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Double DFC and the Port San Carlos Cairn
By
Lieutenant Colonel C J Nunn OBE Royal Marines

On Friday 28th May 1982, the 2nd Battalion of the Parachute Regiment was engaged in fierce fighting to take enemy positions in the area of Darwin and Goose Green. Two Gazelles and two Scout helicopters for 3 Commando Brigade Air Squadron Royal Marines were tasked to support the attack.

From dawn, heedless of enemy ground fire, the two Scouts from B Flight, led by the Flight Commander, Captain Jeff Niblett RM with his air gunner Sergeant John Glaze RM in ‘Delta Tango’ with ‘Delta Romeo’ flown by Lieutenant Richard Nunn RM with his air gunner Sergeant Bill Belcher RM, supported the Battalion by flying vital ammunition forward to the front line and then evacuating casualties to safety. The two Gazelles from M Flight were also committed throughout the battle.

After flying continuously for three and a half hours, it was learnt that the Commanding Officer and others in the battalion’s forward Tactical Headquarters had been severely wounded. Both Scout aircraft were tasked to fly forward once more to evacuate the wounded, taking with them the Battalion Second in Command. Five minutes after take-off from their forward operation base at Camilla Creek House, suddenly and without warning two Argentine Pucara ground attack aircraft attacked both Scouts with cannon and rocket fire. With great flying skill Lieutenant Nunn evaded the first attack but on the second his aircraft was hit and destroyed. Lieutenant Nunn was killed instantly. Sergeant Belcher was seriously wounded but thrown clear. He lost a leg. By employing a combination of exceptional flying skill and superb teamwork with his air gunner, Captain Niblett successfully evaded a further three cannon and rocket attacks, eventually completing the mission. The crew of ‘Delta Tango’ resolutely continued support and evacuation operations until well after dark. The support given by the aircraft of 3 Commando Brigade Air Squadron was vital to the conduct of the attack and was instrumental in the eventual victory. Captain Jeff Niblett RM was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Lieutenant Richard Nunn was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. This text draws on the citations for both awards published in the London Gazette on 8th October 1982.

Lieutenant Richard Nunn DFC RM is my younger brother. I joined the Royal Marines in September 1969 and was awarded my ‘Wings’ as a helicopter pilot in 1978, Richard joined the Corps in 1974 and qualified as a helicopter pilot in May 1981. On that day, he became the fifth member of the Nunn family in two generations to be awarded their ‘Wings’. Our father Group Captain S G Nunn OBE DFC RAF joined the Royal Air Force in 1939 as a Sergeant pilot, he retired in 1975. His younger brother Sergeant Barrie Nunn RAFVR was reported missing presumed killed on 13th June 1943. Their brother, Lieutenant Commander John Nunn RN, joined the Fleet Air Arm in 1939. He retired in the 1950s having flown on active service throughout WW2 and the Korean War.

Having completed his flying training, Richard stayed at Middle Wallop to convert onto the Scout AH1 anti-tank helicopter and then joined 3 Commando Brigade Air Squadron. By this time, the summer of 1981, I had left the Brigade Air Squadron after 3½ years as a Flight Commander and was commanding M Company of 42 Commando RM. In January 1982 we both deployed to Norway for winter warfare training with our respective units. We returned to the UK in time for two weeks Easter leave. During the first week, we began to hear about Argentine illegal activity in South Georgia and threats to the Falkland Islands. Within a few days 3 Commando Brigade was recalled and the Task Force began to assemble to embark on Operation Corporate. Just before Easter, Richard took over as B Flight Commander from Captain Jeff Niblett. However, because of his greater experience, Jeff re-assumed the command when Operation Corporate began a few days later and B Flight joined the Task Force as part of 3 Commando Brigade Air Squadron. Meanwhile, M Company 42 Commando RM flew ahead of the Task Force and recaptured South Georgia on 25th April 1982. It was there that I eventually learned that Richard with other friends, Sergeant Andy Evans and Corporal Giffin, who had both previously served in my Flight, had all been killed flying on active service.

The Falklands Campaign was the first occasion in British military history that the families of those who were killed were offered the choice of having their loved ones buried where they fell, or to have them repatriated back to the United Kingdom. My parents made the decision that Richard should be buried in the British military cemetery at San Carlos. It is a beautiful spot alongside San Carlos Water where the landings took place. In April 1983, I accompanied my father on the first next-of-kin visit to the Falklands when the San Carlos cemetery was consecrated. Having visited Richard’s grave we flew to Camilla Creek house to find the site where Delta

Romeo crashed. In 1994, at his request, my father’s ashes were buried with Richard. This was done with the ceremony befitting one of ‘The Few.’

