Welsh Guards 40th Anniversary Ride Of Respect

Representatives of the Welsh Guards will be visiting Bridgend town centre on Wednesday 22 June as part of their 40^th Anniversary Ride of Respect.

Held over four days (June 21-24), the motorcycle Ride of Respect is being held to remember and honour the Welsh Guards and other members of the armed forces who sadly lost their lives 40 years ago during the Falklands Conflict in 1982.

It will take place at approximately 10.10am and will include the laying of a wreath in the memory of Guardsman A Keeble, who died during the conflict.

The event has been organised as an act of remembrance to the fallen and as a show of respect to their families. As well as raising awareness at the locations of Falklands memorials, it is also intended to demonstrate support for veterans and their families.

The riders will cover a total distance of over 1,000 miles. They started at Combermere Barracks, Windsor, on the morning of Tuesday 21 June, and will finish at the Welsh Guards Memorial in Wrexham on the afternoon of Friday, June 24.

A total of 56 men died aboard the ships Sir Galahad and Sir Tristam in Bluff Cove, Falkland Islands, on Tuesday 8 June 1982, 32 of whom were Welsh Guards. Many more were injured. The destruction of the Sir Galahad by Skyhawk jets came just six days before the end of the Falklands War.

The 1982 Falklands Conflict lasted for 10 weeks, resulting in the deaths of more than 900 people. The Argentine invasion of the British-held Falkland Islands led to the deaths of 255 British military personnel, three islanders and 649 Argentine soldiers during the 74-day Conflict. British forces regained the Falkland Islands on June 14, 1982. 

Bridgend County Borough has a long and proud tradition of supporting Armed Forces personnel and their families, and we welcome the riders from the Welsh Guards on their journey around Wales.

This event reflects the deep respect which we have for them, and we join them in offering our thanks and gratitude to all those who have served, and who continue to serve our country.

Council Leader Huw David