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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
4th April
British submarine Conqueror sails from Faslane;
Argentines occupy Goose Green and Darwin;
Lighthousekeeper and radio ham Reg Silvey makes radio contact with the UK and continues clandestine broadcasts throughout the occupation. Guardian Article about Reg Silvey.
3rd Battalion, the Parachute Regiment is also called up. Then the problem is in finding a way of getting everyone to where they need to be. Officially, the Royal Navy's two main transports were HMS Fearless, an assault ship (LPD - Landing Platform Dock), and Hermes, designated a helicopter/commando carrier. In practise, they realised very quickly that Hermes would be needed to carry fighters, and even after bringing HMS Intrepid (another LPD) back into commission, they'd need more transport. Enter the Great White Whale, Canberra, at that time cruising the Med with a load of schoolchildren aboard.
She is one of the STUFT.. Ships Taken Up From Trade, and mandatorily pressed into service as a troopship. Naval architects board her in Gibraltar, as her passengers disembark singing 'Rule Brittania.' During the trip home to the UK, they will draw up plans to refit her for a troop-carrying role, to include two helicopter pads.
France and Germany immediately put a block on arms sales to Argentina. Crucially, nobody in the French MoD or Foreign ministry thinks to tell the Aerospatiale engineers already in Argentina to stop working. Without any change of instructions, they continue to make sure that the Exocet missiles and Super Etendard fighters which had already arrived as an early part of the full shipment were functional. In the meantime, France gives the British all its classified specs on the missile to help defeat it.
A little more detail on the diplomacy behind UN Resolution 502 demanding (Not 'calling for', I guess they just don't write them like they used to any more) the immediate withdrawl of all Argentine forces. US, France, Ireland, Japan, Guyana, Zaire, Togo, Uganda and Jordan all voted with Britain, Panama went against.
Russia, China, Spain, Poland all abstained. Obtaining the required ten votes on such short notice is considered one of the UK's greatest examples of post-war diplomacy. Ultimately, Guyana was persuaded as it was a good precedent for Venezuela to pay attention to on the issue of land-grabbing. The UN President , who had been somewhat undermined by this whole thing was from Zaire, so the Zairean vote was sort of personal. France brought Togo into line at the UK's request, Uganda was a last-minute addition, mainly on the grounds of 'Argentinian Aggression.' Jordan had initially declared for Britain, then Amman instructed 'not to vote for any colonialist cause.' A personal telephone call from Maggie to King Hussein made the difference. The Argentine ambassador focused on the Soviets to use their veto, but Soviet policy was not to use the veto on anything not directed specifically at their interests. The wording of the resolution also permitted the British under Article 51, to go to the Falklands 'Guns blazing.'
Article 51
Nothing in the present Charter shall impair the inherent right of individual or collective self-defence if an armed attack occurs against a Member of the United Nations, until the Security Council has taken measures necessary to maintain international peace and security. Measures taken by Members in the exercise of this right of self-defence shall be immediately reported to the Security Council and shall not in any way affect the authority and responsibility of the Security Council under the present Charter to take at any time such action as it deems necessary in order to maintain or restore international peace and security.
However, everyone thought it would be resolved before it got to that point.
SD.
British submarine Conqueror sails from Faslane;
Argentines occupy Goose Green and Darwin;
Lighthousekeeper and radio ham Reg Silvey makes radio contact with the UK and continues clandestine broadcasts throughout the occupation. Guardian Article about Reg Silvey.
3rd Battalion, the Parachute Regiment is also called up. Then the problem is in finding a way of getting everyone to where they need to be. Officially, the Royal Navy's two main transports were HMS Fearless, an assault ship (LPD - Landing Platform Dock), and Hermes, designated a helicopter/commando carrier. In practise, they realised very quickly that Hermes would be needed to carry fighters, and even after bringing HMS Intrepid (another LPD) back into commission, they'd need more transport. Enter the Great White Whale, Canberra, at that time cruising the Med with a load of schoolchildren aboard.
She is one of the STUFT.. Ships Taken Up From Trade, and mandatorily pressed into service as a troopship. Naval architects board her in Gibraltar, as her passengers disembark singing 'Rule Brittania.' During the trip home to the UK, they will draw up plans to refit her for a troop-carrying role, to include two helicopter pads.
France and Germany immediately put a block on arms sales to Argentina. Crucially, nobody in the French MoD or Foreign ministry thinks to tell the Aerospatiale engineers already in Argentina to stop working. Without any change of instructions, they continue to make sure that the Exocet missiles and Super Etendard fighters which had already arrived as an early part of the full shipment were functional. In the meantime, France gives the British all its classified specs on the missile to help defeat it.
