Half a world, and half a lifetime away.
Discussion
8000 miles, 35 years and yet it seems a lot less. I remember as a teenager watching the unfolding events in the Falkland Islands, 255 UK deaths, the Royal Navy operating at the limits of its endurance, the RAF operating one of the most audacious raids, the famous Sun "Gotcha" headline, Hanrahan "counting them all out and counting them all back" - all of this set against a country desperate for a success, and a media desperate for content.
To celebrate the 25th anniversary I published a day by day timeline on a now defunct website. I've found the original pages on an old hard drive, along with video, audio and personal recollections by those who were involved.
I'll try to paste the timeline on the relevant day.
I'll have to get a bit of a catch up to bring us up to date!
SD.
To celebrate the 25th anniversary I published a day by day timeline on a now defunct website. I've found the original pages on an old hard drive, along with video, audio and personal recollections by those who were involved.
I'll try to paste the timeline on the relevant day.
I'll have to get a bit of a catch up to bring us up to date!
SD.
9th January
British Ambassador to Argentina lodges formal protest against unauthorised landing on South Georgia on 20 December 1981 by Argentine scrap-metal merchant Constantino Davidoff.
12th January
Argentine Joint Armed Forces committee beings planning military invasion of Islands.
24th January
Junta's plans to capture Islands revealed in a series of articles in La Prensa newspaper.
2nd February
Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in a private letter to a Conservative Party activist makes clear that she regards the Royal Marine presence in Stanley as sufficient to prevent an Argentine invasion.
3rd February
Britain renews its formal protest at Davidoff's unauthorised landing on South Georgia.
9th February
Thatcher confirms retirement of HMS Endurance.
25th February
Deputy foreign minister Richard Luce begins sovereignty talks with his Argentine counterpart Ernesto Ros in New York.
1st March
British and Argentine deputy foreign ministers issue a joint communique praising the "cordial and positive spirit" of sovereignty discussions held in New York.
2nd March
Argentine foreign minister rejects the communique and says that Argentina reserves the right to 'employ other means' if Britain keeps refusing to cede sovereignty.
3rd March
MP Julian Amery asks if "all necessary steps are in hand to ensure the protection of the Islands against unexpected attack" but receives an evasive reply.
5th March
Foreign Secretary Lord Carrington refuses to send a submarine to patrol off the Islands and South Georgia.
6th March
Hercules aircraft operated by Argentine military airline LADE, supposedly on a mail run to an Antarctic base, lands at Stanley Airport, falsely claiming a fuel leak, and carrying several senior Argentine officers whom the local LADE commandant takes on a tour of Stanley and its environs.
8th March
Thatcher asks the Foreign Office and Ministry of Defence for contingency plans in case of an Argentine blockade or invasion of the Islands.
19th March
Davidoff sends 40 workmen on naval vessel Bahia Buen Suceso to dismantle Leith whaling station on South Georgia - the workmen fail to ask permission to land from the British Antarctic Survey base at Grytviken and upon arrival hoist the Argentine flag - Britain lodges a formal protest.
20th March
Thatcher sends Endurance and 24 Royal Marines from Stanley to South Georgia
23rd March
Bahia Buen Suceso and 30 workmen sail from Leith.
24th March
Endurance arrives at Grytviken but earlier instructions to remove Argentine workmen are rescinded;
Argentine naval vessel Bahia Paraiso puts a large quantity of stores ashore at Leith together with a marine detachment under the command of Captain Alfredo Astiz.
26th March
Argentine government says it will give all necessary protection to the workmen on South Georgia;
British intelligence source in Buenos Aires warns that an Argentine invasion of the Islands is imminent but the British government dismisses the warning;
Argentine navy set out on scheduled manoeuvres with the Uruguyan fleet;
Argentine junta brings forward its invasion plans ('Operation Rosario') from a national holiday on 25 May or July 9 because of the South Georgia crisis and the worsening economic turmoil and civil unrest;
British Ministry of Defence advises the government against a military response
SD.
British Ambassador to Argentina lodges formal protest against unauthorised landing on South Georgia on 20 December 1981 by Argentine scrap-metal merchant Constantino Davidoff.
12th January
Argentine Joint Armed Forces committee beings planning military invasion of Islands.
24th January
Junta's plans to capture Islands revealed in a series of articles in La Prensa newspaper.
2nd February
Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in a private letter to a Conservative Party activist makes clear that she regards the Royal Marine presence in Stanley as sufficient to prevent an Argentine invasion.
3rd February
Britain renews its formal protest at Davidoff's unauthorised landing on South Georgia.
9th February
Thatcher confirms retirement of HMS Endurance.
25th February
Deputy foreign minister Richard Luce begins sovereignty talks with his Argentine counterpart Ernesto Ros in New York.
