© Copyright Imperial War Museum
By Martin Gliniecki, Executive Director
This Sunday, 14 June 2026, marks the 44th anniversary of the liberation of the Falkland Islands and the end of the Falklands Campaign. As we remember this significant moment in our nation’s history, we also remember the cost. Two hundred and fifty-five British Service and associated personnel gave their lives in securing victory and restoring the Islands to their rightful and lawful authority. Many veterans suffered from mental illness and moral injury, with some taking their own lives.
In the Sep–Dec 1982 edition of Ready magazine, my predecessor, Lt Col Ken Sear, reflected on those momentous events. While rejoicing in the successful outcome of the campaign, he paid tribute to the courage and sacrifice of the many brave men who never returned home. He expressed the gratitude of a nation, honouring their service and lifting in prayer those who mourned loved ones and those who carried the wounds of war. Ken also drew a powerful spiritual parallel. He described how territory belonging to God had been invaded and occupied, reminding readers that humanity itself had fallen under the occupation of sin. Yet God, in His sovereign love, planned a rescue mission unlike any military operation. At exactly the right time, He sent not a vast task force of sea, land and air forces, but one Man—His only Son, Jesus Christ—to liberate those held captive and bring them into the freedom of His Kingdom.
Ken reflected too on the concern of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, then SASRA’s Patron, who watched one of her sons deploy to the South Atlantic. I remember the anxiety that my own mother felt as her eldest son, Keith, deployed with 656 Army Air Corps Squadron, which supported the campaign from the landings at San Carlos onwards. Like countless military families, we lived with uncertainty and concern. I also remember the immense relief and joy that swept through our home when news came that the war was over and that my brother was safe. It is a feeling that military families across every generation understand all too well.
Around 200 troops that deployed were also SASRA Serving Members. In the midst of danger, hardship and separation from home, they would have had opportunities to encourage fellow soldiers, sailors and aviators, sharing Christian fellowship and bearing witness to the hope found in Jesus Christ. That mission continues today; SASRA Scripture Readers and Serving Members faithfully share the life-changing message of the gospel with service personnel and their families. Whether on operations, exercise or in daily military life, opportunities abound to offer encouragement, friendship, prayer and the hope of Christ.
As we look to the future, SASRA is committed to growing the number of Serving Members within our Armed Forces. In any future deployment, where Scripture Readers are unavailable, Serving Members can play a vital role alongside chaplains and other Military Christian Fellowships, ensuring that the gospel continues to reach those serving on the front line. If you are currently serving in the Armed Forces and would like to discover more about SASRA, we would be delighted to hear from you. Whether you are a committed Christian, exploring the Christian faith, or simply interested in supporting fellow personnel spiritually, there is a place for you.
Why not contact our Serving Members Secretary, veteran Ronnie Douglas at: members@sasra.org.uk today and find out how you can become part of this vital ministry of encouragement, fellowship and gospel witness within the Armed Forces? If you’re not serving and would like to know more about SASRA then please contact our office at admin@sasra.org.uk.
PRAY WITH US
- Thank God for the opportunities Paul has had to get involved with the individuals at the ASBM&HD. Pray that he might be able to share the hope of Christ with some of them, specifically as they grieve the loss of one of their own.
