For Wednesday 6th November.
What a send off!! Gate 50 at Gatwick has never seen anything like it. Two hundred and twenty of us crammed into the lounge, with a tight cordon of admirers and well-wishers clustered round Baroness Thatcher. Dressed in a dazzling blue suit, she and we enjoyed every moment as she worked her way along the lounge to give her personal thanks to everyone on the Pilgrimage. Jim Davidson, stalwart supporter of SAMA was on hand too, as were Sukey Cameron, Falkland Islands Government Representative, Sir Rex Hunt, Governor in 1982, and General Julian Thompson, all to see us off and wish us well.
Accompanied by the skirl of bagpipes, we eventually boarded the aircraft and were faced by the realities of excessive hand baggage and inadequate overhead storage. Normal baggage rules had been waived, but then this was not a normal flight. Once we were more or less settled, Baroness Thatcher unexpectedly boarded the aircraft along with Jim Davidson to give us a final "fare well" on the cabin tannoy. She told us emphatically that she wanted to hear everything about the trip on our return. Warming to her theme she decided we should have a party when we got back. Jim, bless him, tried to disuade her, conscious of the strain this would be on her health. Maggie, bless her, was having none of it. "No, we will organise it, you and I" she told him in no uncertain tone.
Soon we departed, being pushed back a mere ten minutes late, an amazing achievement under the cricumstances. Once we were at cruising height, Rick Jolly, who had done so much to make this Pilgrimage possible came onto the tannoy to give an emotional address which he concluded by reading a letter received from HRH the Prince of Wales, as follows:
"The Falklands War will no doubt be remembered as one of the greatest triumphs over adversity that Her Majesty's Forces ever achieved, and the battles fought and won stand comparison with any throughout this country's illustrious history.
"But the South Atlantic Campaign is also more than an historic national victory. For the servicemen and women who fought to retake the islands, it marked your defining moment when you answered the call to uphold the freedoms and beliefs that we all hold so dear to our hearts. In doing so, you exemplified the very highest standards - of determination when faced with setback; resolve to overcome overwhelming odds; personal courage in the face of battle and, importantly, compassion in the moment of victory.
"Although the victory was won twenty years ago, for many the personal battles which resulted from the experience remain. Equally, this pilgrimage, organised by S.A.M.A. and to which I am hugely proud to lend my support, will be the first time many of you have returned to the Islands since the fateful days of 1982. In the company of both old friends and new comrades-in-arms, all of you will be revisiting those scenes of harsh action and sad loss. I pray that it will provide an opportunity to reminisce and reflect and,
for some, finally to find a degree of solace in the aftermath of traumatic experiences.
"I visited the Falklands in 1999 and know at first hand of the enormous gratitude of the Islanders and their enduring pride in Her Majesty's Forces. I am therefore certain you will receive a warm and hearty reception and discover for yourselves just how grateful they are for your courage and devotion to Freedom's cause.
"I wish you God Speed and send you my heartfelt best wishes.
"Charles."
8:56:13 PM 
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