

A student's guide to the Falklands War of 1982

including a personal reflection by the author

By

Tony Yarwood

Someone who was there

South Atlantic Medal and Rosette

The ribbon of the campaign medal awarded to all those who

took part bears a rosette only if the recipient entered the

combat zone
Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2014 Tony Yarwood

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Table of contents

Acknowledgements

Authors note

Preface

# 1. Useful information reference the Falkland Islands

2. Port Stanley attractions

3. British & Argentine hierarchy pertaining to Operation Corporate/Rosario

4. British land forces committed to the Falkland's War & weapons used

5. British casualties including foreign nationals in support

6. Ships, captains/masters & aircraft of the British task force including losses & damages

7. Argentine units, casualties of Operation Rosario & weapons used

8. Argentine ships & aircraft on Operation Rosario

9. Equipment & clothing used by the British

10. Locals held hostage by Argentine forces in the community centre at Goose Green 1st May to 29th May 1982

11. British awards and medals

12. Britain's Roll of Honour

13. A personal reflection by the author of his role in 1982 with 2 Para

14. Would I like to return?

15. The after effects of War - PTSD & suicides
 Acknowledgements

My mum and late dad for their understanding and continual love and support. To my son Anthony and daughters Natalie and Danielle for being there when I needed them. My sister Susan (an absolute rock) and Michelle. My brothers 'Face' and Lionel for being my brothers in arms and my wife and love Sue for putting up with me for all these years xx. Not forgetting my two Grandchildren Jessica and Tommy pictured below and the two new additions arriving shortly. My little friend Tigger must get a mention. Last but not least my best friend Steve who is no longer with us.

To all the brave families who were held prisoner in the community centre at Goose Green and all the servicemen and women including civilians and crewman from various nations who supported Britain during the war and not forgetting those who paid the ultimate price. To all those who served during the war and those who know me.

Many thanks to Wikipedia Info & honour regained for their input through those who have been there and done it. The Falkland Islands visitor guide.

My Grandchildren Jessica & Tommy

Sources

The material/photos in this book were compiled from hundreds of sources and have attributed the origin where I can, and where I have not I tried unsuccessfully and can only apologise in advance.

Connotation

Soldier means all service personnel from all three services including females and reserves and stretcher bearer means all those service personnel who carried out this role during the Falkland's War from any unit or service. (he) covers all female service personnel for ease and does not in any way intend to cause harm or upset.

Authors note

In early 1982, General and Acting President Leopoldo Fortunato Castelli Galtieri, the head of Argentina's ruling military junta from December 1981 to June 1982 authorized the invasion of the British Falkland Islands. The operation was designed to draw attention away from their grim human rights record and failing economic policies at home by bolstering national pride and giving optimism to the nation's long-held but disputed claim on the islands that have lingered on since 1816. Argentina remained on the island until 1831 when they were removed unceremoniously by the Americans on board the US Corvette Lexington in retaliation to Louis Vernet who had earlier seized some US sealing schooners. The British and American Consuls in Buenos Aires disputed this as they had a right to explore the natural resources on the islands Vernet a controversial figure where the Falklands are concerned was born in Hamburg, Germany but later claimed a French birthplace. He was known as the military and civil commander of the Falkland Islands and the islands adjacent to Cape Horn and was appointed by the Government of Buenos Aires. The US then declared the island "free of Government." Britain took possession from Argentina in 1833 and declared colonial administration meaning the Argentines had a total occupancy of seventeen years on the island since there independence in 1816, yet they still claim that the islands belong to them. The islands have a complex history stretching over five hundred years; whereby the British, Portuguese, Dutch, French and Spanish settled on them at one point or other and the truth about who precisely got there first will probably never be known. The Spanish named the islands Las Malvinas and they never renounced their claim in favour of Argentina.

An incident occurred between the British and Argentine forces on nearby South Georgia Island, a remote UK colony in the South Atlantic Ocean on April 2 1982 where a small garrison of Royal Marines fought bravely with the Argentines but eventually resisted being heavily outnumbered after a short fire fight. The Argentines quickly advanced and eventually captured the capital at Port Stanley by April 4th. This aggressive move was followed by a brief but bitter war between Argentine and the UK.

