'We should not forget the Falklands losses'

A veteran of the Falklands conflict says those who lost their lives in the war should never be forgotten.

Keith Thompson was an assistant purser on troop ship MV Norland, which was one of nine vessels from Hull involved in the dispute between Britain and Argentina, who waged a brief but bitter war over the Falkland Islands in 1982.

A special service dedicated to the men and women of the city who served in the conflict has taken place in Pickering Park.

Thompson said he was "very proud to have served there" before explaining the importance of the remembrance service, adding "it must be done so we don't forget these people who sadly passed away, but we're keeping their memory going on".

The invasion claimed the lives of 255 British servicemen, three islanders and 649 Argentinian personnel.

Thompson was 32 when he volunteered to help transport the men of 2nd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment to the South Atlantic.

Reflecting on his time in service, the veteran recalled the moment ships came under attack from Argentine aircraft when the Norland was involved in landing Royal Marines and other forces in San Carlos Water.

"We were in Bomb Alley and we had a few near scrapes," he said.

He described being about half a mile (800m) away when the Royal Navy ship HMS Antelope was hit and then exploded, with the crew being rescued by another vessel and taken to the Norland.

"I remember the ship shaking violently after one bomb exploded not far from us. But camaraderie on the ship was brilliant and it's typical in the Merchant Navy, we just got on with a job and I'm very proud that we did."

The memorial service in Pickering Park took place at the Falklands Bench.

Listen to highlights fromHull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North.

Download the BBC News app from the App Storefor iPhone and iPad orGoogle Play for Android devices