In 2004, former members of the Squadron returned to the Falklands and visited the crash site near Camilla Creek House. It was then that the idea of erecting a cairn in memory of Richard originated. The idea was taken forward by local people among them were two young men, Keith Alazia and Lee Clement, who turned the idea into reality by designing and building the cairn. They placed the remaining aircraft debris inside it. The cairn was unveiled on Wednesday 26th October 2005 by Commodore Michael Clapp CB RN who commanded the amphibious ships in 1982. Our sister, Sarah, was present.

In 2010, I visited the Falkland Islands with Major General Nick Vaux CB DSO, the Commanding Officer of 42 Commando RM in 1982 and the other officers of his Command Group at the time. Our programme included a visit to Richard’s grave at San Carlos. Everyone knew Richard and the group included Lieutenant Colonel Peter Cameron MC RM the Squadron Commander in 1982. We then went to the site of the cairn in the most appalling weather, where Peter and I laid a wreath. An old friend, Peter has safeguarded Richard’s memory in many ways since 1982. Inspecting the cairn, I noticed that the original brass plaques were suffering damage from the extreme weather that is part of life in the Falklands. I decided then to have them replaced by cast bronze ones that would better withstand the elements.

The next day started with a drive to the Argentine cemetery where the 237 dead, who are still refused repatriation by their national government, lie buried in a simple, bleak corral. Many graves are unnamed, but, from time-to-time, Argentine next of kin can make brief visits. Many adopt a particular unnamed grave as the focus for their remembrance for the loss of a family member. It came as a shock for me to find out that one of the few known graves is that of Lieutenant Miguel Gimenez, the Pucara pilot who shot Richard down. A few minutes after the action, he too died when he flew into Blue Mountain in low-cloud. His aircraft, with his body still strapped in the cockpit, was not located until 1986. Standing in front of Gimenez’s grave, I could not feel any animosity towards him. An account I wrote then records:

“This is the story of two young men who, had they met under different circumstances, may well have had more in common than their differences.”

The new plaques were put in place on the cairn in December 2011. Again, this project would not have happened without the support of a special friend Jim Ellard who donated a bronze Globe & Laurel for the front plaque and arranged for the casting, and also local Falklands people, especially Colleen Ford, Ted and Sheila Jones and two former Royal Marines, Gary Clement and Curly Elstow.

In January 2011 my wife and I passed through the Falkland Islands on our way to and from South Georgia. After visiting Richard’s grave we made the long drive over Sussex Mountain to see the new plaques in place. We then went the short distance across country to the rebuilt Camilla Creek House to meet Albert and Sally McLeod, on whose land the cairn stands. They often visit the cairn to make sure it is in good condition. Sally refers to Richard as ‘That young boy up the valley’. Hanging in the porch of the McLeod’s house are framed prints of all the British helicopters flown in the Falklands campaign, with the exception of a 3 Commando Brigade Air Squadron’s Scout AH 1. I promised then that I would send Albert and Sally the missing print once we returned home – little did I know!

Once back at home after a truly memorable experience, I searched the internet for a print of a Scout AH1; I could not find one. A promise made is a promise to be kept - I resolved to have a print made of 3 Commando Brigade Air Squadron’s Scout XT 629 call sign ‘Delta Romeo’. By chance, in our village in France, we have a keen aviation enthusiast, Stephen Lawrence. His son, Anthony, is an accomplished aviation artist. They put me in touch with Andy Hay who runs FlyingArt. Once, Andy knew the story, he generously offered to undertake the work of producing a print of ‘Delta Romeo’. The project took 18 months and involved obtaining comments from the Scout pilots who flew with Richard in 1982 to ensure the accuracy of the artwork; in particular, Jeff Nibblett DFC and Bill Belcher MBE.

The visits to the Falklands in 2010 and 2012 combined to convince me to write a personal account which draws together all the threads and coincidences that run through the events leading up to the tragedy of 28th May 1982 and those in the years thereafter. It seemed appropriate to write the account for Richard’s nephews and niece – Adam and Rory Nunn, my sons, and their cousins Edward, Hannah and Henry Constance. David Constance and I joined the Corps together. In 1982 he was married to my sister. David was the third Royal Marine in our family to deploy south with the Task Force. Throughout the campaign he served as the only Royal Marine with 2nd Parachute Regiment. He was involved in the battle during which Richard was shot down. As Richard’s brother- in-law he was able to be present a few days later when the mass burial of all the British dead took place at Ajax Bay alongside the Red and Green Life Machine field hospital. His presence was a great comfort to my parents at a very sad time. By yet another twist of fate, Richard’s post mortem was conducted by Surgeon Lieutenant Commander Rick Jolly RN. Rick is a family friend and was, by then, Godfather to my youngest son Rory, as I was to his son, James.