Galtieri's military junta hoped to restore its support at a time of economic crisis, by reclaiming sovereignty of the islands. It said it had inherited them from Spain in the 1820s. The UK, which has ruled the islands for over 180 years, (up to now) quickly, chose to fight and Prime Minister the late Baroness Margaret Thatcher said the 1,800 Falklander's were "of British tradition and stock". A task force was rapidly assembled and sent over 8,000 miles away by sea to reclaim the islands. In the fighting that followed, 655 Argentine and 255 British servicemen lost their lives, as did three Falkland Islanders. This book gives a very brief account of the history of the Falkland Islands by someone who fought in 1982 to ensure that the islands remain British for eternity and who helped push an aggressive and desperate dictator from these unique little islands back to his troubled and chaotic country. The Argentines have tried every dirty trick in the book to highlight that the Islas Malvinas known to the UK as the Falkland Islands belongs to them. They even tried to promote their cause during the 2014 football world cup in Brazil by having the football team hold a large banner stating that the Islands belong to Argentine. I must admit some players did not look like they were supporting this silly demonstration. They have tried many unethical media oriented stunts to get their point across and failed. They also tried a dirty trick tactic at the London Olympics Surely the hint that no one is interested in their desperate attempts to take the islands over has not sunken in yet. They tried, they failed, and nothing is going to change so why don't they take notice of the recent referendum in 2013 that was overseen by international observers whereby the Falkland Islanders voted to determine their future? 99.8% of those who voted voted an overwhelming 'YES' to maintaining current political status as a British overseas territory. Say no more.

In Argentina the defeat of 1982 led to the removal of Galtieri three days after the fall of Port Stanley. His downfall spelled the end for the military junta that had been unceremoniously ruling the country and paved the way for the restoration of democracy. For Britain, the victory provided a much-needed boost to its national confidence, reaffirmed its international position and assured victory for the late Baroness Thatcher Government in the 1983 elections.

Galtieri died 12 January 2003 aged 76 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The Argentines should cease their hostilities and dirty tricks tactics and thank Britain for bringing stability to their country that was ruled by a dictator who was feared by most through his harsh human rights regime and torture methods and whose failing economic policies were renown around the world.

It appears that the present Argentine President and former presidents have tried and failed to unsettle what is quite clearly a British colony. One would assume that this persistence or sabre-rattling is really aimed at point scoring for their Government and certainly has a more political swing to it now that gas and oil companies are exploring around the North of the Falklands.

This is a drawing that my five year old son drew for me about

the Falklands War
Preface

The Falkland Islands are a group of many islands in the South Atlantic Ocean on the Patagonian shelf. East and West Falklands, the two largest islands are separated by the Falkland Sound with scores of smaller islands scattered around the two landmasses. Booth are over eight thousand miles away from the United Kingdom and around four hundred miles from mainland Argentina. It is said that English navigator Sea Captain John Davies on board Desire first discovered the islands in 1592. The first recorded claim to the islands was on 2nd February by Richard Hawkins for Queen Elizabeth 1 in 1594. The first recorded landing was in 1690 by British Captain John Strong RN in his ship 'Welfare' who named the sound between the two islands, "Falkland," in honour of the First lord of the Admiralty, Anthony Cary, who held the title Viscount of Falkland. Spain and Britain co-existed on the islands up until 1774. The British colony was then abandoned voluntarily and the islands then became a harbour for fishing and livestock with an undisputed political status until around 1820. In 1823 since the islands had no permanent inhabitants Buenos Aires granted German born Louis Vernet permission to control fishing activities and in 1829 gave him the title military and civil commander of the islands. In 1831 the inhabitants were removed unceremoniously by the Americans on board US Corvette Lexington in retaliation to Louis Vernet who had earlier seized some US sealing schooners. The British and American consuls in Buenos Aires disputed this as they had a right to explore the natural resources on the islands. Vernet a controversial figure where the Falklands were concerned was born in Hamburg but later claimed a French birthplace. The US then declared the islands 'Free of Government,' Britain took possession from Argentina in 1833 when two Royal Navy warships HMS Clio and Tyne under the command of Captain JJ Onslow replaced the Argentine flag with a British flag and forced them to leave declaring a colonial administration. The islands have a complex history stretching over five hundred years, whereby the British, Portuguese, Dutch, French and Spanish settled there at one point or other. The truth about who precisely got there first will probably never be known. One thing is clear the Spanish named the islands Las Malvinas and they never renounced its claim in favour of Argentina. Port Stanley became the capital of the islands when Governor Moody moved the administration from Port Louis. The capital was named after the colonial secretary of the day Edward Geoffrey Smith 14th Earl of Derby. Government House was then built in 1845 and the first British Governor was in place, enabling the islands to become a crown colony and Stanley became the Capital. The islands are now independent in every way except for the defence and foreign affairs. Supreme authority is vested in the Queen and exercised locally on her behalf by the Governor with the assistance of a legislative and executive council. The islands with an area of four thousand, seven hundred square miles have a population of around three thousand; and Stanley the capital is twinned with Whitby in the United Kingdom. 2.5 million acres of land are farmed with half a million sheep and five thousand cattle grazing. The economy, which once relied solely on the sale of wool, is now thriving through rural development, fisheries, agriculture and tourism. Education is free, and students who want further education can attend university in the United Kingdom paid for by their government.

