Invincible

Yesterday was a sad occasion for those who served on board HMS Invincible, especially for those who were on board during the Falklands War. It was a far cry indeed from when we returned home to enthusiastic crowds and tearful families. Instead of pleasure boats with their honking horns and fire tenders gleefully showering her with water Invincible's escort on this final harbour exit was a mere few tugs and police boats. Many of those who were there to wave goodbye hadn't seen each other for nearly 30 years and it was somehow fitting that this sad event bought us together once again. Apart from the war (sorry, conflict) Invincible was very special to me as a writer. Because it was during the Falklands that I wrote The Yellow, my first short story. This went on to see publication in Back Brain Recluse some years later, when I was no longer charging about the ocean. . War plays funny tricks on our minds and yet the Falklands led me along the path that I tread now. A strange gift indeed from a wonderful vessel and the horrors of war.