Generations of British soldiers involved in clearing landmines from the far-flung South Atlantic territory have finally seen their work come to fruition.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace confirmed that the ordnance removal job was now finished – nearly four decades after the explosives were planted during the 1982 conflict.

The work means that 20 million square metres of land once off limits is now free for those living and working on the Falklands to enjoy, he added.

Around 30,000 landmines were left on the British overseas territory following the three-month conflict with Argentina, which lasted from April until June 1982.

Civilian contractors completed the later stages of the clearance work and the final detonation heralded celebratory games of football and cricket by islanders on the now safe areas.

Reference

Soldier. (2020) Bombs Away. Soldier: Magazine of the British Army. December 2020, pp.8.