'Correct' memorial plaque re-dedicated to honour Torquay Falklands war hero

A memorial plaque in memory of a former Torquay Royal Marine now bears the correct details of the Falklands War tragedy which claimed his life.
Cpl Jeremy Smith was killed whilst on the mortar line at Mount Wall (also known as Wall Mountain) as his troop were making preparations to provide mortar fire support for the forthcoming attack on Mount Harriet by 42 Command Royal Marines on June 11, 1982.
He died after they came under Argentine artillery fire. One 155mm shell burst amongst the troop causing severe injuries to a number of marines and fatally wounding Jeremy, who died on the casevac flight out.
An original plaque on the war memorial in Princess Gardens on Torquay seafront and commissioned by Jeremy’s mother who has since passed away. But it had an incorrect place of death.

Gordon Cain said: "After discussions with key people, it was decided to see if we could get a new plaque commissioned. The quest involved numerous discussions with Torbay Council. We were they don’t ‘own’ the war memorial and they recommended contacting UK War Memorials. They recommended we speak to Torbay Council."
He said a major avenue of investigation was to try and trace any surviving family members or relatives of Cpl, Smith.
Gordon said: "We were successful. The team organising the 42 Commando 30th Falklands Anniversary back in 2012 produced an email address from 11 years ago and bingo, it was still in use and we established communications with Jenny, Jeremy’s sister. Jenny was absolutely overjoyed and in awe that even though Jeremy had died in 1982 41 years later, so long after Jeremy’s death, the Royal Marines still cared for her brother.
"Jenny had always known something was wrong with the wording on the plaque but thought that perhaps her mother knew other details which she was not privy too.
"We made contact with the Royal Marines Association Central Office just to inform them of the situation and what we wanted to achieve. We also made contact with the Torbay branch of the RMA and the local Royal British Legion. The RBL were really helpful and were already aware that the plaque was incorrect and it had been a topic of conversation at several RBL meetings.
"We contacted the stonemasons who were responsible for fitting the plaque but they were unable to provide the records for the plaque. The RBL went ahead and commissioned a new plaque to be made, the cost being just short of £900. The RBL asked if the RMA would be willing to make a donation to the cost - the RMA went one step better and stated as this plaque was for a Royal Marine then the RMA would pay the full cost."
A re-dedication service took place at the memorial - a Royal Marines event supported by the RBL.
A Royal Marine bugler sounded the start of the service which was due to be conducted by a former RN chaplain. There were several guest speakers including Maj Gen Nick Vaux Ret'd, Jeremy’s Commanding Officer in 1982.
Jenny Smith was due to unveil the new plaque and lay a wreath in honour of her brother.
Other guests included Torbay civic mayor Mark Spacagna, Torbay MP Kevin Foster MP, Nicole Amil, veterans' champion for Torbay Council, former members of Mortar Troop 42 Commando 982, former members of 3 Cdo Bde RM 1982, Royal Marines from the CTCRM (Heavy Weapons branch), the Royal Marines from Lima Company 42 Cdo RM, the Torbay RMA Standard Bearer and Branch members, Torquay RBL Standard Bearer, chaplain, publicity officer and branch members plus RMA members and RM Veterans.
Gordon said: "We would like to express our gratitude to the RBL and the RMA for their financial generosity and assistance with correcting Jeremy’s memorial plaque. Their involvement has really helped bring a conclusion to this 12 month project and ensure Jeremy’s memorial plaque now contains accurate details and this small piece of Royal Marines history has been corrected."