By Fundraiser launched for Falklands war memorial statue
Cleethorpes Royal Navy association has launched a fundraiser in the hopes of creating a brand new memorial for the Falklands war.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Falklands War, in which over 200 British servicemen died.
On 5 April 1982, the then prime minister Margaret Thatcher ordered the Royal Navy to prepare for war to take back the Falkland Islands after the Argentinians invaded the British-owned Falkland Islands
Operation Corporate was established, and the task force gathered to set sail from the UK for the South Atlantic to retake the Falklands, just three days after the invasion took place.
The Task Force was composed of Royal Navy and Merchant Navy ships & submarines, consisting of the Navy, Army, Royal Marines, and Paratroopers.
The proposed memorial statue, which would be situated in Cleethorpes Pier Gardens, would celebrate the success of the war and remember the lives of the 255 military personnel who died.
Plans are currently being drawn up for Cleethorpe’s very own statue, with the one pictured being an existing memorial in another town.
Shaun Lee, one of the organisers of the fundraiser said: “Forty years on, now in 2022, we are celebrating the success of retaking the islands and, more importantly, are remembering the 255 British military personnel and three Falkland Islanders who died. Not forgetting the 649 Argentine military personnel, mainly conscripts, killed during the battle to retake the islands.
“To remember all those who paid the ultimate sacrifice during the Falklands War and during all other conflicts and wars that Great Britain has participated in. We are raising funds to have a bronze statue designed and built and then have it erected in Pier gardens along Cleethorpes Seafront.
“All donations will be gratefully received. Thank you in advance for your kindness and generosity.”
So far, the fundraiser has raised £1,170 but they need to raise £8,000 for the statue.
Those wishing to donate or find out more about the plan can visit the Go Fund Me page here.