1st March
British and Argentine deputy foreign ministers issue a joint communique praising the "cordial and positive spirit" of sovereignty discussions held in New York.
2nd March
Argentine foreign minister rejects the communique and says that Argentina reserves the right to 'employ other means' if Britain keeps refusing to cede sovereignty.
3rd March
MP Julian Amery asks if "all necessary steps are in hand to ensure the protection of the Islands against unexpected attack" but receives an evasive reply.
5th March
Foreign Secretary Lord Carrington refuses to send a submarine to patrol off the Islands and South Georgia.
6th March
Hercules aircraft operated by Argentine military airline LADE, supposedly on a mail run to an Antarctic base, lands at Stanley Airport, falsely claiming a fuel leak, and carrying several senior Argentine officers whom the local LADE commandant takes on a tour of Stanley and its environs.
8th March
Thatcher asks the Foreign Office and Ministry of Defence for contingency plans in case of an Argentine blockade or invasion of the Islands.
19th March
Davidoff sends 40 workmen on naval vessel Bahia Buen Suceso to dismantle Leith whaling station on South Georgia - the workmen fail to ask permission to land from the British Antarctic Survey base at Grytviken and upon arrival hoist the Argentine flag - Britain lodges a formal protest.
20th March
Thatcher sends Endurance and 24 Royal Marines from Stanley to South Georgia
23rd March
Bahia Buen Suceso and 30 workmen sail from Leith.
24th March
Endurance arrives at Grytviken but earlier instructions to remove Argentine workmen are rescinded;
Argentine naval vessel Bahia Paraiso puts a large quantity of stores ashore at Leith together with a marine detachment under the command of Captain Alfredo Astiz.
26th March
Argentine government says it will give all necessary protection to the workmen on South Georgia;
British intelligence source in Buenos Aires warns that an Argentine invasion of the Islands is imminent but the British government dismisses the warning;
Argentine navy set out on scheduled manoeuvres with the Uruguyan fleet;
Argentine junta brings forward its invasion plans ('Operation Rosario') from a national holiday on 25 May or July 9 because of the South Georgia crisis and the worsening economic turmoil and civil unrest;
British Ministry of Defence advises the government against a military response
SD.
Moving on to the next few updates.
27th March
Argentine missile boats Drummond and Granville sail south to join Bahia Paraiso.
28th March
Argentina restates its claim to the Falkland Islands and Dependencies, tells Britain there will be no negotiations on South Georgia, cancels leave for military and diplomatic personnel, sends stores and equipment to the naval bases of Puerto Belgrano and Comodoro Rivadavia, and begins overflights of Stanley;
5 Argentine warships are sighted near South Georgia;
Britain begins contingency planning for the sending of a task force to the Islands;
Carrington asks US Secretary of State Alexander Haig to intercede with the junta in an attempt to avoid military action.
29th March
Joint Intelligence Committee reports an invasion seems imminent.
Thatcher orders 3 nuclear submarines south to the Islands;
British submarine Spartan sails south to the Islands from Gibraltar;
Royal Fleet Auxiliary Fort Austin sails south to provide support for Endurance;
New Royal Marine detachment arrive Stanley aboard research ship John Biscoe.
30th March
Daily Telegraph reports that a nuclear submarine is sailing south;
James Callaghan informs Parliament that in 1977 in response to Argentine pressure Britain secretly sent a nuclear submarine and two warships to the South Atlantic;
Copies of these documents below.
https://1drv.ms/b/s!Ane9lOTY5nFrq2uM_ItxNU74_zW9
https://1drv.ms/b/s!Ane9lOTY5nFrq2lHEQMQ8evlcXGB
https://1drv.ms/b/s!Ane9lOTY5nFrq2qGohQnxIYk4dE9
https://1drv.ms/b/s!Ane9lOTY5nFrq2i1LNDt46daeafS
Lord Carrington says a diplomatic solution is being pursued.
31st March
Junta takes final decision to invade the Islands on 2 April;
Violent anti-government riots occur across Argentina;
British intelligence source warns that the Argentine fleet is at sea heading towards the Islands;
Chief of Navy Staff Admiral Sir Henry Leach advises a crisis meeting headed by Thatcher that Britain could and should send a task force if the islands are invaded;
Governor Rex Hunt is informed Britain believes Argentina is planning a submarine landing on the Islands as a means of increasing pressure over South Georgia;
Britain's US ambassador Sir Nicholas Henderson visits Haig in Washington and persuades him to take matters seriously;
Thatcher telegraphs American President Ronald Reagan asking him to warn the Argentines off;
Royal Marines commander Brigadier Julian Thompson is alerted to the crisis.