The world's largest cruise ships visit here to see the unspoilt spectacular landscape that offers something different both in terms of flora and fauna and the natural beauty. The deep waters of the South Atlantic Ocean are rich in marine life including sea lions, whales, porpoises and dolphins. The wildlife, which also includes various species of penguins, sixty different breeding birds and eighty per cent of the world's breeding population of Black Browned Albatross, brings admirers from around the globe. It has not always been so. In 1975 the economy in the Falklands was in decline and in need of a kick-start. The then Foreign Secretary James Callaghan assembled a team under Lord Shackleton (son of Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton) to conduct an economic survey of the islands that became known as the Shackleton report. The first report in 1977, which confirmed the stagnation and degeneration of the economy, was largely ignored at that time. Ironically it was after the war in 1982 that Lord Shackleton updated his report which was commissioned by Margaret Thatcher and it was his recommendations that began the economic expansion that has taken place since. The late US President, Ronald Reagan, called the Falklands, "a little ice-cold bunch of land down there." It is said that that Sir Ernest Shackleton stayed at Government House during his famous expedition and described the weather there as far colder than at any time on the ice. The Argentinians continue to lay claim to the islands to this day and illegally and aggressively invaded the islands in 1982.

The British Government reacted by sending one hundred and thirteen ships (forty five were merchant vessels taken up from trade including their masters and senior officers), over ninety five aircraft and twenty eight thousand service personnel that included over nine thousand ground troops. Militarily the war was the largest air-naval combat operation between modern forces since the end of the Second World War. I took part in the liberation of the Falkland Islands with my unit the Second Battalion the Parachute Regiment whose commanding officer, Lt Colonel H Jones, was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for his action at Darwin Hill and Goose Green. I had the distinctive honour of carrying him from the battlefield as part of a stretcher team. Do I think it was worth it? I certainly do and knowing that the islands economy is thriving now and getting better makes it all the more rewarding. The population is growing, three thousand and rising; this is great news.

The 30th anniversary of the Falklands War was a time to remember the achievements of 1982 and recognise the service given and the sacrifices made by both countries that took part. We veterans are proud of what we achieved in 74 ferocious days. I say ferocious because in such a short war the casualties were vast in human life and wounded from both sides. Not forgetting that the British had seven ships sunk with thirteen seriously damaged, nine aircraft were destroyed (not in air combat) and thirty-four lost in total. The Argentines lost nine ships and around one hundred aircraft. We must never forget those who fought and died for their country and although thirty plus years appears a long time, it has not been easy living with such memories for the many who took part from both sides who are still suffering in silence today.