The account was finished in time to send to all the cousins with a copy of the Andy Hay print in early 2014. When they read the account Jeff Niblett and Bill Belcher offered to sign a limited number of prints for the family and for those closely associated with the story behind it. I am pleased to say that one copy now hangs in Camilla Creek House!

Anthony Lawrence also received a copy of both the account and the FlyingArt print. As a member of the Guild of Aviation Artists, Anthony has submitted a number of stunning paintings to their annual exhibitions in London. Having read the account of Richard’s story, he was moved to paint a superb depiction of ‘Delta Romeo’ and ‘Delta Tango’ low-flying towards the front line on 28th May 1982 using the skyline I photographed whilst I was at the cairn. Jeff, Bill and other members of the Squadron say that it completely encapsulates the spirit and events of that day.

Once the painting was finished Anthony was kind enough to ask me to suggest a title for it. It seemed fitting to recall Jeff Niblett’s words in his correspondence to me on 22nd May 2014 after seeing a copy of the painting:

“As well as being a unique event in Corps history when two DFC were awarded in such circumstances; it was also the first occasion when British light helicopters supported ground troops in a major combat operation. Indeed, mention should be made of the 2 Gazelles from M Flight that also participated – 3 Commando Brigade Air Squadron provided 4 aircraft from a total of 13 still on the Squadron strength to support the battle. Until 1982, light helicopter operations had essentially been to support the Army and Royal Marines engaged in counter-insurgency operations, so, the Battle for Goose Green was historically very significant.”

In light of these words, the title: ‘Double DFC – 28th May 1982’ was chosen.

On 21st July 2014, Anthony Lawrence’s painting was exhibited to the public for the first time at the Guild of Aviation Artist’s annual exhibition in London. The Guild’s Committee awarded it a ‘Highly Commended’. Present at the occasion were my son, Adam, carrying Richard’s medals, with Peter Cameron, Jeff Niblett and Bill Belcher. Adam made Augusta Westland aware of the occasion and the story behind the painting. When he heard, Brigadier Richard Folkes OBE, their Senior Defence Advisor and a former Director of the Army Air Corps, chose to represent the Company. As a final coincidence in this story, Richard Folkes knew Richard Nunn when they were both at Middle Wallop undergoing their flying training in 1981.

Peter, Adam, Bill, Jeff and Anthony

With Anthony’s agreement, I now own the painting which hangs in my study here in France. When the time comes, the family will offer as a loan to the Royal Marines’ Museum.

Anthony has generously agreed that high quality prints can be made for sale. Furthermore, he has waived any charge for his original work generously offering instead £10 from the sale of each £65 print to the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund.

Prints of Double DFC – 28th May 1982 are available from: http://sotegallery.biz/anthonylawrence.html

Prints of ‘Delta Romeo’ XT 629 in profile are available from: http://www.flyingart.co.uk/SHOP/contents/en-uk/d165.html

The Port San Carlos Cairn

It was natural that when I visited the Falkland Islands in 2010 and 2013 that I should go to visit the sites where my two comrades Sergeant Andy Evans and Corporal Brett Giffin died. Both died within minutes of each other close to Port San Carlos. All were casualties of small arms fire from the ground. Brett Giffin and Ken Francis’ aircraft crashed close to the shoreline.

Peter Cameron at the cairn marking the crash site, Port San Carlos is in the centre distance.

Andy Evans and his crewman, Sergeant Eddy Candlish, were also struck by small arms ground fire. Their aircraft crashed into the icy waters of the sound, within sight of the Port settlement. Andy Evans was wounded but alive when they entered the water. With great gallantry, Sergeant Candlish cut his pilot free and towed him 500 metres to the shore under continuous enemy fire. Close to the jetty, he had help from local people. Sadly, despite his superhuman effort, Andy Evans died of his wounds in the sheep shearing shed, to the left of the jetty. He received a posthumous award of a mention-in-despatches.

Sergeant Eddy Candlish also received a mention-in-despatches for outstanding bravery. Had this action not taken place on the first day of the landings when so much was happening as the operation developed, I am not alone in believing that Sergeant Eddy Candlish’s selfless actions were fully deserving of a recommendation for the George Cross.