1st April
British submarine Splendid sails from Faslane;
UN Security Council meets at Britain's request and calls for restraint and avoidance of force;
Reagan warns Argentine junta leader General Galtieri not to take military action; View a copy of the Reagan's telegram
Governor Hunt is informed at 3.30pm FI time that Britain now believes a full invasion is planned and summons an immediate meeting of government heads of department;
At 7.15pm FI time Governor Hunt in a radio broadcast warns Islanders of the impending invasion and mobilises the Royal Marines and Falkland Islands Defence Force;
Admiral Leach orders ships on exercise in the Mediterranean to prepare to sail south.
SD.
27th March
Argentine missile boats Drummond and Granville sail south to join Bahia Paraiso.
28th March
Argentina restates its claim to the Falkland Islands and Dependencies, tells Britain there will be no negotiations on South Georgia, cancels leave for military and diplomatic personnel, sends stores and equipment to the naval bases of Puerto Belgrano and Comodoro Rivadavia, and begins overflights of Stanley;
5 Argentine warships are sighted near South Georgia;
Britain begins contingency planning for the sending of a task force to the Islands;
Carrington asks US Secretary of State Alexander Haig to intercede with the junta in an attempt to avoid military action.
29th March
Joint Intelligence Committee reports an invasion seems imminent.
Thatcher orders 3 nuclear submarines south to the Islands;
British submarine Spartan sails south to the Islands from Gibraltar;
Royal Fleet Auxiliary Fort Austin sails south to provide support for Endurance;
New Royal Marine detachment arrive Stanley aboard research ship John Biscoe.
30th March
Daily Telegraph reports that a nuclear submarine is sailing south;
James Callaghan informs Parliament that in 1977 in response to Argentine pressure Britain secretly sent a nuclear submarine and two warships to the South Atlantic;
Copies of these documents below.
https://1drv.ms/b/s!Ane9lOTY5nFrq2uM_ItxNU74_zW9
https://1drv.ms/b/s!Ane9lOTY5nFrq2lHEQMQ8evlcXGB
https://1drv.ms/b/s!Ane9lOTY5nFrq2qGohQnxIYk4dE9
https://1drv.ms/b/s!Ane9lOTY5nFrq2i1LNDt46daeafS
Lord Carrington says a diplomatic solution is being pursued.
31st March
Junta takes final decision to invade the Islands on 2 April;
Violent anti-government riots occur across Argentina;
British intelligence source warns that the Argentine fleet is at sea heading towards the Islands;
Chief of Navy Staff Admiral Sir Henry Leach advises a crisis meeting headed by Thatcher that Britain could and should send a task force if the islands are invaded;
Governor Rex Hunt is informed Britain believes Argentina is planning a submarine landing on the Islands as a means of increasing pressure over South Georgia;
Britain's US ambassador Sir Nicholas Henderson visits Haig in Washington and persuades him to take matters seriously;
Thatcher telegraphs American President Ronald Reagan asking him to warn the Argentines off;
Royal Marines commander Brigadier Julian Thompson is alerted to the crisis.
1st April
British submarine Splendid sails from Faslane;
UN Security Council meets at Britain's request and calls for restraint and avoidance of force;
Reagan warns Argentine junta leader General Galtieri not to take military action; View a copy of the Reagan's telegram
Governor Hunt is informed at 3.30pm FI time that Britain now believes a full invasion is planned and summons an immediate meeting of government heads of department;
At 7.15pm FI time Governor Hunt in a radio broadcast warns Islanders of the impending invasion and mobilises the Royal Marines and Falkland Islands Defence Force;
Admiral Leach orders ships on exercise in the Mediterranean to prepare to sail south.
SD.
I too was too young to really appreciate what was going on but my dad had only recently left the navy (submariner) so I remember him being very focused when the news was on. I read Sandy Woodward's "100 days" a few times over the years and it gives a great account of the events.
A good friend of mine lost her dad down there when his Harrier exploded shortly after take off from Hermes. RIP to him and all the other folks who went down.
A good friend of mine lost her dad down there when his Harrier exploded shortly after take off from Hermes. RIP to him and all the other folks who went down.
I'd heard that an old school mate was mixed up with the Falkland Islands...
now Cdr Simon Hargreaves OBE !
https://www.facebook.com/NavyWingsUK/posts/1862953...
and to think I used to play poker with him at lunchtimes, not sure I don't still owe him.
now Cdr Simon Hargreaves OBE !
https://www.facebook.com/NavyWingsUK/posts/1862953...
and to think I used to play poker with him at lunchtimes, not sure I don't still owe him.
Thanks SD, very interesting.
I too was in primary school at the time and I still remember talking about it with my mates and watching reports tv.
There was a brilliant program on tv a few years ago (BBC perhaps?) about Thatcher's response to the invasion starring, I think, Patrica Hodge as MT which I'm struggling to remember the name of. Worth watching again if I can remember the damn name of it!