A little more detail on the diplomacy behind UN Resolution 502 demanding (Not 'calling for', I guess they just don't write them like they used to any more) the immediate withdrawl of all Argentine forces. US, France, Ireland, Japan, Guyana, Zaire, Togo, Uganda and Jordan all voted with Britain, Panama went against.
Russia, China, Spain, Poland all abstained. Obtaining the required ten votes on such short notice is considered one of the UK's greatest examples of post-war diplomacy. Ultimately, Guyana was persuaded as it was a good precedent for Venezuela to pay attention to on the issue of land-grabbing. The UN President , who had been somewhat undermined by this whole thing was from Zaire, so the Zairean vote was sort of personal. France brought Togo into line at the UK's request, Uganda was a last-minute addition, mainly on the grounds of 'Argentinian Aggression.' Jordan had initially declared for Britain, then Amman instructed 'not to vote for any colonialist cause.' A personal telephone call from Maggie to King Hussein made the difference. The Argentine ambassador focused on the Soviets to use their veto, but Soviet policy was not to use the veto on anything not directed specifically at their interests. The wording of the resolution also permitted the British under Article 51, to go to the Falklands 'Guns blazing.'
Article 51
Nothing in the present Charter shall impair the inherent right of individual or collective self-defence if an armed attack occurs against a Member of the United Nations, until the Security Council has taken measures necessary to maintain international peace and security. Measures taken by Members in the exercise of this right of self-defence shall be immediately reported to the Security Council and shall not in any way affect the authority and responsibility of the Security Council under the present Charter to take at any time such action as it deems necessary in order to maintain or restore international peace and security.
However, everyone thought it would be resolved before it got to that point.
SD.
5th April
The aircraft carriers HMS Hermes and Invincible leave Portsmouth, loaded up with almost every available aircraft the Fleet Air Arm has to send. A 30-man team from Invincible had spend 20 hours loading a single item of cargo: 180,000 eggs!
The night before, a BBC Radio reporter had made a casual enquiry about morale of an engine rating, receiving the reply "All right, I guess. It all depends on if we get a run ashore tonight. The ship's in a bit of a mess though. Her main boilers were in pieces until four days ago."
HMS Conqueror leaves Faslane, Scotland.
HMS Invincible also carried HRH Prince Andrew, who had just graduated helicopter school. The Royal Australian Navy is informed that their purchase of Invincible to become HMAS Australia is on indefinite hold, as perhaps the British might have a use for her after all. This sounded the death knell to Australian Naval Aviation, as Australia was to be the replacement for HMAS Melbourne.
Carrington resigns and is replaced as Foreign Secretary by Francis Pym; Read the resignation letters.
Junior Foreign Office Ministers Richard Luce and Humphrey Atkins resign.
A sister ship to RFA Tidespring was half-way to Chile, being transferred to that country's navy. They are instructed to turn around and come back.
Secretary of State for Defence John Nott sees his military restructuring plan in complete tatters as a lot of the ships scheduled for deletion suddenly seem rather useful.
750 trucks a day went to Southhampton, carrying cargo. The RAF sends flights to Wideawake Airfield, on Ascension Island, about half-way to the Falklands. It's British territory, leased to the US, which had build a moderately large air base on the island. They carry air traffic controllers, and other related equipment.
SD.
The aircraft carriers HMS Hermes and Invincible leave Portsmouth, loaded up with almost every available aircraft the Fleet Air Arm has to send. A 30-man team from Invincible had spend 20 hours loading a single item of cargo: 180,000 eggs!
The night before, a BBC Radio reporter had made a casual enquiry about morale of an engine rating, receiving the reply "All right, I guess. It all depends on if we get a run ashore tonight. The ship's in a bit of a mess though. Her main boilers were in pieces until four days ago."
HMS Conqueror leaves Faslane, Scotland.
HMS Invincible also carried HRH Prince Andrew, who had just graduated helicopter school. The Royal Australian Navy is informed that their purchase of Invincible to become HMAS Australia is on indefinite hold, as perhaps the British might have a use for her after all. This sounded the death knell to Australian Naval Aviation, as Australia was to be the replacement for HMAS Melbourne.
Carrington resigns and is replaced as Foreign Secretary by Francis Pym; Read the resignation letters.
Junior Foreign Office Ministers Richard Luce and Humphrey Atkins resign.
A sister ship to RFA Tidespring was half-way to Chile, being transferred to that country's navy. They are instructed to turn around and come back.
