Scotland’s largest Veterans charity will fall silent this morning, with three Falklands veterans from Erskine reflecting alongside one another 40 years following the war that changed their lives forever.

From 11am, the nation will observe a two-minute silence for Armistice Day, honouring all of those lost in conflict as they mark ‘the 11^th hour, of the 11^th month’.

Royal Navy veterans Craig McDermott, 58, and Norrie McDade, 60, will be joined by Bill McDowall, 61, 2^nd Battalion Scots Guards, to remember those that didn’t come home.

The 74-day undeclared war between the United Kingdom and Argentina over the Falkland Islands cost the lives of 655 Argentine and 255 British servicemen.

When war broke out between the British and the Argentines, Norrie was onboard the HMS Plymouth as it fought and assisted in the transportation of soldiers, of which Bill was among. Meanwhile, Craig was onboard the HMS Antrim, at the centre of the British military’s operation to retake South Georgia.

The horrors they witnessed are well documented but today they will remember those less fortunate.

Veterans, carers and families from across Erskine’s network of homes will join together at the Memorial Stone at The Erskine Home in Bishopton to remember alongside one another. Pupils from Bishopton Primary School and Park Mains High School will be in attendance, with a service led by Reverend Graham Morrison.

Wing Commander Ian Cumming MBE, Chief Executive at Erskine, said: “We need no reminder of the sacrifices that our Veterans have made, but our conversations and thoughts always become increasingly poignant in the run up to Remembrance. This year, like every year, we will remember them by showing our commitment of providing futures for the brave.”

To help provide a future for Veterans such as Alan please donate to our 2022 Remembrance campaign.  Click on erskine.org.uk/futures-for-the-brave

donate to our 2022 Remembrance campaign.  Click on erskine.org.uk/futures-for-the-brave

Pictured L to R: Norrie McDade, Craig McDermott and Bill McDowall

To find out more about Erskine’s work please visit our website at www.erskine.org.uk, follow on twitter @ErskineCharity via Facebook facebook.com/ErskineVeteransCharity or listen to Erskine Veterans Radio at Erskine.org.uk/radio

To donate directly to Erskine, please visit Erskine.org.uk/donate