Andrew Walker

Andrew was born on the 22nd November 1961 – so he was only 20 years old when he was killed. He was born in York and went to the local schools.

Andrew was a happy, laughing lovely boy. One of 6 children he was loved by all for his happy go lucky nature. His 3 sisters adored him and his best pal was his brother who was only a year younger. He always wanted to be a soldier. He was also a good rugby player and belonged to the York Rugby Club.

When he went to the Army Selection Board we were amazed to find he had joined the Welsh Guards. When I asked him why he said they had picked him because of his rugby experience. It was there that he met his best friend Simon Western – they all had nicknames and Simon always called Andrew ‘Yorkie’. They both loved and played rugby for the regiment. Indeed it was Andrew that scored the winning try that won the Welsh Guards the Trophy in Berlin in March 1982. The welsh papers said that if the Welsh Rugby team had as good players as the Guards they would be better. We have his medals – gold for the final in 1982 and bronze from the previous year.

He met his fiancée Jocelyn (always called Lynn) down at Pirbright Army Camp as she worked in the NAAFI. It was love at first sight for Andrew. They became engaged and were due to marry in the summer of 1982 – but the Falklands conflict put paid to that. In the December of that year their son – young Andrew was born. Lynn married Andrew’s brother Brian in 1986 so young Andrew has always known about his father and what happened to him. He also has a sister Natalie born to Brian and Lynn 15 years ago.

Andrew was aboard the Sir Galahad when it was bombed in Fitzroy Sound.  He rests at sea. We visited with the rest of the families but have not been back since as the expense is so great.

We have a plaque in memory of him at the local village green and tend it with flowers as it is the only memorial we have here. Unfortunately vandals have made a bit of a mess of the actual plaque so we will have to have it renewed sometime. The local council planted a tree – but although it keeps getting branches broken off continues to blossom in the spring.

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I was at school with Andrew’s sister Fern. We were 11. I remember very well the tragic news of Andrew’s loss.
In my thoughts at this time of the 40 year anniversary.

Fleur (was Wilkinson)

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Below is a photo of myself and Andy as part of the York under 19 rugby squad.
I am on Andy’s right. I did not know him to well as he could only play for us when home on leave.

I do remember him as a fearless and very skilful back row player who was very popular with all of the lads.

Very sadly he lost his life not long after this photo was taken. A really great lad and a credit to our club. RIP Andy never ever forgotten

Mark “Crofty” Croft

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Family and friends are encouraged to contribute.

We will add information to this memorial as we receive it.

If you have a photo, an anecdote, or simply to say you remember him, we will be very pleased to hear from you, so please contact the sama office at [email protected]