Brett Giffin, remembered by his friends
"It is with the utmost humbleness and respect that I would like to submit
a brief personal story about L/Cpl Brett Giffin, 3 Commando Brigade Air
Squadron. My memory is not as clear as I would like, but I worked with
Brett for a brief time when I first joined 42 Commando in 1975.
"When I arrived at 42 Commando in 1975 I met a tall Marine with a
terrific sense of humor; Brett Giffin. I remained on rear party when
our unit went to Northern Ireland because I was still under 18. I used
to meet with Brett and other Marines for a soda in the mornings next to
the NAAFI. Every time I saw Brett, he would make me laugh. I remember
on one occasion he got some black tape and made officers "pips", and put
them on his shoulders and decided to see how long he could get away with
"impersonating" an officer before he got caught. Eventually we went our
separate ways, and I would occasionally hear about Brett. I was in
Oversnow Troop Commando Logistics Regiment when I sailed down to the
Falkland Islands. I knew Brett was an observer with 3 Commando Brigade
Air Squadron, but had not seen him for several years. I still remember
vividly being on an LSL waiting to land and hearing the news one of our
helicopters had been shot down, and both the pilot and observer had been
killed in the water. My heart sank at the news of the lost helicopter,
and sank even further when I heard Brett was the observer on the
helicopter.
"Brett's death was a great loss, and I will miss him. I will always
always remember fondly the tall Marine with the great sense of humor,
who had the officer "pips" on his shoulder."
Malcolm Lowery
Contributing to the Garden of Remembrance
© South Atlantic Medal Association 82
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