Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at letters@scmp.com or filling in this Google form . Submissions should not exceed 400 words, and must include your full name and address, plus a phone number for verification. Forty years ago, Argentina invaded the Falkland Islands and the British government swiftly assembled a naval task force to convey and protect the troops, equipment and fuel required to retake British soil. This was successfully accomplished by June 14, 1982. A three-month-long series of events, each marking a poignant anniversary, will culminate in a parade on June 19. It is likely that only a few people will mark the anniversary in Hong Kong. This is a pity as it should be more widely known that there was at least one Hongkonger in almost every ship in the armada of 127 vessels that converged on the Falkland Islands. An unconfirmed figure states that around 400 Hongkongers were among the crew, which, relative to the 127 ships involved is entirely plausible. Most Hongkongers on Royal Navy ships were engaged in ancillary duties such as laundry, Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes staff and tailors. On Royal Fleet Auxiliary and Merchant Navy ships, though, they worked in practical roles as seamen, trade technicians, fitters and cooks. As civilians, they had the option of leaving their ships before entering the war zone. Some took this up, but most resolved to stay. Eight Hongkongers died in the conflict. They were Kye Ben-kwo aboard the HMS Coventry; Lai Chi-keung on the HMS Sheffield; Leung Chau and Sung Yuk-fai on the RFA Sir Galahad; Yu Sik-chi and Yeung Shui-kam on the RFA Sir Tristram; and Chan Chi-sing and Ng Por on the SS Atlantic Conveyor. One man who did survive combat was Chiu Yu-nam. He was attached to the Sir Galahad and was on deck when it was attacked by Argentinian aircraft on June 8, 1982. Their bombs created a fireball below decks which killed Leung and Sung. Chiu quickly put on a fire suit and went down into the blackness, smoke and heat several times to retrieve injured Welsh Guardsmen, who would have died but for his actions. His bravery only came to light when the Guards battalion commander pieced together the incident for a report and it emerged that Chiu was the man in the suit. Queen Elizabeth awarded Chiu the George Medal in 1983, and Chiu died in Hong Kong in 2012 at age 63. At least 11 other Hongkongers were wounded in the fighting, some seriously. They included Chau Sui-wan, Cheung San-fan, Chung Sin-hing, Lau Yung-hoi, Lui Hon-tong, Luk Man-tat, Wong Hon, Yau Wai, Yuen Chiu-cheung, Chau Kan-po and Lau Kam-kwong. Most of them and those who emerged unscathed were in their 40s, 50s and 60s in 1982, so it is likely that many have died by now. So, to the family and friends of the Hongkongers who “went south”, rest assured their contribution has not been forgotten as Britain commemorates the 40th anniversary of the conflict. James Walker, Devon, UK