A BRIGHTLY-coloured stone from the family of Cinderford soldier Chris Jones was placed on his memorial in the Falklands to mark the anniversary of his death.

The stone was placed by Leading airscraftsman (LAC) Will Jones, who also has roots in the town, and who currently is on a tour of duty in the South Atlantic.

Sapper Jones died on June 11 1982, just days before the Argentine surrender, while seconded to 45 Commando Royal Marines. He was 19.

When Will learned he was to be deployed to the Falklands, it was arranged with Chris’s sister, Tracey Pritchard, to lay a painted stone at the memorial to Chris and two others who died.

Will said he was aware of the significance of the place to the Jones family as his mother had lived next door to them in Cinderford.

It was originally planned to hold a service on the 39th anniversary of Chris’s death but the harsh conditions of the South Atlantic winter meant it was delayed until Wednesday, June 23.

A group of Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force personnel attended the memorial from 59 Independent Commando Squadron Royal Engineers, just outside Darwin.

The service was led by Padre Squadron Leader Jesse Holland and the stone was laid by Will, together with a wreath by the senior Royal Engineer on the Falkland Islands.

Will said, “Chris’ story is one I was very familiar with whilst growing up so It was very important for me to see Chris get recognised and I hope it helps his family to see this event held.”

Chris was born on August 21 1962 in Cinderford, the middle child of Stanley and Evelyn Jones and educated at St. Anthony’s School and Double View Secondary.

Chris joined the Royal Engineers at 16 but by the time of the South Atlantic deployment in April 1982, Chris had been seconded to 45 Commando Royal Marines.

He sailed south with them onboard a logistic ship, landing in the Falkland Islands on Friday, May 21 1982 at Red Beach, San Carlos Water.

Chris took part in the long ‘yomp’ across East Falkland, finally arriving at 45 Commando’s objective, a feature called Two Sisters.

On the night of Friday, June 11 the attack began, and, at some point during the early hours of the following day, Chris and three of his Royal Marine colleagues were killed by artillery or mortar fire.

His body was taken off the battlefield and temporarily interred at Teal Inlet and in November 1982, at his parents’ request, his remains were brought back to England and he now lies, close to his home and family, at Yew Tree Brake cemetery.