• Memorial Text
• Captain John Hamilton MC
• 25th April 1982 – South Georgia.
• 14th May 1982 – Pebble Island.
• 21st May 1982 – Darwin.
• 29th May 1982 – Mount Kent.
• 10th June 1982 – Many Branch Point Port Howard.
• After being commissioned into the Green Howards, John Hamilton served in Northern Ireland, Belize and Cyprus before joining 19 Troop D Squadron 22 SAS in 1981. He was soon called into action when the Falkland Islands were invaded in April 1982. Between the 25th April and 10th June his Troop and the Squadron took part in many missions.
• His final action was on the 10th June on Many Branch Point which he used as an observation point to report on enemy troop movements in Port Howard on West Falkland. During this operation an enemy patrol attacked them and they were forced to fight. Captain Hamilton covered the withdrawal of his signaller by attacking the enemy. Sadly he lost his life during this fire fight and was posthumously awarded the Military Cross for this unselfish act of bravery.
• The Epic Pebble Island Raid.
• This operation in which John took part echoed back to the origins of the SAS during World War Two in which enemy airfields were targeted. The reconnaissance of the airfield prior to the raid had identified that only about 30 minutes of offensive action would be possible due to prevailing wind conditions for helicopter operations from HMS Hermes. Within that very tight time frame ten aircraft were destroyed and the support fire from HMS Broadsword and Glamorgan helped eliminate the fuel and ammunition dumps whilst protecting the SAS withdrawal.
• Freedom from the Sea came to the British Falkland Islanders.
• John, a much beloved husband, son, brother and faithful friend and outstanding leader to those he served with and a true professional to the end. “Greater love have no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friend.” John 15:13.

Page Updated 14th July 2026