Jamie receives Falklands honour

While doing checks for Falklands veterans, Stewart Finlay, Chair of the Kilmarnock Branch of the Royal British Legion Scotland, spoke to Jamie and discovered that not only was he one of the youngest Forces Personnel involved in the conflict, but he had also been awarded the South Atlantic Medal with rosette which he had sadly since lost.

Jamie, who now works with Facilities and Property Management, was only 17 years old when the conflict began.

Stewart, who also works for East Ayrshire Council, said: “I had known that Jamie had been at the Falklands with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary but I didn’t know when or in what capacity he had been there. I was fascinated to find out that he had received the South Atlantic Medal which was awarded to British military personnel and civilians for service in the Falklands War, but that he had lost it somewhere along the way. We managed to source a replacement medal and were delighted to organise the presentation so that he can wear it with pride during our upcoming Falklands War anniversary parade.”

The Kilmarnock Branch will be holding a small parade, wreath laying and social gathering on Saturday 11 June at 1.45pm to mark the 40 year anniversary and further details can be found on the Kilmarnock British Legion branch Facebook page.

Provost Jim Todd said: “It was a real privilege to present Jamie with his replacement medal and to honour him as a veteran. Jamie was so young - only 17 years and 106 days old - when the conflict began and his bravery, and that of countless others, will never be forgotten.”

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