So the war for the Falklands is over but the battle over its legitimate claims of sovereignty annoyingly remains ongoing. Seven million rounds of ammunition littered the muddy streets and rugged terrain with the hidden danger of an estimated twelve thousand mines, booby traps and unexploded missiles. Over ten thousand pieces of military equipment including rifles, pistols, bombs, swords, bayonets, rocket launchers, armoured vehicles, land rovers, trucks and artillery lay scattered across the islands. This evidence refuting the Argentine propaganda claims that their troops were ill-equipped. It was now a rebuilding and supporting effort by the British Government to re-establish the gradual growth and economic turnaround making sure these unique islands are secure from future threats by establishing a strong garrison and airfield. Mount Pleasant Airport and complex is a Royal Air Force Station and goes by the motto of 'Defend the right,' and is home to between one and two thousand British service personnel with adequate equipment to do just that. It is located about thirty miles southwest of Port Stanley.

Victory was achieved in the face of great difficulties and against far superior numbers fighting off the Argentine combat aircraft that outnumbered the UKs by six to one and who had the advantage of operating only four hundred miles from home. The task force landed over nine thousand men and equipment on a hostile coast and fighting pitched battles against an enemy who had the advantage of digging in and defending themselves well before the British troops arrived. The UK brought them to surrender within three and a half weeks. It was not complete without considerable cost in terms of casualties, ships and aircraft. Yet the British forces never faltered in pursuit of their objectives and their discipline, stamina and professionalism won the admiration and gratitude of the Falkland Islanders and a nation.

Where nature is still in charge
1

Useful information on the Falkland Islands

1. The Falklands motto is: 'Desire the Right'

2. Anthem: 'God Save the Queen,' and official song of the Falklands

3. The Capital: Port Stanley

4. Official language: English

5. Dominion: Falkland Islander

6. Status: British overseas territory

7. Government: Parliamentary dependency under a Constitutional Monarchy

8. Monarch: Elizabeth II

9. Governor: Housed in Government house in Port Stanley and representative of the British Crown

10. Chief Executive: Serves as head of Government with the Governor.

11. UK Minister: Responsible for the Falkland Islands

12. Currency: Falklands Pound

13. Vehicles drive on the left hand side of the road

14. Population: Estimate, approaching 3,000 and growing

15. Area: 4,700 sq miles

16. Weather: the reverse of the northern hemisphere

17. They have mountainous ranges reaching 700meters

18. Economic activities: fishing, tourism, agriculture, sheep farming and oil exploration

19. The islands lie on the boundary of the sub-arctic & temperate maritime climate

20. Comprises of around 340 small islands

21 The war started on April 2 and ended on June 14 1982 – a British victory

22. The Falklands has been British continuously from 1833 to present

23. Seventeen newspaper reporters, two photographers, two radio reporters and three TV reporters with five technicians sailed with the task force. They were selected from 160 applicants. Two journalist's war reporters were only interested in Prince Andrew who was serving as a helicopter pilot at the time

24. Approximately twenty five thousand, nine hundred and forty eight operational medals were awarded to the UK armed forces

25. Stanley the capital of the Falklands is twinned with Whitby in the UK

26. Approximately 1.1 million hectares (2.8 million acres) of land is farmed in the Falklands carrying nearly 600,000 sheep and nearly 6,000 cattle over more than 89 farms. The average annual wool clip is 1,800 tonnes

27. More than 227 species of bird have been identified in the Falklands and 14 species of regularly occurring marine mammal, such as the southern elephant seal, southern sea lion, commerson's dolphin, peals dolphin and killer whales. There are 379 species of plant, 13 are endemic and 173 are native

28. Falkland's activities include: golfing, arts and crafts, camping, hiking, photography, fishing, shopping. If you want to go that extra mile and try something very unique then weddings are becoming increasingly more popular with couples wanting to celebrate their special day

29. The airport is called Mount Pleasant Airport

30. Stanley is the world's most southerly capital city

31. The area around the Falklands particularly the north basin are said to have one of the world's largest reserves of oil. companies are exploring the area including Falkland's oil and gas and before drilling is authorised the risk of such a huge undertaking must be weighed up as it would cost billions if no oil is discovered

32. Her Majesty the Queen approved 682 awards for gallantry and distinguished service to members of the Armed services and civilians

33. The national anthem is, 'God save the Queen'

British and proud

2

Port Stanley attractions

Visitors to the Falkland Islands can obtain maps and visiting guides from the local visitor centre in Stanley next to the public jetty east along Ross Road where it meets Philomel Street. There are public amenities located there including free tourist information and assistance, broadband internet service and Falklands Island local products. Open seven days November to March and six days April to October. Visitors from cruise ships may not have every attraction available on their disembarkation excursion information sheets so there is no excuse when you arrive in the Falklands, just ask the locals for help and I'm sure they will go out of their way to point you in the right direction.