I too was in primary school at the time and I still remember talking about it with my mates and watching reports tv.
There was a brilliant program on tv a few years ago (BBC perhaps?) about Thatcher's response to the invasion starring, I think, Patrica Hodge as MT which I'm struggling to remember the name of. Worth watching again if I can remember the damn name of it!
valiant said:
Thanks SD, very interesting.
I too was in primary school at the time and I still remember talking about it with my mates and watching reports tv.
There was a brilliant program on tv a few years ago (BBC perhaps?) about Thatcher's response to the invasion starring, I think, Patrica Hodge as MT which I'm struggling to remember the name of. Worth watching again if I can remember the damn name of it!
The Falklands Play - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwGV9ht1oyQ and also available on DVD.I too was in primary school at the time and I still remember talking about it with my mates and watching reports tv.
There was a brilliant program on tv a few years ago (BBC perhaps?) about Thatcher's response to the invasion starring, I think, Patrica Hodge as MT which I'm struggling to remember the name of. Worth watching again if I can remember the damn name of it!
The production of the play is an interesting story in itself - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Falklands_Play#P...
2nd April
At midnight Argentina puts Operation Rosario into action by bringing ships into position off the Islands;
Governor Hunt advises Islanders that Galtieri has rejected Reagan's intervention, and declares a State of Emergency at 3.25am;
Argentine special forces land at Mullet Creek at 4.30am, more troops land at York Bay at 5.30am, and by 6am are engaged in battle with the Royal Marines - 3 Argentines are killed;
The main Argentine landing force begins disembarking at Stanley at 8am, by which time the airstrip is cleared and the 25th Regiment flies in;
Governor Hunt orders the surrender at 9.15am - by now the whole town other than Government House is under Argentine control;
Galtieri hails the "recovery" of the Malvinas, saying Argentina had been left no option other than military action, while Carrington tells Parliament "Port Stanley is now occupied by Argentine military forces";
During the afternoon Governor Hunt (dressed in full regalia), other Foreign Office officials and the captured Royal Marines are forcibly evacuated by the Argentines to Montevideo;
Brigadier General Mario Menendez is appointed governor of 'Islas Malvinas' and Dependencies’;
Stanley renamed 'Puerto Argentino';
Argentines radio news of the surrender around Grytviken at 10.30am;
Royal Marines on South Georgia attack the Argentine forces at 12.30pm but after inflicting heavy damage surrender to a far-superior force at 2.30pm;
Britain orders Argentine diplomats out of the country;
Bank of England freezes Argentine assets in Britain;
Emergency cabinet meeting approves the sending of the task force to liberate the Islands;
MPs are recalled for a special Saturday sitting of the House of Commons (first since Suez);
9 navy ships on exercise in the Mediterranean sail south;
Britain's UN ambassador Sir Anthony Parsons puts a draft resolution to the Security Council condemning the hostilities and demanding immediate Argentine withdrawal from the Islands.
SD.
At midnight Argentina puts Operation Rosario into action by bringing ships into position off the Islands;
Governor Hunt advises Islanders that Galtieri has rejected Reagan's intervention, and declares a State of Emergency at 3.25am;
Argentine special forces land at Mullet Creek at 4.30am, more troops land at York Bay at 5.30am, and by 6am are engaged in battle with the Royal Marines - 3 Argentines are killed;
The main Argentine landing force begins disembarking at Stanley at 8am, by which time the airstrip is cleared and the 25th Regiment flies in;
Governor Hunt orders the surrender at 9.15am - by now the whole town other than Government House is under Argentine control;
Galtieri hails the "recovery" of the Malvinas, saying Argentina had been left no option other than military action, while Carrington tells Parliament "Port Stanley is now occupied by Argentine military forces";
During the afternoon Governor Hunt (dressed in full regalia), other Foreign Office officials and the captured Royal Marines are forcibly evacuated by the Argentines to Montevideo;
Brigadier General Mario Menendez is appointed governor of 'Islas Malvinas' and Dependencies’;
Stanley renamed 'Puerto Argentino';
Argentines radio news of the surrender around Grytviken at 10.30am;
Royal Marines on South Georgia attack the Argentine forces at 12.30pm but after inflicting heavy damage surrender to a far-superior force at 2.30pm;
Britain orders Argentine diplomats out of the country;
Bank of England freezes Argentine assets in Britain;
Emergency cabinet meeting approves the sending of the task force to liberate the Islands;
MPs are recalled for a special Saturday sitting of the House of Commons (first since Suez);
9 navy ships on exercise in the Mediterranean sail south;
Britain's UN ambassador Sir Anthony Parsons puts a draft resolution to the Security Council condemning the hostilities and demanding immediate Argentine withdrawal from the Islands.
SD.
I'm another who was in primary school at the time.