Secretary of State for Defence John Nott sees his military restructuring plan in complete tatters as a lot of the ships scheduled for deletion suddenly seem rather useful.
750 trucks a day went to Southhampton, carrying cargo. The RAF sends flights to Wideawake Airfield, on Ascension Island, about half-way to the Falklands. It's British territory, leased to the US, which had build a moderately large air base on the island. They carry air traffic controllers, and other related equipment.
SD.
mfmman said:
shed driver said:
[Enter the Great White Whale, Canberra, at that time cruising the Med with a load of schoolchildren aboard.
She is one of the STUFT.. Ships Taken Up From Trade, and mandatorily pressed into service as a troopship. Naval architects board her in Gibraltar, as her passengers disembark singing 'Rule Brittania.'
Just a minor query on a excellent threadShe is one of the STUFT.. Ships Taken Up From Trade, and mandatorily pressed into service as a troopship. Naval architects board her in Gibraltar, as her passengers disembark singing 'Rule Brittania.'
Wasn't SS Uganda the ship carrying the patriotic school kids?
IIRC it was being used for educational cruises when requisitioned, a party from my school was due to go but the trip was cancelled and they were never re-arranged
SD.
6th April
The 13,000 ton assault ship HMS Fearless sailed from Portsmouth on April 6 after feverish preparations to embark Commodore Michael Clapp (flying his broad pennant as Commodore Amphibious Warfare) and his staff and to load elements of 3 Commando Brigade, including the headquarters of Brigadier Julian Thompson. These elements included 3 Seaking and 3 Scout helicopters of 846 Naval Air Squadron and 3 Commando Brigade.
Landing ships Sir Galahad, Sir Geraint leave Plymouth. Sir Tristram leaves Canada. HMS Antelope (Type 21 frigate) leaves Devonport.
Still relative silence from Argentina and the US.
Over the next few days there is very little happening other than naval movements and the start of Alexander Haig's frantic "shuttle diplomacy." I'll add these in as they occur, there may however be a few days when I omitted very minor details. If anyone has any recollections then please do chip in.
I'll try to keep up with everything but checking hundreds of links and converting videos from .flv to a more current web friendly format is taking a bit of time.
The original project was for a naval webpage, sadly no longer maintained, and the slant was towards the RN and RM, If anyone has any information about the army and RAF at the time it would be immensely helpful.
SD.
The 13,000 ton assault ship HMS Fearless sailed from Portsmouth on April 6 after feverish preparations to embark Commodore Michael Clapp (flying his broad pennant as Commodore Amphibious Warfare) and his staff and to load elements of 3 Commando Brigade, including the headquarters of Brigadier Julian Thompson. These elements included 3 Seaking and 3 Scout helicopters of 846 Naval Air Squadron and 3 Commando Brigade.
Landing ships Sir Galahad, Sir Geraint leave Plymouth. Sir Tristram leaves Canada. HMS Antelope (Type 21 frigate) leaves Devonport.
Still relative silence from Argentina and the US.
Over the next few days there is very little happening other than naval movements and the start of Alexander Haig's frantic "shuttle diplomacy." I'll add these in as they occur, there may however be a few days when I omitted very minor details. If anyone has any recollections then please do chip in.
I'll try to keep up with everything but checking hundreds of links and converting videos from .flv to a more current web friendly format is taking a bit of time.
The original project was for a naval webpage, sadly no longer maintained, and the slant was towards the RN and RM, If anyone has any information about the army and RAF at the time it would be immensely helpful.
SD.
Starfighter said:
I was a young teen and I have 2 recollections of the build up to the war.
The first was the ear full from my mum because she had seen the Royal Navy recruiting booklets etc that my dad had given to me a few weeks before when I said I wanted to join.
The second was standing on York stating on platform when the military mobilisation announcement was made - All ranks from the following military units are to report immediately for active service. HMS... and the list just went on and on then came the army and a much smaller list of RAF squadrons. As I walked out ther was a notice bing pinned to the wall All ranks 5 Commando Brigade. Report immediately to depot. It started to feel quite real.
Fantastic memories Starfighter - one of those ephemeral episodes that adds colour to those hundred days.The first was the ear full from my mum because she had seen the Royal Navy recruiting booklets etc that my dad had given to me a few weeks before when I said I wanted to join.
The second was standing on York stating on platform when the military mobilisation announcement was made - All ranks from the following military units are to report immediately for active service. HMS... and the list just went on and on then came the army and a much smaller list of RAF squadrons. As I walked out ther was a notice bing pinned to the wall All ranks 5 Commando Brigade. Report immediately to depot. It started to feel quite real.