Cape Pembroke Lighthouse: 7 miles east of Stanley, there is a small charge to obtain the key to this lighthouse so visitors can climb the tower and enjoy the scenery and wildlife. A memorial to the 'Atlantic Conveyer,' sunk during the conflict is situated nearby.

The Gypsy Cove: This is a beach area that is just 10-minutes' drive from Stanley and is home to Stanley's closest penguin colony.

Lady Elizabeth Shipwreck: Lying at the east end of Stanley harbour is Stanley's most imposing wreck. She was originally launched in Sunderland (UK) in 1879 and in 1913 suffered damage whilst rounding Cape Horn. After limping into Stanley for repairs that never got carried out a violent storm in 1936 forced the 'Lady Liz' as she was known into her present resting place.

Jubilee Villas: These were built in 1887 to commemorate Queen Victoria's golden

jubilee. Typically designed like British terraced town houses of the era, making a curious contrast to the rest of Stanley's architecture.

Cartmell Cottage: Very close to the main street this cottage is a little gem squeezed so tightly into the narrow streets that access is by foot only. Speak to the staff in the Museum.

Stanley Cemetery: Located by taking an easterly route along Ross Road east. The cemetery takes you back in time and highlights the courage and spirit of early settlers. To the north of the cemetery is the cross of sacrifice, commemorating Falkland Islanders and others who gave their lives in the two World Wars.

The Tabernacle, or united Free Church: Another Victoria building erected in 1892.

Memorial Wood: Just above Stanley cemetery lies memorial wood. This area has been set aside to commemorate members of the British forces who served and died in 1982. The trees have been planted in memory of each of the British servicemen killed during the war, with an annex for those who have died whilst serving in the islands since the war ended.

St Mary's Catholic Church: Another Victorian construction erected in 1899

Totem Pole: Erected by British soldiers after the war in 1982 to show the distance to their homes in the UK. Over the years many visitors from all around the world have added their own signs to the pole.

Whalebone Display: Ardent anti-whaling campaigner, Mike Butcher, has created a display of the whale skeletons on his property on Dairy Paddock Road in Stanley, showing the full magnificence of these animals.

Christ Church Cathedral: This is the most southerly Anglican cathedral in the world. Christ Church was consecrated in 1892 by the First Bishop of the Falkland Islands, Waite Hockin Stirling. This historic building features a cathedral tower with a ring of five bells, 19th and 20th century stained glass windows, a two-manual pipe organ built in Ireland, locally-stitched needlepoint hassocks with scenes relating to the church and life in the Islands, and a collection of historic memorabilia. Open daily throughout the year, visitors are especially welcome at Sunday service.

Victory Green: Created to commemorate the First World War. On the Queen's birthday a 21-gun salute is fired and the union flag and royal standard are flown. The mizzen mast from the, 'SS Great Britain,' is positioned on the green.

Whalebone Arch: Adjacent to the cathedral is the whalebone arch, constructed in 1933 from the jawbones of two blue whales to commemorate the centenary of continuous British administration in the Falklands.

Colonists' Cottages: The 150 year-old colonists' cottages can be seen on Pioneer Row and Drury Street. Brightly coloured corrugated iron roofs and pained decorative woodwork are characteristic of older houses in the Falkland's. They are nearly all timber framed, a curiosity as trees do not grow here naturally. The early settlers found the stone difficult to work and there were few skilled masons, so the cheapest and lightest building materials were imported wood and corrugated iron. Although there are some beautiful stone houses timber-framed buildings are overwhelmingly the most common type. Paint was originally used to protect materials from the salty Atlantic air, but became a much-loved form of decoration and individual expression. Today, the tradition of colour in buildings continues to give life and character to the Landscape.

