West Norfolk men sailing to Falklands include Gaywood Park School pupil

The first report of West Norfolk involvement in the Falklands War appeared in the Lynn News on Tuesday, April 6, detailing a North Lynn mum’s feeling of anxiety mixed with pride as her son set sail towards the conflict zone.

John Gilbert (26) a leading steward in the Royal Navy was aboard the aircraft carrier HMS Hermes, part of the British naval task force which set sail from Portsmouth the previous day.

A former Gaywood Park School pupil, he joined the Navy when he was 17 after belonging to the Sea Cadets. John had just arrived at his home in Gosport to see his wife and two young children for Easter when he had to return to his ship.