Speaking after the ceremony, the widow of Lieutenant-Colonel H Jones, who was awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross for his bravery at the Battle of Goose Green, described the memorial as a fitting tribute to the members of the Task Force who gave their lives.

Sara Jones, the Chairman of the Falkland Families Association, said: "I think it's just very important for our families to have somewhere that they can go which is special for them.

"Obviously there are other places but this has been dedicated not only for all of the task force, but for our families.

"I just think for them it's special to come to this wonderful place - it is a beautiful setting and they can be quiet and contemplate and remember.

"I know it's 30 years on but it's been worth waiting for. It was a lovely short service and that Vulcan coming over was a wonderful ending."