The rosette was awarded to those who entered the war zone. I'm proud of my medal. It represents a time in my life that was exciting and full of adventure. I remember following the lead up to the war through newspapers and news bulletins. I was on leave and one evening the news announced that the Canberra had been requisitioned. I was at the local pub drinking a pint when the barmaid called my name to take an urgent phone call. I had to call P&O head office urgently. I was due to return to the Canberra as my leave was at an end. Would I volunteer to join the task force? We wouldn't go anywhere near the war zone as we were a hospital ship !! This proved to be incorrect as the Argentineans argued that as long as we carried troops we were a legitimate target and not protected under the Geneva Convention.

Of course I said yes. When I told my parents, my mother asked why I had to go and if I couldn't have told them I had a cold These were the first steps down a path that would change my outlook on life forever.