Falklands war ‘an experience’

Press, 20 September 1982, Page 8

Falklands war ‘an experience’

NZPA London The world's most famous sailor, Prince Andrew, described his s*/z month tour of duty in the Falklands war as. “an. experience I would not have missed for the world." But the Prince, who was co-pilot in one of H.M.S. Invincible's Sea King helicopters during the conflict, said he hoped there would never a "another Falklands.” He said he had overcome fear by positive thinking. "I told myself I was going to survive . . . I Q could say come hell or high' water, but I don't." he said.

“When you lie down on the deck at ’ that moment - when there are missiles flying around — then at that--precise moment, you are on your own and that's all there is."

He said that “a positive mental attitude" had helped

him to overcome such situations during the war.

Prince Andrew, who flew on numerous missions to rescue pilots and crews of sinking ships, and whose helicopter hovered as a decoy for Exocet missiles, said he had no intention of giving up flying.

And he could see no reason for leaving the Navy just yet.

“There's a lot more to experience before I ever think of leaving.” he said. And what was the Royal pilot looking forward to on shore-leave?

“A pint of milk . . I haven't had real milk in s’a months.” Earlier he had been welcomed home by the Queen, Prince Philip, and Princess Anne, when they were taken out to the aircraft carrier by admiral's barge.