ROYAL Marines Colour Sergeant Geoff Power, now based at Norton Manor Camp in Norton Fitzwarren, was just 17 when he sailed to the Falklands as a member of 42 Commando on SS Canberra.

Geoff, 47, works as part of the Termoli Troop which deals with the recovery and rehabilitation of injured Marines at the 40 Commando base.

He said: “I was only with 42 Commando in Plymouth for a year before the war started. I didn’t want to miss it – I was really keen to go.

“When HMS Sheffield and the Belgrano were sunk, things took a more serious turn and it became clear that this was not going to be solved through negotiations.

“We landed at San Carlos on May 21 and got all the guns, ammunition and stores ashore before setting off for Stanley.

“There were mines, air attacks and it was very cold and wet but you just focus on the logistics of staying alive.

“You concentrate on eating and keeping warm and dry so that you are fit to fight. We walked to Mount Challenger and then assaulted Mount Harriet on June 11 and 12, which was close-quarter fighting.

“I nearly got blown up – it was a miracle escape, really. An artillery shell landed right next to me and threw me through the air. It shook me up a bit and collapsed my lungs.

“That bomb injured quite a|few of my mates who were taken away to get treatment, but I carried on.”

Geoff added: “I am very proud to have been in the Falklands during the war. I will be going to a reunion at 40 and 42 Commando to meet up with comrades and pay our respects to those who were killed.”