At the time we were on our way to Assencion Island. We believed that the, mostly, conscript Argentinian forces would turn and run when they saw us sailing over the horizon (which we now know they didn't) so spirits were high, almost flippant.

Kathy's was one of thousands of letters that arrived in the rare mail drops we received. We had decided that all letters would get a reply and so, I was helping sort the mail one day (after we had re-taken South Georgia) when one of the letters I opened was hers. I was instantly attracted to it - it was 5 pages long (4 more than most of the others), didn't mention the war once and was very witty and bright.

I decided to write back. I got her reply at Assencion Island when we were one of the last ships to be on our way home having been one of the first down there!

Kathy lived with her Mum in Clifton, Nottingham and my Mum & Dad lived 10 miles away in Castle Donington so I suggested we meet for a drink which we eventually arranged. So on 21st July, 4 days after our return, my brother, Billy, drove me over, I was a bag of nerves!

We got on well and agreed to meet again. I only had a few days leave and had to return to the ship but would return in a couple of weeks for 10 more days leave. During this leave, having known each other for less than a month, I proposed and (thankfully) Kathy accepted.

We have had a fantastic life together and celebrate our Silver wedding Anniversary on St. Georges Day 2008 along with our 3 sons, all named after the war: Alex Nigel Timothy Ross Ithnan Marriott (HMS ANTRIM (my ship)) Shaun Andrew Marriott (SAM - South Atlantic Medal) Lewis Charles Anthony Marriott (LCA - Leading Catering Accountant (my rank at the time))

We believe we were right to eject the Argentinians from the Falklands, the Task Force paid a heavy price - I lost 2 freinds, but in the end we were victorious and I and my family owe our very exsistence to the war. We are all looking forward to the 25th Anniversary when we will remeber those that didn't return and hopefully meet up with some old shipmates, but the five of us will be proud and happy.