A story that I received, and sadly I have lost all the references to it concerned a junior sub lieutenant on a very lonely watch receiving the signal "Store for War." Not knowing what to do, he sheepishly woke the captain and he said that he had never seen that signal either.
It turns out that quatermasters (of any arm of the service) are a little like the Scots - only with all the generosity squeezed out of them, but on this occasion it was different. Rather than the usual "Stores are for storing - not issuing" it seems that their largesse knew no bounds.
If I can find the dit I will post it up, or if anyone can remember the incident please let me know.
SD.
7th April
President Reagan approves the Haig peace mission. Possibly with one eye on his political future if he can pull it off, Secretary of State Alexander Haig hops in his 707 with Eagleburger and Enders, flying to London, starting his run of Shuttle Diplomacy. Enders believed that for the US to abandon a South American friend, when so many countries down there were on the brink of Marxism, simply for the sake of a bunch of semi-inhabited desolate islands was lunacy. Eagleberger was more of the opinion that standing by a NATO ally was of primary importance. Haig's mission was supported by Argentina, but Thatcher was less enamoured, and agreed to see him only on the understanding that Resolution 502 be honoured.
(Lawrence Eagleburger was Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs.Thomas Enders was Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs.)
UK announces a 200 mile Total Exclusion Zone around the islands, effective the following Monday. (Which is when they estimated HMS Spartan, a nuclear attack submarine, would arrive in the area).
The P&O Cruise Liner Canberra is requisitioned at Southampton upon her return from a world cruise;
Britain freezes $1.4 billion in Argentine assets held in British banks.
SD.
President Reagan approves the Haig peace mission. Possibly with one eye on his political future if he can pull it off, Secretary of State Alexander Haig hops in his 707 with Eagleburger and Enders, flying to London, starting his run of Shuttle Diplomacy. Enders believed that for the US to abandon a South American friend, when so many countries down there were on the brink of Marxism, simply for the sake of a bunch of semi-inhabited desolate islands was lunacy. Eagleberger was more of the opinion that standing by a NATO ally was of primary importance. Haig's mission was supported by Argentina, but Thatcher was less enamoured, and agreed to see him only on the understanding that Resolution 502 be honoured.
(Lawrence Eagleburger was Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs.Thomas Enders was Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs.)
UK announces a 200 mile Total Exclusion Zone around the islands, effective the following Monday. (Which is when they estimated HMS Spartan, a nuclear attack submarine, would arrive in the area).
The P&O Cruise Liner Canberra is requisitioned at Southampton upon her return from a world cruise;
Britain freezes $1.4 billion in Argentine assets held in British banks.
SD.
8th April
Douglas Haig and his team arrive in London.
Haig has his first meetings with the British. He had three themes
- Military withdrawal by both sides
- an interim administration,
and - a long-term settlement.
British sources are 'worried' by an apparent lack of understanding of the essence of the British position. Ultimately, he is informed that the UK would return to the negotiating table when Argentina honoured Resolution 502. Haig leaves for Argentina.
LT Col Vaux, commanding 42 Commando, holds a parade, and gives the command "To the South Atlantic, quick - march!" The unit proceeds to Southampton, where Canberra is waiting.
One company does not take part in this parade, and is kept in isolation at the gym. There are other plans for Major Guy Sheridan's 110 men.
America’s Embassy in Buenos Aires, telegrams the US Embassy in London; “Under Secretary Ros called me in this morning to discuss arrangements for the Secretary’s visit. He complained about the harsh statements coming out of London .. He emphasized that the Foreign Ministry wants and has always wanted a negotiated solution. The problem is that Ros and Costa Mendez do not speak for the navy. We are getting ultra-tough sounds out of that quarter, including statements that the Secretary (Haig) should not come here … feelings are running high in the navy. One bitter complaint is that the commandos failed to have complete surprise and thus took casualties .. because we had given the British advance intelligence obtained by ‘satellite’.”
SD.
ps - note to mods. What's the best way of embedding video in these posts? Should I upload to youtube and link from there?
Douglas Haig and his team arrive in London.
Haig has his first meetings with the British. He had three themes
- Military withdrawal by both sides
- an interim administration,
and - a long-term settlement.
British sources are 'worried' by an apparent lack of understanding of the essence of the British position. Ultimately, he is informed that the UK would return to the negotiating table when Argentina honoured Resolution 502. Haig leaves for Argentina.
LT Col Vaux, commanding 42 Commando, holds a parade, and gives the command "To the South Atlantic, quick - march!" The unit proceeds to Southampton, where Canberra is waiting.
