A VETERAN of the Falklands War has told how he uses art to cope with disturbing memories of the conflict four decades later.

Norman McDade, who lives at the Erskine home for ex-servicemen and women, spent 121 days at sea aboard HMS Plymouth as war raged in the South Atlantic.

He has spoken about his experiences ahead of the 40th anniversary of the start of the conflict, which takes place this Saturday.

Norman, who prefers to be known as Mac, said he uses art as a way to deal with difficult experiences from his past.

“I think art is very therapeutic, even if it’s just to keep your mind off your day job,” added Mac, whose paintings will be on display in the annual Art of Erskine exhibition.

“I think for people who suffer from PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), it’s definitely something that would help.

The Gazette: Mac was in his early 20s when he served in the FalklandsMac was in his early 20s when he served in the Falklands

“It does help me remember my experiences more and to deal with things.”

Mac was just 17 when he joined the Navy in 1978 and trained as a chef.

Little did he know that, four years later, he would be armed with a gun and embroiled in a war in the South Atlantic that claimed the lives of more than 900 men.

HMS Plymouth was one of the first Navy ships to arrive in the war zone after Argentina had invaded the Falklands.

Mac, 60, recalls a particularly frightening experience on June 8, 1982, when the crew were bombarded by fighter jets.

“We were out in the open and the jets were coming straight towards us,” he said.

The Gazette: Norman McDade admits the Falklands conflict was a frightening experienceNorman McDade admits the Falklands conflict was a frightening experience

“The jets were so close overhead, I felt I could reach up and touch them. Real fear struck.”

HMS Plymouth was hit by four 1,000lb bombs that day but, miraculously, they all failed to explode.

Four decades later, Mac can still remember those wartime experiences as if they happened yesterday.

“It doesn’t feel like 40 years,” he said. “Every year you remember when this time comes around, particularly June 8 for me because that was the day we got hit, the ship got hit.

“You are always remembering these things, which is good I think because it keeps it fresh in your memory, which I don’t think is a bad thing.”

During his 121 days at sea off the Falklands, Mac said no-one on board the Plymouth died.

“Some people lost their friends, their crew, but I didn’t,” he added. “I was one of the lucky ones.”