In memory of Gareth Hughes

Photo of Gareth HughesGareth was born on 12 May 1960 into a large Welsh-speaking family of four brothers and a sister in Llanfairfechan. He was educated in the village at the Ysgol Babanod (infants’ school) followed by Pant y Rhedyn. He completed his education in Bangor, at Ysgol Tryfan and Eithinog school. He and his brothers were talented footballers.

After leaving school in 1976, Gareth joined the Welsh Guards as a junior soldier. On completion of training he became a Guardsman. He served in Northern Ireland and Germany and on ceremonial duties in London and Windsor. His Battalion went on training exercises to Kenya and Canada.

While in Germany he was seconded to a unit testing a new automatic rifle which was developed into the SA80, which the army uses today.

In May 1982, Gareth sailed with the rest of his comrades from Southampton in the passenger liner QE2. They were part of 5th Infantry Brigade, sent to reinforce the 3rd Commando Brigade in the Falkland Islands. On 8 June,while they were still board the RFA logistic ship Sir Galahad in Fitzroy Bay, the ship was attacked by Argentine Air Force aircraft. Several bombs exploded in the tank deck and Gareth was among those who were killed. The ship was subsequently towed out to sea and sunk as a war grave, to the south of the Falkland Islands. Gareth is buried at sea with his friends and comrades.

Gareth’s sister Ceri wrote the poem below, which speaks of the family’s loss and a hope that they will meet him again one day.

Anghofiwn byth ohonot Gareth,
Collasom frawd, collasom ffrind,
Cyfarddwn eto rhyw ddydd,
Tan hynny cysga Di.           

Back to war memorial page (Llanfairfechan War Memorial)

Back to war memorial page (Falklands National Monument)