A FORMER Marine has a version of a Falklands victory message that was recently auctioned for £7,250.

Tom Eadie from Poole has a copy of the document sent by the British commander confirming the Argentine surrender on June 14, 1982.

He dug it out when he saw the sale by auctioneers Bonham on the news.

Tom, 61, said: “I hadn’t looked at it for 30 years. It was only when I saw the report that a light went off.”

The Broadstone resident, who served 22 years with the Marines, said the message was probably sent to unit headquarters and warships, as well as to politicians in the UK.

The message concludes: “The Falklands Islands are once more under the Government desired by their inhabitants. God Save The Queen. Signed JJ Moore.”

Tom was at the headquarters of Commando Logistics Regiment when the Telex message came through but can’t remember how he came to have it.