Falklands war exhibition is opened

At a special preview before the public launch on Saturday specially invited guests including the deputy commander in chief Fleet Vice Admiral Sir Jonathon Band KCB officially opened the exhibition at the Explosion! museum at Priddy's Hard.

Along with Vice Admiral Band former task force workers who helped ship the ammunition for the conflict at the Priddy's Hard depot, where the museum now stands, attended the official launch.

Celia Jones, 72, who worked in the accounts section at Priddy's Hard during the conflict also contributed to the exhibition by recording her memories on CD of seeing the task force leave Portsmouth harbour to go into battle.

She said: "I remember we all just abandoned our desks and headed out to see the troops leaving and wave them off.

"When we got back we got torn off a strip but it was worth it."

The exhibition also got the seal of approval from the Vice Admiral who played a central role during the Falklands campaign.

He said: "It is a wonderful war exhibition that has been treated with sensitivity and care. I have been thoroughly impressed by it."

For months staff headed by museum curator Chris Henry have been assembling the exhibition that features a number of missiles and radar equipment recovered from the conflict in addition to documents signed by President Reagan and Baroness Thatcher.

Mr Henry said: "We have had contributions from all over the place for this exhibition, not least from the former workers here who have supplied first- hand accounts and personal memorabilia of the time.

"There will also be a film we have put together of footage at the time and a CD of people's personal accounts visitors can listen to.

"We will also have on show some of the missiles used including the Exocet, the Sea Wolf and Sea Dart which make impressive exhibits."

The Exocet!: Naval Action in the Falklands War exhibition will run until November 3.