It was the first big news event that I can remember being gripped by; the first time I'd considered anything much other than my own little world of playing with friends, my immediate family, my first motorbike, etc.
I vividly recall the thoughts and feeling I had as a young child watching the news and seeing families waving off the ships full of men going to war, and knowing what that meant and how concerned I was on their behalf. I remember the war being the first thing on my mind when I woke each morning; reading/watching any news intently hoping for the safe return of the planes and ships, and the sadness when they didn't.
Thanks for starting the thread, SD.
It was the first big news event that I can remember being gripped by; the first time I'd considered anything much other than my own little world of playing with friends, my immediate family, my first motorbike, etc.
I vividly recall the thoughts and feeling I had as a young child watching the news and seeing families waving off the ships full of men going to war, and knowing what that meant and how concerned I was on their behalf. I remember the war being the first thing on my mind when I woke each morning; reading/watching any news intently hoping for the safe return of the planes and ships, and the sadness when they didn't.
Thanks for starting the thread, SD.
2 April (continued)
A little more detail from Operation Rosario.
Naval Party 8901: Two platoons (Minus a detachment at South Georgia), numbering 68 Royal Marines, are on the Falklands. 23 reservists muster up to help out. Operation Rosario, 5,000 Argentinian Marines and Soldiers, supported by weighty naval forces and armoured vehicles are facing them.
At 4:30 in the morning, 150 Buzo Tactico, Argentine Special Forces land. Argentine claims that they preferred to take the islands in a bloodless capture are subsequently shown to be false when it becomes known that they conducted an all-out assault on the Marines barracks at Moody Brook with devastating firepower to include machinguns, mortars and white phosphorous grenades.
By 06:15, the BT had moved to Government House, where Rex Hunt had remained and which was the primary focus of the British defence. In close fighting Captain Pedro Giachino becomes the first fatality of the Falklands War. Three Argentine commandos are taken prisoner.
At 06:30, the main landing occurs in Yorke Bay. A section of troops (About nine Marines), armed with rifles, a machinegun, and shoulder-fired weapons faced off 18 armoured personnel carriers, each carrying about twenty Argentinians. Marine Gibbs fires a 66mm LAW and stops an Amtrak. The anti-armour team of Marines Brown and Best score another hit on the same vehicles with an 84mm Carl Gustaf round. Nobody gets out of the Amtrak.
Another section, No 4, equally armed, rather optomistically radioed in from Navy Point: "We have three targets, what are the priorities to engage?"
"What are the targets?" asked Major Norman, the British CO.
"Target #1 is an aircraft carrier. Target #2 is a cruiser. Target #3 is..." At which point contact was lost.
By dawn, it's about 30 UK forces in Government House facing off some 600 Argentinians. The Marines were still game to fight, but the arrival of the Amtraks made the result a forgone conclusion: The armoured vehicles could just sit back and raze the building with heavy machinguns.
0925: Governor Hunt meets with Admiral Busser, and asks the Admiral to kindly leave. The Admiral politely declines, and points out that in addition to 2,800 troops already on the island, he has an additional 2000 on the ships. Governor Hunt surrenders. No British or Falklanders are wounded or killed.
The news reached London in the following Telex exchange (Copied verbatim, complete with typos)
LDN: HELLO THERE WHAT ARE ALL THESE RUMOURS WE HEAR THIS IS LDN
FK: WE HAVE LOTS OF NEW FRIENDS
LDN: WHAT ABOUT INVASION RUMOURS
FK: THOSE ARE THE FRIENDS I WAS MEANING
LDN: THEY HAVE LANDED ?
FK: ABSOLUTELY
LDN: ARE YOU OPEN FOR TRAFFIC IE NORMAL TELEX SERVICE
FK: NO ORDERS ON THAT YET ONE MUST OBEY ORDERS
LDN: WHOSE ORDERS
FK: THE NEW GOVERNORS
LDN: ARGENTINA ?
FK: YES
LDN: ARE THE ARGENTINIANS IN CONTROL
FK: YES YOU CANT ARGUE WIT H THOUSANDS OF TROOPS PLUS ENORMOUS NAVY SUPPORT WHEN YOU ARE ONLY 1800 STRONG
STAND BY PSE
Can't really imagine an invasion these days being quite so civilly reported...
Members of Naval Party 8901 are seen following the surrender.
SD.
A little more detail from Operation Rosario.
Naval Party 8901: Two platoons (Minus a detachment at South Georgia), numbering 68 Royal Marines, are on the Falklands. 23 reservists muster up to help out. Operation Rosario, 5,000 Argentinian Marines and Soldiers, supported by weighty naval forces and armoured vehicles are facing them.
