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Falklands War Helmet Returned After 44 Years
11 Nov
Summary
- A former Royal Marine returned a borrowed helmet to an Argentine veteran.
- The helmet was taken during the Battle of Mount Harriet in 1982.
- The reunion was filmed for a documentary titled 'Hector's Helmet'.
In a remarkable act of reconciliation, former Royal Marine Andy Gatrick, now 63, has returned a helmet he "borrowed" during the Falklands War in 1982. The helmet belonged to Hector Pereyra, an Argentine soldier Gatrick encountered during the intense Battle of Mount Harriet. Gatrick, who was just 18 at the time, found two injured Argentine soldiers and took one of their helmets, which bore Hector's name.
Earlier this year, Gatrick successfully located Hector and flew to Argentina to return the helmet in person. This significant reunion was documented by fellow Royal Marine veteran Mick Dawson for a new film titled 'Hector's Helmet.' The encounter, which took place on 23 October, offered a poignant moment of closure and a testament to the enduring impact of wartime decisions.
Hector Pereyra welcomed Gatrick and the film crew at his home in Gualeguaychu, eastern Argentina. Describing the moment, Dawson noted the profound significance of Gatrick returning the helmet to a man he could have easily killed. Hector expressed that he knew Gatrick held his life in his hands and chose mercy, a decision that allowed his family to exist.