When Siobhan and I visited the islands in 2012, we saw the new plaques on Richard’s cairn. They look superb. When we visited the Port San Carlos site, I resolved to replace the plaque on the Port San Carlos cairn with one of similar quality. After our visit to South Georgia, I contacted Peter Cameron. Together we worked to produce an appropriate text and layout for the plaque. It has the Squadron badge at the top and not only commemorates those killed, but, also the gallantry of Eddy Candlish and mentions the other awards won that day.

From dawn on 21st May 1982, C Flight was tasked to conduct reconnaissance and armed escort for the Sea Kings of 846 Naval Air Squadron throughout the extremely hazardous operation to establish the initial ‘Bridgehead’ ashore.

Their combined actions are recognised as being a vital contribution to the liberation of these Islands

Gazelle XX411 ‘Charlie X-ray’

Sergeant Andrew Evans Royal Marines

Pilot

Gazelle XX402 ‘Charlie Golf’

Lieutenant Kenneth Francis Royal Marines

Pilot

Lance Corporal Brett (Pat) Giffin Royal Marines

Aircrewman

This cairn also acknowledges the supreme gallantry displayed by Sergeant Eddy Candlish Royal Marines. With total disregard for his own survival, he rescued his grievously wounded pilot, Sergeant Evans, from their stricken and sinking aircraft. Whilst under continuous enemy fire, in freezing water, he towed Evans ashore to the settlement at Port San Carlos. Despite Sergeant Candlish’s selfless courage and determination Sergeant Evans died of his wounds shortly after reaching the settlement.

In recognition of the courage and dedication displayed by all ranks of C Flight that day

and in subsequent operations, often in the face of the enemy, Mentions-in-Dispatches were awarded to:

Lieutenant Commander Gervais Coryton Royal Navy,

Captain Robin Makeig-Jones Royal Artillery

Sergeant Andrew Evans Royal Marines

Sergeant Eddy Candlish Royal Marines

From the Sea, Freedom

Once again, Matt Davis and his foundry did a splendid job making the finished article. In this instance, it was appropriate to ask for Corps’ funds to pay for the project, the Trustees agreed.

Those stalwarts, Gary Clement and Curly Elstow, put it in place in early 2013. They were also present at the annual gathering at the memorial to commemorate Landing Day on 21 May 2013.

I now feel that Richard and those friends – his, mine and David’s, are suitably remembered, not only by us the family, but, also by those who came home, and those who appreciate what was done for them in 1982, and who will safeguard their memory and that of all who were there with them.

Double DFC and the Port San Carlos Cairn
By
Lieutenant Colonel C J Nunn OBE Royal Marines

On Friday 28th May 1982, the 2nd Battalion of the Parachute Regiment was engaged in fierce fighting to take enemy positions in the area of Darwin and Goose Green. Two Gazelles and two Scout helicopters for 3 Commando Brigade Air Squadron Royal Marines were tasked to support the attack.

Romeo crashed. In 1994, at his request, my father’s ashes were buried with Richard. This was done with the ceremony befitting one of ‘The Few.’

“This is the story of two young men who, had they met under different circumstances, may well have had more in common than their differences.”

Once the painting was finished Anthony was kind enough to ask me to suggest a title for it. It seemed fitting to recall Jeff Niblett’s words in his correspondence to me on 22nd May 2014 after seeing a copy of the painting:

In light of these words, the title: ‘Double DFC – 28th May 1982’ was chosen.

Peter, Adam, Bill, Jeff and Anthony

With Anthony’s agreement, I now own the painting which hangs in my study here in France. When the time comes, the family will offer as a loan to the Royal Marines’ Museum.

Anthony has generously agreed that high quality prints can be made for sale. Furthermore, he has waived any charge for his original work generously offering instead £10 from the sale of each £65 print to the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund.

Prints of Double DFC – 28th May 1982 are available from: http://sotegallery.biz/anthonylawrence.html

Prints of ‘Delta Romeo’ XT 629 in profile are available from: http://www.flyingart.co.uk/SHOP/contents/en-uk/d165.html

The Port San Carlos Cairn

Peter Cameron at the cairn marking the crash site, Port San Carlos is in the centre distance.

From dawn on 21st May 1982, C Flight was tasked to conduct reconnaissance and armed escort for the Sea Kings of 846 Naval Air Squadron throughout the extremely hazardous operation to establish the initial ‘Bridgehead’ ashore.

