A GRIMSBY man who served in the Falklands believes it is "fitting" that veterans of the conflict will be so involved in Margaret Thatcher's funeral.
Kevin Dick says Falklands troops were "like her babies" and it will be a poignant moment when more than 700 Armed Forces personnel pay their respects tomorrow.
The 49-year-old said: "I felt very sad when I found out she'd died because it marks the end of an era.
"I thought she was a fantastic woman and I would be travelling to the funeral if I had the finances in place.
"I always believed that she had great power and strength. Even though I didn't always agree with her policies, her attitude was always correct.
"I believe she was the strongest Prime Minister we've had."
Kevin, of Laceby Road, Grimsby, served in the Falklands as part of 12 Air Defence, in the Royal Artillery, for three-and-a-half months during 1982.
He celebrated his 19th birthday while he was away. Kevin, who is currently completing a part-time counselling course and working in the voluntary sector, added: "It might not seem like that long to be out there, but we spent the whole time on the edge, wondering what was about to happen.
"It will stay with me for the rest of my life. I've done all sorts of jobs since I left, but the military way of life stays with you because of all the training."
Kevin met Mrs Thatcher in person in 2007 when he joined dozens of other veterans on a pilgrimage to the Falklands to mark the 25th anniversary of the conflict.
He recalls: "We all gathered at the Union Jack Club, in London, and she came in.
"She had these security guards with her but as she was walking out, I took my chance and grabbed her hand.
"I remember it as clear as day. I said to her 'Hi, Mrs Thatcher, pleased to meet you," and she asked what my name was, so I told her. She replied by saying 'Mr Dick is it?' and the tone she said it in still makes me laugh today."
Fellow Falklands veteran Martin Shaw, 49, of Isaac's Hill, Cleethorpes, is writing a book about his time in the Army in the 1980s.
He said: "I won't be travelling to the funeral as I don't feel strongly about her now that so much time has passed. That said, she was strong enough to send us to war when many people wouldn't have been."
See your Grimsby Telegraph this week for coverage of Mrs Thatcher's funeral.
Editor's Comment SHE changed a nation, but in doing so she divided communities. Today we hear from veterans of the Falklands War who were sent into battle at the order of the then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher – a decision which some say sealed her victory at the next General Election. In recent days we have read other views from a whole myriad of people all with equally strong opinions on the Iron Lady. There has never been a leader before, and there will possibly not be one again, who will ever provoke such a reaction. When you hear the strong words from all sides it would be easy to presume that she had only just been deposed – when in fact it was 1990. There is no doubt that her actions shaped the nation we now have and none since has been able to turn that clock back – good or bad, that depends on which side you sit! Follow the editor on Twitter @michellelalorWe'll be running a live blog during Margaret Thatcher's funeral tomorrow featuring pictures, video and Tweets.