At 4:30 in the morning, 150 Buzo Tactico, Argentine Special Forces land. Argentine claims that they preferred to take the islands in a bloodless capture are subsequently shown to be false when it becomes known that they conducted an all-out assault on the Marines barracks at Moody Brook with devastating firepower to include machinguns, mortars and white phosphorous grenades.
By 06:15, the BT had moved to Government House, where Rex Hunt had remained and which was the primary focus of the British defence. In close fighting Captain Pedro Giachino becomes the first fatality of the Falklands War. Three Argentine commandos are taken prisoner.
At 06:30, the main landing occurs in Yorke Bay. A section of troops (About nine Marines), armed with rifles, a machinegun, and shoulder-fired weapons faced off 18 armoured personnel carriers, each carrying about twenty Argentinians. Marine Gibbs fires a 66mm LAW and stops an Amtrak. The anti-armour team of Marines Brown and Best score another hit on the same vehicles with an 84mm Carl Gustaf round. Nobody gets out of the Amtrak.
Another section, No 4, equally armed, rather optomistically radioed in from Navy Point: "We have three targets, what are the priorities to engage?"
"What are the targets?" asked Major Norman, the British CO.
"Target #1 is an aircraft carrier. Target #2 is a cruiser. Target #3 is..." At which point contact was lost.
By dawn, it's about 30 UK forces in Government House facing off some 600 Argentinians. The Marines were still game to fight, but the arrival of the Amtraks made the result a forgone conclusion: The armoured vehicles could just sit back and raze the building with heavy machinguns.
0925: Governor Hunt meets with Admiral Busser, and asks the Admiral to kindly leave. The Admiral politely declines, and points out that in addition to 2,800 troops already on the island, he has an additional 2000 on the ships. Governor Hunt surrenders. No British or Falklanders are wounded or killed.
The news reached London in the following Telex exchange (Copied verbatim, complete with typos)
LDN: HELLO THERE WHAT ARE ALL THESE RUMOURS WE HEAR THIS IS LDN
FK: WE HAVE LOTS OF NEW FRIENDS
LDN: WHAT ABOUT INVASION RUMOURS
FK: THOSE ARE THE FRIENDS I WAS MEANING
LDN: THEY HAVE LANDED ?
FK: ABSOLUTELY
LDN: ARE YOU OPEN FOR TRAFFIC IE NORMAL TELEX SERVICE
FK: NO ORDERS ON THAT YET ONE MUST OBEY ORDERS
LDN: WHOSE ORDERS
FK: THE NEW GOVERNORS
LDN: ARGENTINA ?
FK: YES
LDN: ARE THE ARGENTINIANS IN CONTROL
FK: YES YOU CANT ARGUE WIT H THOUSANDS OF TROOPS PLUS ENORMOUS NAVY SUPPORT WHEN YOU ARE ONLY 1800 STRONG
STAND BY PSE
Can't really imagine an invasion these days being quite so civilly reported...
Members of Naval Party 8901 are seen following the surrender.
SD.
Edited by shed driver on Monday 3rd April 08:11
3rd April
UN Security Council passes Resolution 502 by 10 votes to 1 (with 4 abstentions) demanding immediate Argentine withdrawal from the Islands - Argentina refuses to comply;
Labour party leader Michael Foot backs the decision to send the task force;
Emergency session of House of Commons endorses the decision to send the task force but attacks the British Government for not foreseeing the Argentine attack; Read a transcript from the debate.
The first RAF elements of the task force deploy to Ascension Island;
Argentina reinforces its troops on South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands;
52 schoolchildren are evacuated from Stanley in a convoy of 18 landrovers.
Listen to Margaret Thatcher's commons speech and to John Nott's statement to the House of Commons.
SD.
UN Security Council passes Resolution 502 by 10 votes to 1 (with 4 abstentions) demanding immediate Argentine withdrawal from the Islands - Argentina refuses to comply;
Labour party leader Michael Foot backs the decision to send the task force;
Emergency session of House of Commons endorses the decision to send the task force but attacks the British Government for not foreseeing the Argentine attack; Read a transcript from the debate.
The first RAF elements of the task force deploy to Ascension Island;
Argentina reinforces its troops on South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands;
52 schoolchildren are evacuated from Stanley in a convoy of 18 landrovers.
Listen to Margaret Thatcher's commons speech and to John Nott's statement to the House of Commons.
SD.
