Falklands trip for victim's brother

Apr 30 2012

A man whose brother died during the Falklands war is to retrace his footsteps almost 30 years on from the conflict.

In 1982 Royal Marine Gordon MacPherson was killed during the battle for Two Sisters, along with comrade Corporal Frank Spencer.

Both men served with Zulu Company, 45 Commando, Royal Marines, which is based in Arbroath.

Gordon MacPherson's brother David and Mike Cole, who was Zulu Company Commander in 1982, will yomp the original 120km (75 mile) route across East Falkland from Port San Carlos to Stanley, and will stop to pay their respects at Two Sisters.

The idea for the yomp, which is a Marine term for trekking long distances with heavy kit as they "eat away the miles", originally came from Cpl Spencer's son Simon, but he and his brother, Gareth, are no longer able to take part in the yomp due to family reasons.

When Mr MacPherson and Mr Cole reach Two Sisters, a ceremony will be held, at which it is hoped a piper from The Highlanders, 4th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland (4 SCOTS), will play Nam Anna Le Mo Smaointe, a Gaelic song which means "Alone With My Thoughts", written for Gordon after he died by family friends Erik Spence and the Reverend John MacLeod.

The pair, who will be joined by Colour Sergeant Trevor Law, a Royal Marine currently serving in the Falklands, are gearing up for the challenge, which starts on May 13 and will last for six days. The men are raising money for the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund and have already had a royal seal of approval from the Duke of Edinburgh, who sent them a letter of support last week.

Mr MacPherson, a painter and decorator from Oban, Argyll, said: "I never thought I would get the opportunity to do anything like this. It's the first and probably the only time I will go to the Falklands."

Mr Cole, 64, from Dorset, added: "We were delighted to receive a letter from HRH the Duke of Edinburgh, as Captain General Royal Marines, commending us and wishing us luck on our expedition, which he indicated was a unique and fitting tribute to Corporal Spencer and Marine MacPherson."

The men have already raised more than £18,000. To donate, please visit: www.virginmoneygiving.com/yomp2012