Half a world, and half a lifetime away.
Discussion
10th June
The day dawned bright and clear, allowing the build-up of stores and ammunition.
Falklands Appeal launched under patronage of Lord Shackleton.
HMS Yarmouth's bombardment pounded Two Sisters, Mounts Harriet and William, Sapper Hill and Moody Brook.
HMS Invincible - screened by HMS Andromeda - made a trip to the west to fly off two Sea Kings to the San Carlos Settlement helicopter-base.
Sir Geraint off-loaded at Teal.
The Argentine Army and Air Force launched a joint dawn strike in an attempt to reduce the volume of British artillery fire.
Forty-four CAP sorties were flown by the two carriers' Sea Harriers during the day.
Blue Rover and Ambuscade began passage from the Battle Group to San Carlos Water. HMS Avenger would spend the night lurking off Fox Bay to catch the Bahia Buen Suceso.
HMS Active and Arrow went inshore to the southern gunline.
Peru sends 10 mirage jets to Argentina to replenish losses.
SD.
The day dawned bright and clear, allowing the build-up of stores and ammunition.
Falklands Appeal launched under patronage of Lord Shackleton.
HMS Yarmouth's bombardment pounded Two Sisters, Mounts Harriet and William, Sapper Hill and Moody Brook.
HMS Invincible - screened by HMS Andromeda - made a trip to the west to fly off two Sea Kings to the San Carlos Settlement helicopter-base.
Sir Geraint off-loaded at Teal.
The Argentine Army and Air Force launched a joint dawn strike in an attempt to reduce the volume of British artillery fire.
Forty-four CAP sorties were flown by the two carriers' Sea Harriers during the day.
Blue Rover and Ambuscade began passage from the Battle Group to San Carlos Water. HMS Avenger would spend the night lurking off Fox Bay to catch the Bahia Buen Suceso.
HMS Active and Arrow went inshore to the southern gunline.
Peru sends 10 mirage jets to Argentina to replenish losses.
SD.
11th June
Battle for Stanley begins on Mount Longdon, Mount Harriet and Two Sisters - 23 paras and 50 Argentines die.
Sergeant Ian McKay of 3 Para is killed on Mount Longdon and subsequently awarded Victoria Cross.
Pope John Paul II visits Argentina and denounces all wars as 'unjust'.
HMS Cordella and Pict swept Berkley Sound. Pict's acoustic sweep gear failed and Lt-Cdr D G Garwood turned on the trawler's auxiliary machinery and made a noisy sweep of the lane. Lt-Cdr Garwood was awarded a Mention in Despatches for his sacrificial run.
Sea Harriers from 800 Sqn lofted a number of 1,000lb bombs at Port Stanley airfield.
Port Stanley police station came under attack after being identified as being used by the Argentine military staff as headquarters. An 848 Sqn Wessex 5, supported by an 845 Sqn Wessex 'gun-ship', fired two AS.12 missiles at the building. The first went astray, crashing into the water 200 yards from the hospital ship Bahia Paraiso - resulting in the Argentine authorities making a formal complaint - the second entered the upper storey of the police station causing heavy casualties among the Argentine military command's Intelligence Section.
QE2 arrived in Southampton carrying 700 survivors from sinkings of HMS Ships Coventry, Ardent and Antelope. She was greeted by a gun salute fired from HMS Lowestoft and honoured by the presence of HM Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother in the Royal Yacht Britannia.
The day was spent preparing for the assault on the first line of the Argentine defences.
Uganda and Hecla entered Grantham Sound to embark casualties and left before sunset.
Glamorgan joined the Battle Group in the early afternoon. She Yarmouth and Arrow headed for the gunlines for the night's bombardments.
RAF Harriers dropped cluster bombs on the Argentine positions on Two Sisters, Mount Harriet, Mount Longdon, Mount Tumbledown and Moody Brook barracks.
SD.
Battle for Stanley begins on Mount Longdon, Mount Harriet and Two Sisters - 23 paras and 50 Argentines die.
Sergeant Ian McKay of 3 Para is killed on Mount Longdon and subsequently awarded Victoria Cross.
VC Citation. said:
During the night of 11th/12th June 1982, 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment mounted a silent night attack on an enemy battalion position on Mount Longdon, an important objective in the battle for Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands. Sergeant McKay was platoon sergeant of 4 Platoon, B Company, which, after the initial objective had been secured, was ordered to clear the Northern side of the long East/West ridge feature, held by the enemy in depth, with strong, mutually-supporting positions. By now the enemy were fully alert, and resisting fiercely. As 4 Platoon's advance continued it came under increasingly heavy fire from a number of well-sited enemy machine gun positions on the ridge, and received casualties. Realising that no further advance was possible the Platoon Commander ordered the Platoon to move from its exposed position to seek shelter among the rocks of the ridge itself. Here it met up with part of 5 Platoon.
