Remembering the Falklands war: Bill's Story

40 years ago today, Bill Belcher was injured whilst serving in the Falklands war. Here is his story, as told to Blesma in 2018 for our commemorative magazine...

Why did you decide to join the military?

I became interested in joining the Royal Marines and seeing the world during my last two years at school. I signed up in 1971, when I was 16.

Where did your service take you?

All around the Mediterranean; Malta, Cyprus, Turkey, Gibraltar, as well as the USA and the South Atlantic. I spent some time on NATO exercises and in Kansas as a young lad. I also did two tours of Northern Ireland, and later passed aircrew selection and became an air gunner.

How were you injured?

It was during the Falklands War. I was flying to a Regimental Aid Post when two Argentinian aircraft attacked from out of the clouds. I was hit in my right leg by a cannon shell, and through my left ankle by a 7.62 round. Richard Nunn, who I was flying with, got a 7.62 round through his right cheek and died immediately. We crashed, bounced, burned, and I was thrown out.

What were the extent of your injuries?

My right foot was hanging off at the ankle. I was initially given a below-knee amputation but was later amputated above the knee on HMS Uganda after I caught gangrene. My left leg was badly broken, so I had numerous operations on that. Most of my recovery focused on rebuilding my left leg; I had a vein graft, bone graft, external fixation, and even a bone marrow transplant.

What did you do after you recovered?

I saw an advert for a post as a civil servant with the MoD. I took the interview, was successful, and started work a fortnight later. I remained in the job until I retired in 2017.

What do you enjoy doing now you’re retired?

I’ve become interested in photographic drones. I used to fly helicopters, and the principles of flight are similar. I’m a keen photographer, too. I went on a photography course prior to a tour of Northern Ireland to become the company’s photographer.