THE first week of June sees more intense fighting in the campaign to reclaim the Falkland Islands from the invading Argentinian forces.

And with it comes more heartache.

Aboard task force flagship HMS Hermes aircraft handler Chief Petty Officer Michael Debenham from Clyffe Pypard follows the progress closely, writing in his secret diary for posterity.

June 5: "The hills overlooking Port Stanley have been consolidated by the Marines and Paras who can now look across and bombard the Argie positions. Hardly any resistance was found."

In a more prosaic entry the following day he notes the ship finally has some stores aboard after being replenished by the Royal Fleet Auxilliary ship Fort Grange. He also hopes his dad had a nice birthday.

The next week has a busy start. "Exeter has splashed an Argie, a Mirage we believe. Action stations as always, the advance continues."

Tuesday brings horror as the enemy attacks the RFA ships Sir Galahad and Sir Tristram as they prepare to land the Welsh Guards. Fifty five soldiers and five ship's crew die that day. Dozens are badly wounded - among them Simon Weston. who is burned so badly his mum doesn't recognise him.

The real casualty numbers haven't reached Michael. He writes: "Further reports from yesterday indicate that 11 A/C were shot down and the total of casualties is about 45 dead."

Follow the link here and here for more entries in Michael's diary.