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Mark Eyles-Thomas and his three friends were just 17 when they were sent to war 8,000 miles away from home to win back the desolate Falkland Islands from Argentine invaders.

Too young to even vote for the Government that sent them there, the rookies were thrown into the bloodiest land-battle the British Army had fought since the Korean War, fighting with 4 Platoon, B Company, 3rd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment.

On the night of the 11/12th June, 1982, the men of 3 Para fought with bayonets fixed for control of the frost-covered Mount Longdon, which barred the way to the capital Port Stanley.

That night 23 paratroopers paid the ultimate price, including three of the teenage band-of-brothers. Their platoon sergeant, Ian McKay was subsequently awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross.

Mark Eyles-Thomas was with all three of his friends when they died. For a quarter of a century he has been haunted by the events that night, which have changed his life for ever.

Only now, as a father with a 17-year-old son of his own who wants to join the Army, has he been able to relive the horror he witnessed on Mount Longdon.

He paints a graphic first-hand account of the grim reality of battle and reveals why no person of seventeen should ever be allowed to go to war again.

His story of how the military treats its heroes is as relevant today as it was 25 years ago when Britain sent her Task Force to recapture the Falklands.