One company does not take part in this parade, and is kept in isolation at the gym. There are other plans for Major Guy Sheridan's 110 men.
America’s Embassy in Buenos Aires, telegrams the US Embassy in London; “Under Secretary Ros called me in this morning to discuss arrangements for the Secretary’s visit. He complained about the harsh statements coming out of London .. He emphasized that the Foreign Ministry wants and has always wanted a negotiated solution. The problem is that Ros and Costa Mendez do not speak for the navy. We are getting ultra-tough sounds out of that quarter, including statements that the Secretary (Haig) should not come here … feelings are running high in the navy. One bitter complaint is that the commandos failed to have complete surprise and thus took casualties .. because we had given the British advance intelligence obtained by ‘satellite’.”
SD.
ps - note to mods. What's the best way of embedding video in these posts? Should I upload to youtube and link from there?
Edited by shed driver on Saturday 8th April 13:00
Adam B said:
thank you, glad it wasn't my failing memory or some latent Francophobia
Nothing wrong with a bit of latent Francophobia 
9th April
3 Commando Brigade sail from Southampton aboard SS Canberra.
European Economic Community approve economic sanctions against Argentina (Ireland and Italy veto).
Alexander Haig contacts President Reagan with his view on the previous day’s negotiations. President Reagan gives his reply. Read Jim Rentschler's views sent to Robert 'Bud' McFarlane.
In Brazil, the Jornal do Brasil announces;
Jornal do Brasil said:
“We are on the edge of a confrontation. The fact that a powerful fleet was ready to sail after only 5 days preparation when the normal time for an operation of such scope is usually much greater, is a clear indication of English intentions. … It is important, however, not to lose sight of the fact that there took place a violent action – and that any possibility of a successful outcome to any negotiations depends on the fact that acceptable satisfaction is given to the country that suffered the action – in this case England…. The possibility that Argentina could invoke, in its defence, the Rio Treaty, is fading away: and this means simply that Argentina cannot make use of the natural instrument for the defence of countries of the continent. And it cannot, because it was, in this case, the aggressor. ..”
(Jim Rentschler was the NSC official responsible for European matters, who handled the Falklands for the White House throughout the crisis. McFarlane was assistant to Alexander Haig.)SD.
10 th April
Haig arrives in Buenos Aires, and holds a meeting with the Junta. The mob outside is vocal and in a patriotic fervour. Haig finds General Galtieri marginally more rational than the mob, and is completely unable to convince the latter that yes, the British are serious, and no, they're not bluffing. Galtieri consumes much whisky during the meetings, to the American’s alarm.
Haig left with the impression that perhaps the Argentinians would accept a simultaneous military withdrawal as long as some sign of the island's altered status was left in place, such as the Argentine flag, even if they acknowledged that the UK would not concede sovereignty in advance of negotiations. Some form of interim administration while negotiations went ahead could be acceptable.
EEC sanctions against Argentina come into effect (against the wishes of Italy and Ireland).
M Company, 42 commando (Major Sheridan's mob), and a detachment of Special Forces, fly from Brize-Norton to Ascension, where they then are transferred to HMS Antrim and RFA Tidespring which had sped on ahead of the rest of the ships.
SD.
Haig arrives in Buenos Aires, and holds a meeting with the Junta. The mob outside is vocal and in a patriotic fervour. Haig finds General Galtieri marginally more rational than the mob, and is completely unable to convince the latter that yes, the British are serious, and no, they're not bluffing. Galtieri consumes much whisky during the meetings, to the American’s alarm.
Haig left with the impression that perhaps the Argentinians would accept a simultaneous military withdrawal as long as some sign of the island's altered status was left in place, such as the Argentine flag, even if they acknowledged that the UK would not concede sovereignty in advance of negotiations. Some form of interim administration while negotiations went ahead could be acceptable.
EEC sanctions against Argentina come into effect (against the wishes of Italy and Ireland).
M Company, 42 commando (Major Sheridan's mob), and a detachment of Special Forces, fly from Brize-Norton to Ascension, where they then are transferred to HMS Antrim and RFA Tidespring which had sped on ahead of the rest of the ships.
SD.
Adam B said:
shed driver said:
EEC sanctions against Argentina come into effect (against the wishes of Italy and Ireland).
what was their issue?Source - Martin, L. (1992). Institutions and Cooperation: Sanctions during the Falkland Islands Conflict.International Security Vol 16, Issue 4 (Spring 1992) pp 143-178.
SD.
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