THE SACRIFICE of the armed forces in the Falklands – and of three men in particular – was remembered in services at Cinderford and Ross.

Sapper Chris Jones, of Cinderford, Private Timothy Jenkins of Ross and Guardsman Gareth Griffiths, whose family now live in Ross, were killed in the conflict to liberate the islands 35 years ago.

At Cinderford, a service was held at the town’s war memorial while a parade in Ross was led by the band of the Rifles.

The Vicar of Cinderford, Rev Mike Barnsley, said: “The Falklands War officially ended on June 14 1982.

“The conflict took the lives of over 900 people inclu-

ding 255 British military personnel.

“We are here to remember those who gave their lives and to remember those who still struggle with that

loss, particularly here in Cinderford to remember Sapper Christopher Alan Jones of 59 Independent Commando squadron, Royal Engineers, who lost his life on June 12 1982 right at the end of the conflict aged just 19 years old.”

Sapper Jones was mortally wounded as he stayed with a machine gun on Two Sisters mountain, allowing his best mate to take cover.

The Ross branch of the British Legion also held a service at the graveside of Private Jenkins, of 3 Para, who died in the battle of Mount Longdon.

Guardsman Griffiths lost his life when Argentine planes attacked the Sir Galahad.

There were many veterans attending the services including Alan Warren who paid his respects at Cinderford.

The former member of the Royal Navy said: “Although it was a small conflict, it was a conflict that brought out the best of England.

“It’s nice to think 35 years on that local people still remember.”

Wreaths were laid in

both Ross and Cinderford including by members of all three families.

At Cinderford, wreaths were also laid by the Mayor of Cinderford, Cllr Roger Sterry, the president of Royal British Legion in Gloucestershire, Ian Corbitt of Longhope and by Kim Howard on behalf of St Stephen’s Church.