30 Years ago, on April 2nd 1982, the Argentine military junta invaded the Falkland Islands.

Several days later, a Task Force of Royal Navy and Merchant Navy ships set sail carrying 3 Commando Brigade, made up of 2 and 3 Para, and 40, 42 and 45 Commando Royal Marines.

3 Commando Brigade landed at San Carlos and Port San Carlos on 21 May.  A beach head was quickly established and plans made for the move to Port Stanley, the capital.

The Atlantic Conveyor, carrying 4 Chinook and 6 Wessex helicopters was hit by an Exocet missile on 25 May, and sank under tow on 28 May.  Just one Chinook, Bravo November, survived.

The only way for the British Forces to now reach Stanley was on foot.  The troops broke out of the beach head and began a yomp of approximately 60 miles carrying as much equipment and ammunition as they could carry.  On average each man carried 36kg (90lbs) of kit.

The yomp was completed in several stages, with positions finally established close to Estancia.  From there recconaisance patrols were launched to gather intelligence for the final battles.

The Stanley Sea and Marine Cadets will yomp this route from 27th to 30th April in weather conditions similar to those experienced in 1982.  Weather conditions are similar to November in the UK.

The cadets will carry approaching half their body weight in webbing identical to that worn to the British in 1982, as well as carrying deactivated Self Loading Rifles (SLR).

The cadets will have a support staff consisting of Simon Isaacs, Ruth Kemp, Trevor Law (a Royal Marine Commando) and his wife Claire.  They will carry around 36kg each, as well as SLRs.

The Cadets are raising money for their unit, whilst the support staff are raising money for SAMA 82, the charity which supports veterans of the conflict.