(1) ITN archive film:
[Opening section filmed on HMS Antrim]
MT
Well, first I’ve learned a great deal. If I look at it from the viewpoint of the Falkland Islanders, their loyalty is total, their loyalty to our way of life, their loyalty to everything for which we stand and time after time they come up and thank Britain for what she’s done to keep their way of life. And secondly one’s learned even more about the difficulties of the campaign and appreciate that it was one of the most remarkable military campaigns in history, and one knows even more the supreme bravery and courage of our people.
[end of section filmed on HMS Antrim]
(2) IRN archive tape:
Newsreader, Itn
Mrs Thatcher’s visit to the Antrim, a veteran of the Falklands campaign, was the climax of a full programme on the fourth day of her visit. Here’s a report from David Walter again.
David Walter, ITN
HMS Antrim had less than four months of home after the Falklands War before coming back down here. She’d played a leading part in the recapture of South Georgia and her role down here in Falkland Sound was equally vital. tape cuts then resumes; unclear
Life down here can be rather monotonous. Mrs Thatcher’s visit was a welcome break in routine if nothing else. The ship has seen a great deal of heroism. Several of these men have been decorated for their courage and they were on deck to receive special Prime Ministerial congratulations. One of them had still to receive his medal and he was to get it from the Prime Minister herself. Bomber Wells …
inaudible soundtrack over film of medal presentation
MT
… all very proud, your family will be very proud.
Now you have a quieter, I trust, role to play. Some of you may wonder, is it worthwhile? I can only tell you that it is extremely worthwhile. We have to stop a repeat of that Falkland Islands campaign. To do that requires constant vigilance, it means that every Argentine must know that should an aircraft attempt to penetrate the Falkland Islands exclusion zone, they will be detected and in fact chased away. In that work, you are extremely important. Every sitting vessel or other vessel that comes close to that zone must know, too, that they will be detected and their work enquired into.