Incredible - Argentinean memoirs

Argentinean memoirs

Herewith Argentinean memoirs - Many of you from the Beauchamp Lodge will know that we had Argentinean visitors in the month of January. In fact our guests were with us from Tuesday 21st January through to Friday 31st January and it was quite a packed schedule.

Agustin Vazquez the Argentinean Military Historian (specialising in the Falklands Campaign) has agreed for us to share his words (Argentinean memoirs) regarding the visit. We hope you enjoy his experiences as much as he obviously did.

Argentinean Memoirs - UK 2025 - Part I - Wednesday 22nd January 2025

Recently I returned from an incredible and memorable trip to the UK, where I had the opportunity to learn the history of the Falklands from another perspective, through words and meetings with many British veterans who fought during those 74 days of war in 1982. An experience that has left an indelible mark on my memory, not only as a historian and passionate about the chronicle of those important events, but also as a human being.

I could notice the pride and courage that is still reflected in the look of said veterans, as well as the pain and anguish arising from battles that began 43 years ago, but still hold the echo of the past attached to the pages of a heartbreaking conflict.

Argentinean memoirs continued - One of the first meetings I had the honor [sic] to witness was the reunion between two "old foes," protagonists of one of the most cruel battles of the entire war: Mount Longdon.

On January 22, the faces were seen again, though in different circumstances, Colonel VGM Carlos Eduardo Carrizo-Salvadores (2nd Chief of the RI7 in 1982 and commander of the Argentinian troops in [sic] Longdon) and General Sir Hew Pike KCB, DSO, MBE (in charge of the 3rd Paratrooper [sic] Battalion - 3 PARA). This meeting took place at The Royal College of Defence Studies (RCDS) located in London.

From the very first moment, with a firm handshake and protocol words of both gentlemen, an amazing exchange of memories took place relating to strategy, movement of troops and various aspects of combat that took place between 11-12 June 1982. Naturally and with a lot of patience, the former commanders of both sides provided their different views, making clear the extreme courage demonstrated by the Argentine and British soldiers who fought for their respective positions on that mountain.

Argentinean memoirs continued - The encounter also featured the presence of three other veterans of Malvinas: the conscripted soldier Horacio Cañeque (who fought under the orders of the then Major Carrizo-Salvadores in [sic] Mount Longdon), Mark Eyles-Thomas a private soldier with 4 Platoon, B Company, 3 PARA, and Lieutenant Colonel Roger Patton (second Chief of 3 PARA in 1982). Their opinions, in the same way, nourished the conversation with many memories and experiences that expanded the historical landscape of such confrontation.

Looking in retrospect after several days of returning, I allow myself to reflect on such an experience and I must affirm how fortunate I was to have been there to be a privileged witness to an event that will undoubtedly help bring the past of many veterans closer.

Over the next few days I will continue to share photos and memories of this wonderful trip, marked by other important encounters and moments.

Argentinean memoirs continued - photos of the reunion

This Argentinean memoirs post has been created by the West Kent Military lodge for information. If you would like to now more about the Lodge contact us here