A defiant Falklands War veteran has vowed to keep the islands’ flag flying from a garden flagpole Angus Council say breaks planning rules.
Malcolm Wilson was straight out of school when he went to serve on HMS Brilliant in the 10-week South Atlantic conflict of 1982.
He was a teenage engineer/stoker on the Type 22 frigate.
And now the 57-year-old former sailor says he’ll fight the authority over an enforcement letter about the 16-foot flagpole in his Arbroath garden.
He erected the pole to hoist the Falklands flag for the April 2 anniversary of the start of the conflict.
But council planning chiefs say it and a shed built in the garden require planning permission.
They opened an enforcement case after a neighbour complained.
Malcolm is taking down the shed, but is defiant the flagpole will stay.
“I raised the flag in honour of my brothers who didn’t return and it will be staying there until the end of this 40th anniversary year,” said Malcolm.
“Brilliant was hit 16 times – one bomb bounced off the deck – but thankfully all of our crew made it home.
“But of the 255 crew there are now only 37 left after these 40 years that have passed.
“I want people to remember everyone who served in the Falklands, and especially those who didn’t come back.
“The council might also do well to remember the loss of men from 45 Commando who were based in this very town,” he added.
“The planners can send me as many letters as they want, this flag is staying.”
Warship’s campaign
Glasgow-born Malcolm followed his grandfather and father in joining the Navy and found himself sailing straight to the South Atlantic.
HMS Brilliant was the first Royal Navy warship to fire the Sea Wolf missile in action.
On May 12 1982, she shot down three Argentinian Skyhawk aircraft.
Brilliant also took part in the only ship-to-ship engagement of the war when she and HMS Yarmouth chased the Argentine coaster Monsunen, in the Battle of Seal Cove.
But the horrors of war witnessed through teenage eyes left Malcom with a legacy of PTSD and mental health problems.
He and his wife, Susan, settled in Arbroath a number of years ago.
Former Falklands islander’s support
His flag fight has been backed by former Falklands islander Ian Cameron, who now lives in Dundee.
Ian lived on a croft at Mount Pleasant and his mother is buried near there.
He said: “What Malcolm Wilson and so many other members of the 1982 task force did 40 years ago means the world to me personally and will never be forgotten.
“Malcolm was one of the lucky ones able to return to their family, friends and loved ones.
“Malcolm wants to remember the 255 service personnel and the three islanders who were not so lucky.
“By flying the Falklands flag there is nothing either political or offensive – it’s just a simple act of remembrance.”
Angus Council say the flagpole requires planning permission because it is more than three metres tall.
A spokesperson said: “We will not discuss the detail of individual matters but can confirm we have made those concerned aware of relevant statutory planning requirements.
“We hope an amicable solution can be achieved.”
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