Cpl Stewart McLaughlin
3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment
B Company 5 Platoon
Killed In Action 12th June 1982 Mount Longdon
Falklands War.
Please support the campaign for formal recognition of Cpl McLaughlin's bravery by clicking on the button above and signing the petition.
Cpl Stewart McLaughlin, (DOB 12th October 1954 – KIA 12th June 1982)
On the night of 11 / 12th June 1982, following the split in 5 Platoon, caused by the chaos of battle. Cpl McLaughlin, now separated from his Platoon Sergeant, he took command of the 5 Platoon remnants and led them along the Northern side of Mount Longdon, with his sheer force of character he encouraged and inspired those around him by leading from the front, engaging the enemy at close quarters and calling on others to follow him, his section was eventually, the leading element in the battalion attack. He was involved in all actions along the Northern side, and when eventually, eight hours after battle commenced, A Company passed through B Company to carry on the attack, Cpl McLaughlin volunteered to go with them. However, he was ordered to stay and look after his men. Shortly after this, he was badly wounded, but he refused to leave his post, only after much persuasion, he relented and decided to go the Regimental Aid Post, he would be escorted by patrol medic LCpl Peter Higgs, unfortunately, while they were making their way to the R.A.P., both men were killed by shell fire, they fell just out of sight of the aid post, but only 100m from it.
A letter written by OC B Company 3 Para.
Major Argue.
Cpl McLaughlin:
I have known Cpl McLaughlin since the day he was posted to 2 Para (1973); he was eventually a member of Patrol Company in my troop. He has basically never changed, an out and out rogue with a big heart, but a vicious and physical temper which at times he had difficulty in controlling and which, as we know, got him into trouble on more than one occasion. Cpl McLaughlin, nevertheless, was a first-class soldier who revelled in adversity or in the survival situation. Such was his character that his section were proud to work for him. He took his job very seriously and on our voyage, one could often find him sitting in some corner with one or two of his lads where he would be going through an aspect of survival or showing them how to get the best out of an item of kit. You have. You have read my citation. Prior to his death, he led his section like a demon on the rocks of Mount Longdon. This was McLaughlin at his best.
He leaves a wife (Ruth) and newly born baby boy Stewart and an elder son called Mark.
Morning after battle -
Shrapnel in back -
Casevac with help (walking)
But killed by mortar fire
head blown off
Have put in for award.
This is as written by Major Argue.
​
This is a page from Major Mike Argues field notebook, this was provided by Mike Argues brother, David Argue.
As you can see 2nd from bottom:
Cpl McLaughlin was put forward by Major Argue for a Military Medal.
Please support the campaign for formal recognition of Cpl McLaughlin's bravery by clicking on the button above and signing the petition.
Corporal McLaughlin’s case has been maintained by family members and former comrades for many years.
In that time, a number of facts and documents have been discovered, all of which lead to the conclusion that it was the Battalion Commander's intention for Corporal McLaughlin to be recognised for his actions during the battle. General Pike and the Parachute Regimental Colonel, Colonel Wills, met with members of the McLaughlin family and former comrades in April 2013. At that meeting, Corporal McLaughlin’s outstanding bravery and exemplary leadership were acknowledged and the lack of an award for him in 1982 was agreed to be a significant failure of the awards system at that time.
The Regimental Colonel was very familiar with Corporal McLaughlin’s actions during the battle for Mount Longdon and said that he was held in such high esteem by those that have since joined the Parachute Regiment that Corporal McLaughlin and his actions are now in the DNA of the Parachute Regiment.
Corporal McLaughlin has been recognised as an extremely brave soldier who is strongly deserving of recognition. However, the CGS reiterated that the honours system does not allow retrospective awards and he could not see how an award could now be made. Undeterred, General Pike sought further advice directly from the Chairman of the Operational Awards Committee.
The Chairman was, unfortunately, unable to make any such recommendation as the awards system was unable to consider retrospective awards. At all levels and in all meetings, every officer that has discussed Corporal McLaughlin’s case have been unanimous in recognising his bravery and in agreeing that he should have been recognised for his actions. The only barrier to this now being achieved is the system itself......