Air cadets from Watford have reflected on a “truly memorable” ten-day trip to the Falkland Islands.

The 14 cadets and staff from 2F Watford Squadron of the Air Training Corps made the 18-hour 8,000 mile trip from RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, to Mount Pleasant Airport on West Falkland.

The group visited many historical and environmental sites including Mount Harriet and Goose Green, the scene of the famous battle in the 1982 conflict between occupying Argentine forces and members of No 2 Parachute Regiment. The trip began with a VC-10 flight around the islands which allowed cadets to access the deck and speak to the crew. The flight was joined by two Tornados which underwent mid-air refuelling.

A poignant part of the visit was to Port San Carlos, the scene of the initial landings by the liberating British forces on the May 12, 1982. The British cemetery now over looks the location the troops landed and is where many are buried.

Cadet Warrant Officer Ross Drummond, 19, said: “The visit to the British memorial at San Carlos was memorable for all the cadets and staff.

"It held a personal realisation for me, looking towards a career in the Royal Marines, as I saw the headstone of a young marine, who fought and fell in the 1982 conflict. He was the same age as I am now.

“There was an appreciation by all of what it must feel like for British troops currently serving in theatres across the globe. being so far away from home in very remote areas and facing extremely rough environments. It is an experience I will never forget.”

On Sunday, September 6, the group travelled by Sea King helicopter to Volunteer Point.

The area has a two-mile, white sandy beach and is home to more than 2,500 penguins.

Cadet Sergeant Louise Mangion, 17, said: “It was the most amazing experience ever, I can’t believe how close we got to such a large group of totally wild penguins. Some were more inquisitive of us than we were of them.”

On board a Hercules aircraft the cadets braved a nerve-racking walk out onto the open ramp at the rear.

Following this, members of the resident Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit gave a demonstration of their equipment and role and then allowed the cadets to experience their Scimitar armoured vehicle as it drove around a training area.

On the last day on the islands the cadets paid their respects to the fallen in an act of remembrance by laying a wreath at the war memorial. Cadet Corporal Sam Ginger, 16, following a minute's silence, placed the wreath on behalf of the squadron.

Flight Lieutenant Simon Cooper, OC 2F (Watford) Squadron concluded: “This has truly been an outstanding visit for which I know we will all fondly remember for years to come.

“We have all learnt so much more about the islands and the men and women who have ‘defended the right’ since 1982, some paying the ultimate sacrifice.

“The hospitality we received by the personnel was second to none, with the visit only enhanced by the characters we met.“ 2F (Watford) Squadron of the Air Training Corps is currently recruiting young people aged 13 to 18 years old. Visit www.2fsqn.co.uk for contact details.