IT is 30 years since Bridport -born Mark Sambles was killed in the Falklands war but his family still mourn his loss.

His mother and those of his six brothers and sisters who could, attended a memorial service for him at St Mary’s cenotaph in June to mark the anniversary of his death aboard HMS Glamorgan two days before the conflict ended.

The 29-year-old cook was one of 13 who died when an Exocet missile hit the 5,440-tonne destroyer.

He was buried at sea.

Steve Chard played the last post and the service was attended by members of Bridport Royal British Legion and the Royal Naval Association and mum Jean, sisters Karen, Theresa, Donna and brother Clive.

Two other brothers David and Julian could not attend Prayers were also said on behalf of his son Anthony, who lives in Liverpool.

Full wreaths were laid on behalf of the family.

Brother Clive said: “The entire family would like to express their gratitude for the service and all those who took part in this memorial service. It meant a great deal that a small town like this actually remembered fallen heroes. It has been difficult coping with his loss. You do get used to it after a while but when the date comes around obviously it is very difficult because he is never forgotten.”

Mark joined the Merchant Navy first before enlisting in the forces.

He always had a love of cooking and joined HMS Glamorgan as leading cook in 1981.

It was 05:36 hrs when the Exocet missile was launched. The helm was put hard over to turn away from the missile, quite possibly saving the ship but the galley was destroyed and Mark was killed, along with 12 other crew. Fourteen were wounded.

The former Colfox pupil left a widow Dawn, as well as his son Anthony.

In 1983, his mum Jean went on a pilgrimage with 600 other bereaved relatives to the Falklands paid for by the Government – a journey she said at the time brought her peace of mind.

Mark was buried at sea 160 miles east of the Falklands wearing his Portsmouth Field Gun Crew tracksuit – he was in the gun crew at the 1977 and 1980 Royal Tournaments at Earls Court.

But she said: “No-one can truthfully say they are proud their loved ones died there.”

She also made a plea for compassion for the families of Argentinean casualties to be allowed to visit graves on the islands.

A plaque in his memory was unveiled at his old school in 1983 by then chairman of governors Sir John Colfox. His name was added to the town war memorial after a request by his sister Theresa in 2002.

His brother Clive, who is now back after serving for 20 years with NATO in America said: “HMS Glamorgan was not supposed to be going to the Falklands, they were on their way back from Gibraltar.

“I served down there a year later. First impression was ‘why’ but after a while you talk to the locals and it is British so you defend it.”

A spokesman for the South Atlantic Medal Association said: “He was a much loved man. Remembered for his sense of humour and outgoing personality, he is still very much missed by family and friends.”