Their combined actions are recognised as being a vital contribution to the liberation of these Islands

Gazelle XX411 ‘Charlie X-ray’

Sergeant Andrew Evans Royal Marines

Pilot

Gazelle XX402 ‘Charlie Golf’

Lieutenant Kenneth Francis Royal Marines

Pilot

Lance Corporal Brett (Pat) Giffin Royal Marines

Aircrewman

In recognition of the courage and dedication displayed by all ranks of C Flight that day

and in subsequent operations, often in the face of the enemy, Mentions-in-Dispatches were awarded to:

Lieutenant Commander Gervais Coryton Royal Navy,

Captain Robin Makeig-Jones Royal Artillery

Sergeant Andrew Evans Royal Marines

Sergeant Eddy Candlish Royal Marines

From the Sea, Freedom

Once again, Matt Davis and his foundry did a splendid job making the finished article. In this instance, it was appropriate to ask for Corps’ funds to pay for the project, the Trustees agreed.

Those stalwarts, Gary Clement and Curly Elstow, put it in place in early 2013. They were also present at the annual gathering at the memorial to commemorate Landing Day on 21 May 2013.

I now feel that Richard and those friends – his, mine and David’s, are suitably remembered, not only by us the family, but, also by those who came home, and those who appreciate what was done for them in 1982, and who will safeguard their memory and that of all who were there with them.

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Flying Marines

A History of Royal Marines Aviation

Double DFC and the Port San Carlos Cairn By Lieutenant Colonel C J Nunn OBE Royal Marines

On Friday 28th May 1982, the 2nd Battalion of the Parachute Regiment was engaged in fierce fighting to take enemy positions in the area of Darwin and Goose Green. Two Gazelles and two Scout helicopters for 3 Commando Brigade Air Squadron Royal Marines were tasked to support the attack.

Romeo crashed. In 1994, at his request, my father’s ashes were buried with Richard. This was done with the ceremony befitting one of ‘The Few.’

“This is the story of two young men who, had they met under different circumstances, may well have had more in common than their differences.”

Once the painting was finished Anthony was kind enough to ask me to suggest a title for it. It seemed fitting to recall Jeff Niblett’s words in his correspondence to me on 22nd May 2014 after seeing a copy of the painting:

In light of these words, the title: ‘Double DFC – 28th May 1982’ was chosen.

Peter, Adam, Bill, Jeff and Anthony

With Anthony’s agreement, I now own the painting which hangs in my study here in France. When the time comes, the family will offer as a loan to the Royal Marines’ Museum.

Anthony has generously agreed that high quality prints can be made for sale. Furthermore, he has waived any charge for his original work generously offering instead £10 from the sale of each £65 print to the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund.

Prints of Double DFC – 28th May 1982 are available from: http://sotegallery.biz/anthonylawrence.html

Prints of ‘Delta Romeo’ XT 629 in profile are available from: http://www.flyingart.co.uk/SHOP/contents/en-uk/d165.html

The Port San Carlos Cairn

Peter Cameron at the cairn marking the crash site, Port San Carlos is in the centre distance.

From dawn on 21st May 1982, C Flight was tasked to conduct reconnaissance and armed escort for the Sea Kings of 846 Naval Air Squadron throughout the extremely hazardous operation to establish the initial ‘Bridgehead’ ashore.

Their combined actions are recognised as being a vital contribution to the liberation of these Islands

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Gazelle XX411 ‘Charlie X-ray’

Sergeant Andrew Evans Royal Marines

Pilot

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Gazelle XX402 ‘Charlie Golf’

Lieutenant Kenneth Francis Royal Marines

Pilot

Lance Corporal Brett (Pat) Giffin Royal Marines

Aircrewman

In recognition of the courage and dedication displayed by all ranks of C Flight that day

and in subsequent operations, often in the face of the enemy, Mentions-in-Dispatches were awarded to:

Lieutenant Commander Gervais Coryton Royal Navy,

Captain Robin Makeig-Jones Royal Artillery

Sergeant Andrew Evans Royal Marines

Sergeant Eddy Candlish Royal Marines

From the Sea, Freedom

Once again, Matt Davis and his foundry did a splendid job making the finished article. In this instance, it was appropriate to ask for Corps’ funds to pay for the project, the Trustees agreed.

Those stalwarts, Gary Clement and Curly Elstow, put it in place in early 2013. They were also present at the annual gathering at the memorial to commemorate Landing Day on 21 May 2013.

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I now feel that Richard and those friends – his, mine and David’s, are suitably remembered, not only by us the family, but, also by those who came home, and those who appreciate what was done for them in 1982, and who will safeguard their memory and that of all who were there with them.

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Double DFC and the Port San Carlos Cairn
By
Lieutenant Colonel C J Nunn OBE Royal Marines