Sapper Hill

On Saturday 9th November, 19 Past Finder members and 4 adults trekked up Sapper Hill.

Sapper Hill was named after a detachment of Royal Sappers and Miners who accompanied Governor Moody to the Islands in 1842.  This detachment would have helped establish Stanley as the capital in the early 1840s.

The breeze and slight chill didn't stop us from walking, exploring and learning about Sapper Hill, its surroundings and the Battles of Coronel and Falklands. 

Descending Sapper Hill, we stopped at the Rifle Range which opened in 1929.  It was mainly used at weekends, but the main competitions took place every 8th December - a day out for families and competitors alike. 

With plenty of shelter the group sat and enjoyed their packed lunches while Sandra talked to the children about the Battles of Coronel and Falklands.

Once down the hill, the group visited the Liberation Monument before heading to the memorial dedicated to the Royal Engineers killed in action in 1982. The youngest member laid a cross in memory of those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom in 1982. 

Once at the 1914 Monument, the discussion continued, and the group recognised the ships and names of Rear-Admiral Sir Christopher Cradock, Vice-Admiral Sir F.C. Doveton Sturdee and Vice-Admiral Maximilian Graf Von Spee. Shortly after, we walked down to the Centenary Wall where the group cleaned and waxed the plaques, ready for the memorial service on the 8th of December.

Well done to all the members for listening to so much information.

Thank you to Sherilee, Mike & Martin for all your volunteering, always appreciated.