VETERANS and loved ones gathered together to honour a fallen Falklands war hero.

The remembrance service was organised in tribute to Royal Navy Steward John Stroud who died 40 years ago in the conflict.

Mr Stroud’s wife, Jean Stroud-Mort said it was hard to find the words, but still believes John is with her and that the sun was shining on the day 'because he made it shine'.

Mr Stroud died on the HMS Glamorgan in 1982 aged just 20 and was buried at sea.

He has a memorial at Christ Church Walmsley in Egerton, where the service was held.

The Airborne Forces Riders visited the memorial as part of their Ride of Respect, where the group raise awareness on where the “fallen friends lie”.

The Bolton News: Paying their respects to those lost in battlePaying their respects to those lost in battle

Mrs Stroud-Mort added: “It took 25 years for it to be recognised as a war and for us to put a plaque and memorial up.

“It’s really important to do this today, and it’s very emotional.

“And For the riders to do this, I think is amazing.”

Mrs Stroud-Mort said that it was made possible to recognise it, by former Bolton North East MP Sir David Crausby.

Mr Stroud and Mrs Stroud-Mort lived in Portsmouth in married quarters.

Their son was only eight-months-old when his father was killed.

Rev Carol Hayden read some moving prayers out, as well as a trumpet that played ‘The Last Post’.

Cllr Sam Connor who has been involved in work around Dunscar memorial, said: “It’s an honour and a privilege to be invited and support the veterans and Jean – who I have known for many years.”

There was also a Falklands 40th anniversary flag unveiled alongside a Union Jack, where a wreath of blue and white roses on John’s memorial was laid.

This was followed by the passing round of a plaque with roses and a horseshoe on, before going into the church for tea and biscuits, where people stayed to chat.

The Bolton News: Paying their respects to the fallenPaying their respects to the fallen

Airborne Forces Riders started their memorial ride on May 2 in Lanchester, County Durham, and it will end on May 15 in Thornaby.

The group includes veterans Paul Moore and Charlie McColgan, Phill Damant, and Tony McKie.

Mr McColgan – who served in the 9 Para Sqn RE - said: “We want to make people aware of where the graves and memorials are, and let friends know they are never forgotten.”

President of the group, Mr Moore - who served in the 9 Para Sqn RE - said: “We’ve been doing this Ride of Respect now for four years, and we didn’t ignore this memorial at all, we just didn’t know about it until Jean contacted us.”

He said he became inspired to map out where the fallen are buried and try to locate other memorials, after his friend Jimmy brought it to his attention that one of the 3 Para veterans, Private Stewart Lang, was buried in Lanchester County Durham.

The Bolton News: From left to right: Tony McKie, Paul Moore, Charlie McColgan, and Phill Damant From left to right: Tony McKie, Paul Moore, Charlie McColgan, and Phill Damant

He added: “He was 20 years old when he was killed in the battle.

“He was a very brave young man.

“The shocking thing to me was that I had been driving up and down there for 30 odd years, not knowing that Stuart was only 300 yards away.

“And I just reasoned from that, if I’m just one person who doesn’t know where his mate was buried, there must be others out there who don’t know where their friends are.”

Mr Damant – who served in the Royal Air Force - said: “It’s a nice thing to be a part of and a space where we can look out for each other.

“It’s an important anniversary, but it’s just as important during the other anniversaries.”

Their four main aims are to “promote remembrance, respect, awareness and support”.

The ‘loose association of airborne veterans and their supporters’ are raising money for the South Atlantic Medal Association, and donations can be made here.