The enemy fire was still both heavy and accurate, and the position of the platoons was becoming increasingly hazardous. Taking Sergeant McKay, a Corporal and a few others, and covered by supporting machine gun fire, the Platoon Commander moved forward to reconnoitre the enemy positions but was hit by a bullet in the leg, and command devolved upon Sergeant McKay.
It was clear that instant action was needed if the advance was not to falter and increasing casualties to ensue. Sergeant McKay decided to convert this reconnaissance into an attack in order to eliminate the enemy positions. He was in no doubt of the strength and deployment of the enemy as he undertook this attack. He issued orders, and taking three men with him, broke cover and charged the enemy position.
The assault was met by a hail of fire. The Corporal was seriously wounded, a Private killed and another wounded. Despite these losses Sergeant McKay, with complete disregard for his own safety, continued to charge the enemy position alone. On reaching it he despatched the enemy with grenades, thereby relieving the position of beleaguered 4 and 5 Platoons, who were now able to redeploy with relative safety. Sergeant McKay, however, was killed at the moment of victory, his body falling on the bunker.
Without doubt Sergeant McKay's action retrieved a most dangerous situation and was instrumental in ensuring the success of the attack. His was a coolly calculated act, the dangers of which must have been all too apparent to him beforehand. Undeterred he performed with outstanding selflessness, perseverance and courage.
With a complete disregard for his own safety, he displayed courage and leadership of the highest order, and was an inspiration to all those around him.
3 Islanders killed during British naval bombardment of Stanley.The enemy fire was still both heavy and accurate, and the position of the platoons was becoming increasingly hazardous. Taking Sergeant McKay, a Corporal and a few others, and covered by supporting machine gun fire, the Platoon Commander moved forward to reconnoitre the enemy positions but was hit by a bullet in the leg, and command devolved upon Sergeant McKay.
It was clear that instant action was needed if the advance was not to falter and increasing casualties to ensue. Sergeant McKay decided to convert this reconnaissance into an attack in order to eliminate the enemy positions. He was in no doubt of the strength and deployment of the enemy as he undertook this attack. He issued orders, and taking three men with him, broke cover and charged the enemy position.
The assault was met by a hail of fire. The Corporal was seriously wounded, a Private killed and another wounded. Despite these losses Sergeant McKay, with complete disregard for his own safety, continued to charge the enemy position alone. On reaching it he despatched the enemy with grenades, thereby relieving the position of beleaguered 4 and 5 Platoons, who were now able to redeploy with relative safety. Sergeant McKay, however, was killed at the moment of victory, his body falling on the bunker.
Without doubt Sergeant McKay's action retrieved a most dangerous situation and was instrumental in ensuring the success of the attack. His was a coolly calculated act, the dangers of which must have been all too apparent to him beforehand. Undeterred he performed with outstanding selflessness, perseverance and courage.
With a complete disregard for his own safety, he displayed courage and leadership of the highest order, and was an inspiration to all those around him.
Pope John Paul II visits Argentina and denounces all wars as 'unjust'.
HMS Cordella and Pict swept Berkley Sound. Pict's acoustic sweep gear failed and Lt-Cdr D G Garwood turned on the trawler's auxiliary machinery and made a noisy sweep of the lane. Lt-Cdr Garwood was awarded a Mention in Despatches for his sacrificial run.
Sea Harriers from 800 Sqn lofted a number of 1,000lb bombs at Port Stanley airfield.
Port Stanley police station came under attack after being identified as being used by the Argentine military staff as headquarters. An 848 Sqn Wessex 5, supported by an 845 Sqn Wessex 'gun-ship', fired two AS.12 missiles at the building. The first went astray, crashing into the water 200 yards from the hospital ship Bahia Paraiso - resulting in the Argentine authorities making a formal complaint - the second entered the upper storey of the police station causing heavy casualties among the Argentine military command's Intelligence Section.
QE2 arrived in Southampton carrying 700 survivors from sinkings of HMS Ships Coventry, Ardent and Antelope. She was greeted by a gun salute fired from HMS Lowestoft and honoured by the presence of HM Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother in the Royal Yacht Britannia.
The day was spent preparing for the assault on the first line of the Argentine defences.
Uganda and Hecla entered Grantham Sound to embark casualties and left before sunset.
Glamorgan joined the Battle Group in the early afternoon. She Yarmouth and Arrow headed for the gunlines for the night's bombardments.
RAF Harriers dropped cluster bombs on the Argentine positions on Two Sisters, Mount Harriet, Mount Longdon, Mount Tumbledown and Moody Brook barracks.
SD.
Edited by shed driver on Sunday 11th June 10:41
Back to Bluff Cove - The BBC has a short film about this.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-17474296/falklands...
The helicopter crews deserve a mention. Using the down wash to clear smoke and push life rafts clear. In the film there are times when a Sea King is totally lost in the smoke and just feet away from the ship.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-17474296/falklands...
The helicopter crews deserve a mention. Using the down wash to clear smoke and push life rafts clear. In the film there are times when a Sea King is totally lost in the smoke and just feet away from the ship.
Starfighter said:
Back to Bluff Cove - The BBC has a short film about this.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-17474296/falklands...
The helicopter crews deserve a mention. Using the down wash to clear smoke and push life rafts clear. In the film there are times when a Sea King is totally lost in the smoke and just feet away from the ship.
Thanks for starting and maintaining this thread shed driver.http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-17474296/falklands...
The helicopter crews deserve a mention. Using the down wash to clear smoke and push life rafts clear. In the film there are times when a Sea King is totally lost in the smoke and just feet away from the ship.
I was just at the end of my teens as the events of the Falklands unfolded and it really struck a chord at the time that some of those losing life and limb were of a similar age to me. I watched the news reports daily with my then girlfriend's father.
My Dad was a Para in WW2 and seemed to almost try and avoid the daily news reports.
I have absolute admiration for those who took part and met the flight engineer (AEO?) from the Victor tanker that performed the last refuel to 607 before it bombed Port Stanley. I only knew who he was as I was reading the Black Buck book at the time I was working in the same company and I saw his name and picture of him at Ascension island. I knew Mick was ex RAF but not much else about him. The following day in work I bumped into Mick in the kitchen and I asked him how he had enjoyed Ascension Island (Just a way of opening the conversation) and he held his finger up to his lips and said "Shhh". I nodded and just said "You have my respect" - He simply said "Thanks", picked up his cup of tea and wandered off back to his desk.
Wasn't Prince Andrew one of the pilots of the Sea Kings flying into the smoke as described?
Tyre Tread said:
met the flight engineer (AEO?) from the Victor tanker that performed the last refuel to 607 before it bombed Port Stanley.
AEO (Air Electronics Officer), basically dealt with ESM/ECM (Electronic Spport Measures / Electronic Counter Measures) and long range Comms.None of the V bombers carried Flight Engineers.
Tyre Tread said:
Wasn't Prince Andrew one of the pilots of the Sea Kings flying into the smoke as described?
I remember him being involved with acting as missile decoy for Invincible, I'm not sure he was part of the Sir Galahad and Sir Tristram rescues.12th June
42 Cdo took Mount Harriet, losing one Marine killed and a dozen wounded. They then turned their attention to the next hilltop on the road to Port Stanley, Mount Tumbledown, which had been subjected to bombardment from HMS Yarmouth. This was the subject of the 1988 film starring Colin Firth as Lt. Robert Lawrence, MC.
3 Para, supported by HMS Avenger, was tasked with interdicting the Argentine supply route to Mount Longdon and shelling their supporting positions on Wireless Ridge. The first lines of the Mount Longdon defence were taken but the Paras then encountered strong resistance. The 105mm guns of 29 Cdo and Avenger’s 4.5in gun subdued the defenders but the frigate had to curtail her bombardment after firing 156 rounds. 3 Para sustained the heaviest casualties in any land attack; eighteen men were killed and thirty-nine wounded.
45 Cdo began to move forward on Two Sisters after the battle on Mount Longdon had begun, but approached in silence and were not detected until they were within 500 yards of the nearest peak. The Marines pressed their advance covered by supporting fire from Glamorgan and Avenger and Two Sisters was taken by the early morning.
HMS Glamorgan and Yarmouth withdrew, leaving Avenger on the gunline to continue support for 3 Para. About seventeen miles south-west of Port Stanley, Glamorgan detected an approaching radar contact - an Exocet fired from a truck on a road behind Port Harriet. HMS Glamorgan was hit and seriously damaged, with thirteen killed and many injured.
HMS Arrow returned to the Carrier Battle Group before dawn, having spent the night bombarding the Sapper Hill, racecourse and airfield areas.
At first light the helicopters resumed their shuttle runs.
MV [i]Norland]/i] landed 1,016 Argentine passengers at Montevideo.
Exeter was replaced in the Transport Area by HMS Cardiff.
SD.
42 Cdo took Mount Harriet, losing one Marine killed and a dozen wounded. They then turned their attention to the next hilltop on the road to Port Stanley, Mount Tumbledown, which had been subjected to bombardment from HMS Yarmouth. This was the subject of the 1988 film starring Colin Firth as Lt. Robert Lawrence, MC.
3 Para, supported by HMS Avenger, was tasked with interdicting the Argentine supply route to Mount Longdon and shelling their supporting positions on Wireless Ridge. The first lines of the Mount Longdon defence were taken but the Paras then encountered strong resistance. The 105mm guns of 29 Cdo and Avenger’s 4.5in gun subdued the defenders but the frigate had to curtail her bombardment after firing 156 rounds. 3 Para sustained the heaviest casualties in any land attack; eighteen men were killed and thirty-nine wounded.
45 Cdo began to move forward on Two Sisters after the battle on Mount Longdon had begun, but approached in silence and were not detected until they were within 500 yards of the nearest peak. The Marines pressed their advance covered by supporting fire from Glamorgan and Avenger and Two Sisters was taken by the early morning.
HMS Glamorgan and Yarmouth withdrew, leaving Avenger on the gunline to continue support for 3 Para. About seventeen miles south-west of Port Stanley, Glamorgan detected an approaching radar contact - an Exocet fired from a truck on a road behind Port Harriet. HMS Glamorgan was hit and seriously damaged, with thirteen killed and many injured.
HMS Arrow returned to the Carrier Battle Group before dawn, having spent the night bombarding the Sapper Hill, racecourse and airfield areas.
At first light the helicopters resumed their shuttle runs.
MV [i]Norland]/i] landed 1,016 Argentine passengers at Montevideo.
Exeter was replaced in the Transport Area by HMS Cardiff.
SD.
HMS Glamorgan – 12th June
HMS Glamorgan (D19) was a County-class destroyer, built by Vickers Armstrong in Newcastle Upon Tyne. With a displacement of 5,440 tonnes, she was launched on June 9, 1964, and was delivered to the Navy two years later. In the mid- 1970s Glamorgan had her 'B' turret replaced by four Exocet launchers.
HMS Glamorgan 1972.
The picture above was taken when she was in the South Atlantic, seen here off the River Plate - the red colour is scoured mud colouring the ocean up to 50 miles off shore. Note the 'B' turret still in situ.
She spent many months in late 1982 being refitted, and was back at sea in 1983. Her last active deployment for the Royal Navy was to the coast of Lebanon, assisting British peace-keeping troops there in 1984.
At the start of the Falklands campaign, Glamorgan was already at sea off Gibraltar about to take part in exercises; she was immediately diverted to join the main Royal Navy task force, and served as flagship for Admiral Sandy Woodward during the voyage south. Her most useful armament proved to be her remaining twin 4.5 inch guns, which were used primarily to bombard enemy positions on shore.
Glamorgan was first in action on the evening and night of 1 May when she joined forces with HMS Arrow and HMS Alacrity to bombard Argentine positions around Port Stanley. The three British ships soon came under attack by Mirage III jets with two 500 lb bombs falling close alongside Glamorgan and causing minor underwater damage.
Two weeks later on 14 May she was again in action, this time supporting British special forces on Pebble Island (West Falkland), and for the next two weeks until the end of May she was almost continuously engaged bombarding various shore positions on the east of the islands mainly as part of a plan to distract attention from the landings at San Carlos, but also against the airfield at Port Stanley and in support of British forces ashore. She twice survived unsuccessful Exocet attacks.
At the beginning of June, the task force having been reinforced with other ships, Glamorgan was detached to protect shipping in the Tug and Logistics Repair Area (TARLA), some 200 miles away from the islands, but as the campaign reached a climax she was recalled in the evening of 11 June to support the Royal Marines fighting the Battle of Two Sisters.
At 06:37 the following morning, following an intense but unsuccessful air raid, she was struck by an Exocet missile fired from a shore-based launcher improvised on the back of a lorry trailer.
The improvised Exocet launcher.
Glamorgan was some 18 miles off shore at the time and steaming at about 20 knots. Her radar systems failed to detect the incoming missile (which was smaller and faster than anything they had been designed for), so the only warning was a visual contact.
Fortunately, the ship was moving fast enough to be able to turn rapidly away from the missile in the few seconds available, and the missile struck her port side towards the stern. Instead of penetrating the ship's side at right angles (as it was designed to do), it hit the angle of the deck coaming and ricocheted into the hangar, causing the Wessex helicopter to explode and starting a severe fire both in the hangar and in the main galley immediately below.
Showing damage – all fires extinguished.
In all thirteen crew members were killed, and a number wounded. The ship was underway again with all fires extinguished by 10:00.
On the following day, repairs were made at sea, and after the Argentinian surrender on 14 June, more extensive repairs were undertaken in the sheltered waters of San Carlos Bay. She sailed for home on 21 June, and re-entered Portsmouth on 10 July 1982 after 104 days at sea.
Roll of Honour - HMS Glamorgan.
SD.
HMS Glamorgan (D19) was a County-class destroyer, built by Vickers Armstrong in Newcastle Upon Tyne. With a displacement of 5,440 tonnes, she was launched on June 9, 1964, and was delivered to the Navy two years later. In the mid- 1970s Glamorgan had her 'B' turret replaced by four Exocet launchers.
HMS Glamorgan 1972.
The picture above was taken when she was in the South Atlantic, seen here off the River Plate - the red colour is scoured mud colouring the ocean up to 50 miles off shore. Note the 'B' turret still in situ.
She spent many months in late 1982 being refitted, and was back at sea in 1983. Her last active deployment for the Royal Navy was to the coast of Lebanon, assisting British peace-keeping troops there in 1984.
At the start of the Falklands campaign, Glamorgan was already at sea off Gibraltar about to take part in exercises; she was immediately diverted to join the main Royal Navy task force, and served as flagship for Admiral Sandy Woodward during the voyage south. Her most useful armament proved to be her remaining twin 4.5 inch guns, which were used primarily to bombard enemy positions on shore.
Glamorgan was first in action on the evening and night of 1 May when she joined forces with HMS Arrow and HMS Alacrity to bombard Argentine positions around Port Stanley. The three British ships soon came under attack by Mirage III jets with two 500 lb bombs falling close alongside Glamorgan and causing minor underwater damage.
Two weeks later on 14 May she was again in action, this time supporting British special forces on Pebble Island (West Falkland), and for the next two weeks until the end of May she was almost continuously engaged bombarding various shore positions on the east of the islands mainly as part of a plan to distract attention from the landings at San Carlos, but also against the airfield at Port Stanley and in support of British forces ashore. She twice survived unsuccessful Exocet attacks.
At the beginning of June, the task force having been reinforced with other ships, Glamorgan was detached to protect shipping in the Tug and Logistics Repair Area (TARLA), some 200 miles away from the islands, but as the campaign reached a climax she was recalled in the evening of 11 June to support the Royal Marines fighting the Battle of Two Sisters.
At 06:37 the following morning, following an intense but unsuccessful air raid, she was struck by an Exocet missile fired from a shore-based launcher improvised on the back of a lorry trailer.
The improvised Exocet launcher.
Glamorgan was some 18 miles off shore at the time and steaming at about 20 knots. Her radar systems failed to detect the incoming missile (which was smaller and faster than anything they had been designed for), so the only warning was a visual contact.
Fortunately, the ship was moving fast enough to be able to turn rapidly away from the missile in the few seconds available, and the missile struck her port side towards the stern. Instead of penetrating the ship's side at right angles (as it was designed to do), it hit the angle of the deck coaming and ricocheted into the hangar, causing the Wessex helicopter to explode and starting a severe fire both in the hangar and in the main galley immediately below.
Showing damage – all fires extinguished.
In all thirteen crew members were killed, and a number wounded. The ship was underway again with all fires extinguished by 10:00.
On the following day, repairs were made at sea, and after the Argentinian surrender on 14 June, more extensive repairs were undertaken in the sheltered waters of San Carlos Bay. She sailed for home on 21 June, and re-entered Portsmouth on 10 July 1982 after 104 days at sea.
Roll of Honour - HMS Glamorgan.
- Lieutenant David H. R. Tinker
- Petty Officer Michael J. Adcock
- Petty Officer Colin P. Vickers
- Cook Brian Easton
- Air Engineering Mechanician Mark Henderson
- Air Engineering Mechanician Brian P. Hinge
- Acting Chief Air Engineering Mechanician David Lee
- Air Engineering Artificer Kelvin I. McCallum
- Cook Brian J. Malcolm
- Marine Engineering Mechanic Terence W. Perkins
- Leading Cook Mark A. Sambles
- Leading Cook Anthony E. Sillence
- Steward John D. Stroud
SD.
Starfighter said:
Back to Bluff Cove - The BBC has a short film about this.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-17474296/falklands...
The helicopter crews deserve a mention. Using the down wash to clear smoke and push life rafts clear. In the film there are times when a Sea King is totally lost in the smoke and just feet away from the ship.
I recommend for anyone wanting more information on this to read the book Scram! Which tells the war from a Wessex Helicopter pilot's view. He deals with Bluff Cove and the attack on Stanley Police HQ mentioned above.http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-17474296/falklands...
The helicopter crews deserve a mention. Using the down wash to clear smoke and push life rafts clear. In the film there are times when a Sea King is totally lost in the smoke and just feet away from the ship.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Scram-Gripping-First-hand...
shed driver said:
...ten years ago I was proud to have been part of the campaign to add the name of Steward John Stroud to his local war memorial. Today, I shall pay my respects to him and all those who fell or were injured in the conflict.
SD.
I will try to stop by Aldershot Military Cemetery, to have a moment or two of quiet contemplation at the Falklands section. I visited a few months ago to look for a specific headstone, and passed by the Parachute Regiment memorial. among those buried there is Sergeant Ian J McKay, VC.SD.
There is a 35th anniversary event in Aldershot next Sunday if anyone is interested:
http://www.rushmoor.gov.uk/article/10019/Para-Falk...
http://www.rushmoor.gov.uk/article/10019/Para-Falk...
Tyre Tread said:
Wasn't Prince Andrew one of the pilots of the Sea Kings flying into the smoke as described?
I don't believe so no. Surprisingly difficult to find the names but here is a start
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/militar...
Two others from that day
And Lts John Boughton QGM and Phil Sheldon QGM
The attack on Sir Galahad and Sir Tristam is one of my lasting memories of the war Probably one of the key moments of the war, at least in terms of the ongoing legacy.
HRH's flight record in the Falklands is a little sketchy on details, he flew Exocet decoy for Invincible and was co pilot in the resuce operation following the attack on the Atlantic Conveyor.
Interesting Thread. I was 11 at the time, and remember watching the news every night.
On HMS Glamorgan, the Navy knew there was a trailer mounted exocet on the Island. They knew the rough range of it, and they warned ships to stay out of that range. However Glamorgan had left the gun line much latter than planned, and needed to be back with the task force before morning brought the Argentine Airforce. So a calculated risk was taken to steam quickly through the exocet engagement zone. Some of the troops she had been helping with her gunfire saw the launch, the flight and the impact of the missle.
Apparantly the Argentinians were helped to prepare the exocet by a German Siemens engineer who'd been bombed by the RAF in World War Two and saw his chance for revenge.
This is realy good stuff SD, please keep it up.
Apparantly the Argentinians were helped to prepare the exocet by a German Siemens engineer who'd been bombed by the RAF in World War Two and saw his chance for revenge.
This is realy good stuff SD, please keep it up.
Edited by DMN on Monday 12th June 12:01
Gargamel said:
Tyre Tread said:
Wasn't Prince Andrew one of the pilots of the Sea Kings flying into the smoke as described?
I don't believe so no. Surprisingly difficult to find the names but here is a start
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/militar...
Two others from that day
And Lts John Boughton QGM and Phil Sheldon QGM
The attack on Sir Galahad and Sir Tristam is one of my lasting memories of the war Probably one of the key moments of the war, at least in terms of the ongoing legacy.
HRH's flight record in the Falklands is a little sketchy on details, he flew Exocet decoy for Invincible and was co pilot in the resuce operation following the attack on the Atlantic Conveyor.
Interesting Thread. I was 11 at the time, and remember watching the news every night.
If any of you are interested I've managed to find the old 1982 videos of the BBC documentary task force south and managed to transfer the first four episodes onto a DVD and will try to upload them to YouTube! That may be the hard part 
But If I can I will post a link here if that's OK with SD.
But If I can I will post a link here if that's OK with SD.louiechevy said:
If any of you are interested I've managed to find the old 1982 videos of the BBC documentary task force south and managed to transfer the first four episodes onto a DVD and will try to upload them to YouTube! That may be the hard part But If I can I will post a link here if that's OK with SD.
Yes please.But If I can I will post a link here if that's OK with SD.SD.
13th June
The Battles for Tumbledown, Wireless Ridge and Mount William - 15 Britons and 40 Argentines die.
HMS Active and Arrow harassed positions on Sapper Hill and Moody Brook and returned to the Battle Group after sunrise.
The Stena Seaspread finished repairs to the Plymouth, who then rejoined the Battle Group. She was replaced by HMS Glamorgan.
Helicopters continued supply sorties despite snow showers reducing visibility.
Mid-morning, an 801 Squadron CAP sighted an Argentine patrol craft. It was thought to be the Rio Iguazu, driven aground on May 22nd, the Harriers received permission to strafe the vessel.
Seven A-4Bs made for the 3 Cdo Brigade Tactical HQ. Brigadier Thompson had gathered his unit commanders for on 'Operations Group' briefing. Few of the bombs exploded but some landed too close for the commanders' comfort.
HMS Cardiff's Lynx was carrying out the routine forenoon clearance search to the south of the Falkland Sound, when it was attacked by three Daggers, the helicopter crews evasive action prevented the aircraft being damaged.