I still have a Falklands scar
10 years old, in primary school, our woodwork/craft teacher (recently deceased Mr Hunt, a great teacher) was into model building
he announced we were each going to build a model of the Sheffield class destroyer, I built sister ship HMS Glasgow in honour of my birthplace(or an approximation thereof) and won a prize (a little pewter battleship from Mr Hunt's collection)
then trying to carve a Sea King out of balsa I dug a deep gouge into my thumb, scar remains to this day
the next day, Sheffield sank, so we scrapped plans to build the Ark Royal
10 years old, in primary school, our woodwork/craft teacher (recently deceased Mr Hunt, a great teacher) was into model building
he announced we were each going to build a model of the Sheffield class destroyer, I built sister ship HMS Glasgow in honour of my birthplace(or an approximation thereof) and won a prize (a little pewter battleship from Mr Hunt's collection)
then trying to carve a Sea King out of balsa I dug a deep gouge into my thumb, scar remains to this day
the next day, Sheffield sank, so we scrapped plans to build the Ark Royal
The Defence of Grytviken.
”The Story of Mills’ Maraurders”
Lieutenant Mills' brief from Captain Nick Barker of HMS Endurance was to put up a token defence. Lieutenant Mills disagreed strongly, and expressed his intent to "make their eyes water" instead.
An 'important message' was passed from the Bahia Paraiso to Lieutenant Keith Mills by VHF radio at 1030. It was an invitation to follow the Govenor and surrender. Lieutenant Mills repeated the message back to the Bahia Paraiso on high-frequency radio, ensuring that HMS Endurance was aware of what was going on (high-frequency radio could be intercepted over a much greater range than the low-powered VHF transmitter).
The Argentine corvette Guerrico, entered the cove and its Alouette helicopter made a reconnaissance flight over the Royal Marines. Lt Mills went down to the jetty, assuming that the corvette was going to send a boat with a demand for surrender. Lt Mills's hope to dissuade the Argentine commander from landing troops disappeared when a Puma arrived and disgorged a large number of marines near the jetty. Lt Mills withdrew to the defensive position before the Argentine marines opened fire.
When the Puma returned with a second load of marines, it was greeted by the defenders with accurate machine-gun and rifle fire. The damaged Puma crossed the cove and crash-landed on a small plateau above the steep shore opposite King Edward Point. The Alouette had also been hit and the pilot landed beside the Puma to examine his own damage and to give assistance. The Puma had been hit by at least thirty bullets and the marines aboard had suffered heavy casualties, with several dead and wounded.
One of the Alouette's crew along with the Puma's engineer set up a machine gun and opened fire on the Marines. The Alouette pilot returned to the Bahia Paraiso and began a shuttle to land more marines on the far side of the cove. At about this time a Wasp helicopter launched by the Endurance, piloted by Lt Cdr Tony Ellerbeck, arrived on the scene. The mission was to provide real-time information for the Endurance until she was close enough to launch her armed helicopter. Lt Cdr Ellerbeck landed behind a ridge overlooking Grytviken and watched the final stages of the battle. The Guerrico returned to King Edward Cove to join the attack and opened up with her 40mm anti-aircraft gun, closing to point-blank range. The Royal Marines were armed with a Carl Gustav (an 84 mm man-portable reusable anti-tank recoilless rifle) and a few 66mm anti-tank rocket launchers. Lt Mills waited until the Corvette was well inside the cove before he replied.
Marine D. Coombes fired the first Carl Gustav round, although it hit the water short of the ship it went on to explode under the waterline amidships. The upper decks were raked with small-arms and machine gun fire. The Corvette turned and made for open water, drew out of range and then attempted to engage with her 100mm gun, but the gun elevation gear had been damaged by '66's. After about twenty minutes all firing ceased. A virtual stalemate had been reached. Lt Mills rose from his position and walked towards the Argentine marines on the jetty and an officer came forward to negotiate. Having obtained a guarantee of good treatment, the Marines left their positions, laid down their weapons, defused explosives they had placed on the jetty and were taken off to the Bahia Paraiso. Lt Cdr Ellerbeck returned to the Endurance. RFA Appleleaf diverted to Gibraltar to refuel Task Force ships on their way south. Emergency Session of the House of Commons. Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher announces the despatch of the Task Force. The UN approves Resolution 502.
Lt. Keith Mills was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions. Read his Citation from the London Gazette.
SD.
”The Story of Mills’ Maraurders”
Lieutenant Mills' brief from Captain Nick Barker of HMS Endurance was to put up a token defence. Lieutenant Mills disagreed strongly, and expressed his intent to "make their eyes water" instead.
An 'important message' was passed from the Bahia Paraiso to Lieutenant Keith Mills by VHF radio at 1030. It was an invitation to follow the Govenor and surrender. Lieutenant Mills repeated the message back to the Bahia Paraiso on high-frequency radio, ensuring that HMS Endurance was aware of what was going on (high-frequency radio could be intercepted over a much greater range than the low-powered VHF transmitter).
The Argentine corvette Guerrico, entered the cove and its Alouette helicopter made a reconnaissance flight over the Royal Marines. Lt Mills went down to the jetty, assuming that the corvette was going to send a boat with a demand for surrender. Lt Mills's hope to dissuade the Argentine commander from landing troops disappeared when a Puma arrived and disgorged a large number of marines near the jetty. Lt Mills withdrew to the defensive position before the Argentine marines opened fire.
