• Memorial Text
• 59 commanded by Major Roderick MacDonald RE, were part of 3 Commando Brigade RM, during the conflict in 1982. Sappers from 59, and with others under command, provided combat engineer support to the Royal Navy and the Parachute Battalions. Members of the Squadron participated in all main assaults including minefield clearance operations, losing 5 “Sappers” killed in action and 3 seriously wounded by anti-personnel mines.
• SSgt. James Prescott – 33 Engineer Regiment E.O.D – KIA HMS Antelope 23rd May 1982 (Aged 37 yrs).
• Known as Jim, he was an EOD specialist under the command of 59 and provided valuable training to personnel during the journey South. 3 Commando Brigade afloat entered San Carlos water (later referred to as ‘Bomb Alley’) on Friday 21st May 1982 to carrying out the assault landings and soon came under continuous attack by enemy aircraft. Jim was tasked with defusing 2 unexploded bombs on HMS Antelope and, whilst carrying out this extremely difficult operation, an explosion occurred, killing Jim and resulting in the loss of HMS Antelope.
• Sapper Pradeep Gandhi – 2 Troop 59 – KIA San Carlos 27th May 1982 (Aged 24 yrs).
• Known as ‘Goosey’ he was the only Hindu to be killed during the conflict. He became well known and popular on the LSL’s Sir Galahad and Sir Lancelot during the long journey South for entertaining embarked troops in his role as film projectionist. “Roll em, Roll em Gandhi, the man who drove the Lancelot projector!” is still sung today at Commando Engineer reunions.
• Goosey landed on “Blue Beach” at San Carlos with 40 Commando RM who were tasked with securing the Beach Head. It was during this operation that Goosey was killed when the defensive position came under attack by enemy aircraft.
• Cpl. Michael Melia – Recce Troop 59 – KIA Goose Green 28th May 1982 (Aged 30 yrs).
• Known as Mick he was a parachute trained commando and the Squadron football team captain. Soon after landing on ‘Blue Beach’ at San Carlos along with other members of the Squadron Recce Troop, he was attached to 2 Para in advance of the planned attack to liberate Goose Green Settlement. It was during the battle for Goose Green that Mick was killed by Argentine machine gun fire.
• Sapper Christopher Jones – Condor Troop 59 – KIA ‘Two Sisters’ 12th June 1982 (Aged 19 yrs).
• Known as Chris, he was a team player who always was the first to volunteer when help was required. Condor Troop landed on Red Beach at Ajax Bay with 45 Commando RM and then moved by landing craft to Port San Carlos. There followed an epic ‘Yomp’ across East Falklands towards Argentinian positions on ‘Two Sisters’. It was during the night attack on ‘Two Sisters’ that Chris was killed as a result of heavy mortar and artillery fire.
• Cpl. Scott Wilson – 2 Troop 9 Parachute Squadron RE – KIA Mount Longdon 13th June 1982 (Aged 25 yrs).
• Known as Scotty, he was a popular NCO in 2 Troop 9 Parachute Squadron Royal Engineers who were under the commando of 59 during the fighting. Scotty landed on ‘Green Beach’ at Port San Carlos Settlement with 3 Para and then moved to Teal Inlet and prepared for an attack on the Argentine held Mount Longdon. He was fondly remembered by the locals of Estancia House as he passed through to the objective.
• In the aftermath of the fierce night fighting to take Mount Longdon, Scotty was assisting in securing the mountain when he was killed by Argentine Artillery fire.

UNITED WE CONQUER

This commemorative plaque was commissioned by the Commando Engineer Branch of the REA and dedicated on the 15th October 2016. It was unveiled by Major General Geoffrey Field – Commander Royal Engineers – Falklands Conflict 1982

• Further Information.
• The Falkland Islanders Resistance Memorial.
• The Falkland Islanders 40th Anniversary Map.
• The Liberation Memorial – City of Stanley Falkland Islands.
• Vessels, Regiments, Squadrons, and Units – Falklands Conflict 1982.

PAGE UPDATED 17TH OCTOBER 2025

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