A pair of GR3s flew from Hermes to deliver a laser-guided bomb attack on the Argentine artillery in the Moody Brook area.
The hospital ship Almirante Irizar, arrived with a team from the ICRC. A 'Red Cross Zone' was established around the Cathedral.
The Rio Iguaz was strafed once again by an 801 Sqn CAP and HMS Penelope's Lynx hit it with a Sea Skua before dusk.
In the late evening, HMS Cardiff detected the first of a number of aircraft coming in from the west, toward HMS Intrepid. It was joined by another two aircraft which proceeded to fly on towards Fitzroy and Port Stanley. When the lead contact was in Sea Dart range, the destroyer fired a single missile. The missile hit the lead Canberra and although the pilot ejected, the navigator failed to escape.
Two further aircraft kept coming. HMS Penelope saw a bright glow and a trail heading toward her and her charge - the Nordic Ferry. Penelope took evasive action, firing chaff to screen herself and the Nordic Ferry and opened fire with both Seacat and Bofors as the missile closed. It ditched about 1,000 yards between the two ships.
SD.
The Battles for Tumbledown, Wireless Ridge and Mount William - 15 Britons and 40 Argentines die.
HMS Active and Arrow harassed positions on Sapper Hill and Moody Brook and returned to the Battle Group after sunrise.
The Stena Seaspread finished repairs to the Plymouth, who then rejoined the Battle Group. She was replaced by HMS Glamorgan.
Helicopters continued supply sorties despite snow showers reducing visibility.
Mid-morning, an 801 Squadron CAP sighted an Argentine patrol craft. It was thought to be the Rio Iguazu, driven aground on May 22nd, the Harriers received permission to strafe the vessel.
Seven A-4Bs made for the 3 Cdo Brigade Tactical HQ. Brigadier Thompson had gathered his unit commanders for on 'Operations Group' briefing. Few of the bombs exploded but some landed too close for the commanders' comfort.
HMS Cardiff's Lynx was carrying out the routine forenoon clearance search to the south of the Falkland Sound, when it was attacked by three Daggers, the helicopter crews evasive action prevented the aircraft being damaged.
A pair of GR3s flew from Hermes to deliver a laser-guided bomb attack on the Argentine artillery in the Moody Brook area.
The hospital ship Almirante Irizar, arrived with a team from the ICRC. A 'Red Cross Zone' was established around the Cathedral.
The Rio Iguaz was strafed once again by an 801 Sqn CAP and HMS Penelope's Lynx hit it with a Sea Skua before dusk.
In the late evening, HMS Cardiff detected the first of a number of aircraft coming in from the west, toward HMS Intrepid. It was joined by another two aircraft which proceeded to fly on towards Fitzroy and Port Stanley. When the lead contact was in Sea Dart range, the destroyer fired a single missile. The missile hit the lead Canberra and although the pilot ejected, the navigator failed to escape.
Two further aircraft kept coming. HMS Penelope saw a bright glow and a trail heading toward her and her charge - the Nordic Ferry. Penelope took evasive action, firing chaff to screen herself and the Nordic Ferry and opened fire with both Seacat and Bofors as the missile closed. It ditched about 1,000 yards between the two ships.
SD.
14th June
The infantry attacks were preceded by an artillery and mortar barrage and was accompanied by bombardments by two frigates.
2 Para drove the enemy from the northern part of Wireless Ridge, supported by bombardments from HMS Yarmouth and Ambuscade, then moved ahead to meet up with troops who had begun an advance from the easterly peninsula. They were supported by the light tanks of the Blues and Royals.
The Scots Guards advanced on Mount Tumbledown with support provided by HMS Active. The defenders outnumbered the Scots Guards and brought the advance to a halt while the Royal Artillery, the infantry's mortars and HMS Active and Avenger bombarded the ridge.
The frigates left Berkley Sound before dawn.
A mixed Army/Royal Marine Scout formation rendezvoused behind Wireless Ridge in the dawn light. The three helicopters were each fitted with wire-guided missiles and made two passes over the ridge to fire on defensive bunkers scoring three direct hits on 105mm gun pits.
The Gurkhas came around the flank of the Argentine marines holding Mount Tumbledown and the defenders finally broke. The Gurkhas moved on to take Mount William. The high ground was now in British hands.
GR3s from the Hermes delivered a laser-guided bomb strike on a battery covering the marines' pull-back from Tumbledown.
By now the only eminence in Argentine hands was Sapper Hill, located a little to the west of Port Stanley.
Naval transport helicopters flew Alfa and Charlie Companies of 40 Cdo forward to Sapper Hill. The first troop were dropped too close to the enemy and two Marines were wounded. As the troops were set down, they were ordered to cease fire. The Argentine Army was negotiating a cease-fire.