When the Puma returned with a second load of marines, it was greeted by the defenders with accurate machine-gun and rifle fire. The damaged Puma crossed the cove and crash-landed on a small plateau above the steep shore opposite King Edward Point. The Alouette had also been hit and the pilot landed beside the Puma to examine his own damage and to give assistance. The Puma had been hit by at least thirty bullets and the marines aboard had suffered heavy casualties, with several dead and wounded.
One of the Alouette's crew along with the Puma's engineer set up a machine gun and opened fire on the Marines. The Alouette pilot returned to the Bahia Paraiso and began a shuttle to land more marines on the far side of the cove. At about this time a Wasp helicopter launched by the Endurance, piloted by Lt Cdr Tony Ellerbeck, arrived on the scene. The mission was to provide real-time information for the Endurance until she was close enough to launch her armed helicopter. Lt Cdr Ellerbeck landed behind a ridge overlooking Grytviken and watched the final stages of the battle. The Guerrico returned to King Edward Cove to join the attack and opened up with her 40mm anti-aircraft gun, closing to point-blank range. The Royal Marines were armed with a Carl Gustav (an 84 mm man-portable reusable anti-tank recoilless rifle) and a few 66mm anti-tank rocket launchers. Lt Mills waited until the Corvette was well inside the cove before he replied.
Marine D. Coombes fired the first Carl Gustav round, although it hit the water short of the ship it went on to explode under the waterline amidships. The upper decks were raked with small-arms and machine gun fire. The Corvette turned and made for open water, drew out of range and then attempted to engage with her 100mm gun, but the gun elevation gear had been damaged by '66's. After about twenty minutes all firing ceased. A virtual stalemate had been reached. Lt Mills rose from his position and walked towards the Argentine marines on the jetty and an officer came forward to negotiate. Having obtained a guarantee of good treatment, the Marines left their positions, laid down their weapons, defused explosives they had placed on the jetty and were taken off to the Bahia Paraiso. Lt Cdr Ellerbeck returned to the Endurance. RFA Appleleaf diverted to Gibraltar to refuel Task Force ships on their way south. Emergency Session of the House of Commons. Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher announces the despatch of the Task Force. The UN approves Resolution 502.
Lt. Keith Mills was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions. Read his Citation from the London Gazette.
SD.
I was a 20 year old motorcycle courier when this happened.
We all wondered if we would be drafted.
There was talk of conscription to send people to Germany and Northern Ireland
so that full time soldiers could be released for duty in the Falklands.
Maybe it was just rumours.
I remember an old guy in a pub saying that if those 'Argies' didn't back off, we would just go and bomb Rio de Janeiro???
Don't you love the great British public.
We all wondered if we would be drafted.
There was talk of conscription to send people to Germany and Northern Ireland
so that full time soldiers could be released for duty in the Falklands.Maybe it was just rumours.
I remember an old guy in a pub saying that if those 'Argies' didn't back off, we would just go and bomb Rio de Janeiro???
Don't you love the great British public.
Thanks for the replies guys. I was a little older - 15 when it started, 16 when it finished. My father had been in the navy, and although out for 20 years I still wondered whether he would get called up!
As to whether it was worth it? That's another thread - there is a lot of political arguments in the timeline - Callaghan's documents from the South Thule incident in 1976, cost benefit analysis about upgrading the airport and whether sovereignty was a red line.
Later on there are first hand diaries from participants on both sides - keep watching.
SD.
As to whether it was worth it? That's another thread - there is a lot of political arguments in the timeline - Callaghan's documents from the South Thule incident in 1976, cost benefit analysis about upgrading the airport and whether sovereignty was a red line.
Later on there are first hand diaries from participants on both sides - keep watching.
SD.
A boss of mine from a couple of years ago was on Sheffield when it was hit. Engineer on duty and had the fire water pumps under his control that day. He never really spoke about it until one evening on a works pi$$ up when he told me all about what him and the other crew were up against that day!
I seem to remember that there was a very good letter circulating at the time that looked like it came from the MOD. It essentially said that the recipient was being called up for service. He would be an essential part of the special forces that were being infiltrated onto the islands to report on enemy troop activity and concentrations.
One was to report immediately to be fitted with a penguin suit...
One was to report immediately to be fitted with a penguin suit...
frg530 said:
A boss of mine from a couple of years ago was on Sheffield when it was hit. Engineer on duty and had the fire water pumps under his control that day. He never really spoke about it until one evening on a works pi$$ up when he told me all about what him and the other crew were up against that day!
One of my former colleagues was in the radio room as a radio operator.Gassing Station | The Lounge | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff