‘He died for our freedom’: Tribute to Black Country engineer who died in Falklands aged 20

Wolverhampton’s Adrian John Anslow, a radio air engineering mechanic in the Royal Navy, died aged 20 on May 25, along with 11 others who went missing at sea in 1982.

He was in the Fleet Air Arm unit in the 45(R) Squadron. His parents Rose and Alfred, along with his sister Johann yesterday attended a remembrance service at St Martin’s Church in Blakenhall.

WATCH: The full interview with Rose Anslow

Mr Anslow joined the navy aged 17 and his body was never recovered following his death three years later.

Mrs Anslow said the loss of her son was ‘catastrophic’ for the family. Mrs Anslow, aged 79, said yesterday: “Today’s service was wonderful. We remember him everyday and everyday is the same but on this day everybody else joins in our grief. It’s important everyone does remember this young man who died for his country.

“Growing up he was always concerned with making things right and sorting bullies out, that type of thing.

“Even with a parrot in a cage in the pet shop, he wasn’t happy about that being caged. I remember him saying ‘mother, everybody has a right to be free, even animals’ and that is what he died for – freedom. That’s what helps me keep going, otherwise I wouldn’t be here today.”

Mr Anslow went to Coppice High School where he became good friends with world renowned micro-sculptor Willard Wigan, who has since gifted Rose with a micro-sculpture of Adrian. The family moved to Tettenhall after leaving Wednesfield in 1978.

Mrs Anslow added: “We called him action man, he loved the good things in life and was full of fun, he was a real character. Everyone said that who knew him.

“He used to play the guitar, which he’d play for his friends in the navy and he was also a great sportsman. He used to swim a mile everyday in the navy, he wanted to know the record of press ups, so he could break it.”

Britain launched its biggest naval operation since the Second World War, sending a task force of 27,000 personnel and more than 100 ships. Lasting just 74 days, the Falklands War claimed the lives of more than 900.

Mrs Anslow said the loss of her son left her unable to speak. She added: “I was actually already praying after I heard 12 were lost on the Atlantic Conveyor, but I didn’t know he was on the ship at the time as the MOJ had sent me a letter to say he was on (HMS) Invincible.

“So I was praying for these 12 young men, without realising it was my own. And then there was a knock at the door and they said he was missing in action. Don’t pity me, I have husband, a daughter and two grandchildren, I’m very blessed.”

The service also saw Wolverhampton Mayor Elias Mattu lay the first wreath, as well as wreath’s laid by ex-servicemen in attendance.

Private Mark Dodsworth from the Parachute Regiment, of Walsall, was also remembered at the service.

His mother, Carol, said: “When he was 16 he said I’m thinking I’d like to join the The Parachute Regiment, we made sure he knew the risk.”