By 11.30am 2 Para were in Port Stanley, 40 Cdo overlooking it from Sapper Hill with orders to fire only in self-defence.
The Battle Group learned of the cease-fire via one of the GR3 pilots, who was instructed to hold off from a laser-guided bomb attack and sent back to Hermes with the news that white flags had been seen over Port Stanley.
HMS Plymouth and Yarmouth detached to proceed to Berkley Sound in the afternoon to provide supports in the event of the negotiations breaking down.
One of the 820 Sqn Sea Kings took General Moore from the Fearless to Port Stanley where at midnight Greenwich Mean Time, General Menedez and General Moore signed the formal instrument of surrender.
General Mario Menendez surrenders to Major General Jeremy Moore at 9pm FI time.
9,800 Argentine troops put down their arms.
Thatcher informs the Commons at 10.15pm UK time that the Argentines have surrendered.
I'll get some video, audio and pictures up later. Also to follow is a full roll of honour, I'm just waiting on some names from the Argentinian side..
SD.
The infantry attacks were preceded by an artillery and mortar barrage and was accompanied by bombardments by two frigates.
2 Para drove the enemy from the northern part of Wireless Ridge, supported by bombardments from HMS Yarmouth and Ambuscade, then moved ahead to meet up with troops who had begun an advance from the easterly peninsula. They were supported by the light tanks of the Blues and Royals.
The Scots Guards advanced on Mount Tumbledown with support provided by HMS Active. The defenders outnumbered the Scots Guards and brought the advance to a halt while the Royal Artillery, the infantry's mortars and HMS Active and Avenger bombarded the ridge.
The frigates left Berkley Sound before dawn.
A mixed Army/Royal Marine Scout formation rendezvoused behind Wireless Ridge in the dawn light. The three helicopters were each fitted with wire-guided missiles and made two passes over the ridge to fire on defensive bunkers scoring three direct hits on 105mm gun pits.
The Gurkhas came around the flank of the Argentine marines holding Mount Tumbledown and the defenders finally broke. The Gurkhas moved on to take Mount William. The high ground was now in British hands.
GR3s from the Hermes delivered a laser-guided bomb strike on a battery covering the marines' pull-back from Tumbledown.
By now the only eminence in Argentine hands was Sapper Hill, located a little to the west of Port Stanley.
Naval transport helicopters flew Alfa and Charlie Companies of 40 Cdo forward to Sapper Hill. The first troop were dropped too close to the enemy and two Marines were wounded. As the troops were set down, they were ordered to cease fire. The Argentine Army was negotiating a cease-fire.
By 11.30am 2 Para were in Port Stanley, 40 Cdo overlooking it from Sapper Hill with orders to fire only in self-defence.
The Battle Group learned of the cease-fire via one of the GR3 pilots, who was instructed to hold off from a laser-guided bomb attack and sent back to Hermes with the news that white flags had been seen over Port Stanley.
First Reports said:
They are reported to be flying white flags over Port Stanley.
Admiral Woodward was aware that the negotiations concerned only the Argentine forces on the islands and warned his ships, Admiral Woodward said:
Our guard must not be reduced but we must not jeopardize results so far achieved …. ARG air threat (overland) remains and must be countered. The threat at sea has not changed.'
CAPs continued to fly through the day.HMS Plymouth and Yarmouth detached to proceed to Berkley Sound in the afternoon to provide supports in the event of the negotiations breaking down.
One of the 820 Sqn Sea Kings took General Moore from the Fearless to Port Stanley where at midnight Greenwich Mean Time, General Menedez and General Moore signed the formal instrument of surrender.
General Mario Menendez surrenders to Major General Jeremy Moore at 9pm FI time.
9,800 Argentine troops put down their arms.
Thatcher informs the Commons at 10.15pm UK time that the Argentines have surrendered.
I'll get some video, audio and pictures up later. Also to follow is a full roll of honour, I'm just waiting on some names from the Argentinian side..
SD.
shed driver said:
[The Gurkhas came around the flank of the Argentine marines holding Mount Tumbledown and the defenders finally broke.
I remember reading somewhere that to try and make sure the Argentine conscripts would fight rather than surrender, they'd been warned that if captured by the British, they risked being turned over to the Gurkhas, who were cannibals who believed they could take a captured enemy's strength by eating them.When the British found out about this, in some of the following prisoner interrogations, they simply sat a smiling Gurkha in the corner of the tent with a knife, fork, plate and a big smile on his face then asked "Name, Rank, Number and anything else you'd like to tell is?"
I have no idea whether it's true or not, but the thought that it might be certainly amused me!
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