The Liberation Memorial: Designed by a Falkland islander, the memorial was built as a tribute to the British forces and civilians who lost their lives during the war. Each year a ceremony is held here on 14 June-liberation day. Behind the memorial is the secretariat, the main government administration building. Adjacent to this is the blue-roofed hospital and across the playing field, the imposing building of the community school which also houses the community library.

The Royal Marine Monument: This monument was unveiled in 2008 and is a tribute to the long standing relationship the Royal Marines have with the Falkland Islands dating back to 1765. This monument marks the 175th anniversary of the restoration of British rule in the islands.

Government House: Built in 1840 designed by the first British Governor Lieutenant Richard Moody and added to by successive governors over the years to become an elegant residence.

Battle Memorial: This memorial on the headland west of Government house commemorates the naval action between the British and German fleets at the Falkland Islands on 8 December 1914.

Solar System Sculpture Walk: Designed and constructed by local sculptor and artist Rob Yssel, this 1.1 billion scale model is made from recycled local materials and is the only one of its kind; with all planets in the line of sight and the sun sculpture observable from every planet. The model starts in Stanley and progresses out of town. For those keen to visit every planet will need to dedicate a full day of hiking. Contact the jetty visitor centre for more information.

Getting around:

By vehicle beit with an experienced guide or self-drive hire vehicles allow anywhere from 1-4 hours to drive between settlements and points of interest.

Jhelum Shipwreck: Just west of the 1914 battle memorial in Stanley harbour lays the wreck of the 'Jhelum.' Launched in Liverpool (UK) in 1949, the 'Jhelum' suffered damage whilst rounding Cape Horn en-route from Callao to Dunkirk, carrying a cargo of guano for use as fertiliser. She limped into Stanley in 1870 where she was deserted by her crew, who deemed her unsafe.

Falkland Island Museum: Britannia house never fails to surprise visitors with its well informed staff and beautifully kept displays covering the social and natural history of the Falklands. Both World Wars are covered and how life was affected by these events including the 1982 conflict. You can step back in time and imagine what life was like on the islands for those living there. There are vast shipwreck artefacts and fascinating paraphernalia and not forgetting the natural history room, constantly being developed under the expert eye of the museums resident taxidermist.

Battlefield Tour: Tour the areas and battlefields that the Falklands War was fought over.

East & West Falkalnd Islands
3

British & Argentine hierarchy of Operation Corporate/Rosario

The Falklands *War cabinet* is a committee formed by government in a time of war. It is usually a subset of the full executive cabinet of ministers. It is also common to have senior military officers and opposition politicians as members. The Argentine Junta was also going through changes building up to the invasion

10 Downing Street

*Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher

*Deputy Prime Minister & Home Secretary Willie Whitelaw

*Secretary of State of Foreign & Commonwealth Affairs Francis Pym

*Secretary of State for Defence John Nott

Attorney General Michael Havers

Defence Staff Whitehall, London

*Admiral of the Fleet Sir Terrence Lewin, GCB, MVO, DSC, Royal Navy Chief of Defence Staff

Admiral Sir Henry Leach, GCB, ADC, Royal Navy

General Sir Edward Bramall, Army

Air Chief Marshal Sir Michael Beetham, Royal Air Force

Task force commanders, Northwood

Admiral Sir John Fieldhouse, GCB, KBE, Royal Navy task force commander

Major General Sir Jeremy Moore RM, KCB, OBE, MC and Bar land forces, Army & from 21 May: Lieutenant General Sir Richard Trant, KCB. Army

Air Marshall Sir John Curtiss, KCB, KBE, CBIM, RAF, air commander

fVice Admiral, PGM Herbert, OBE, Royal Navy flag officer submarines

South Atlantic commanders

Rear Admiral J F 'Sandy' Woodward KCB Royal Navy (HMS Hermes)

Commodore MC Clapp, CB, amphibious task group Royal Navy

Brigadier JHA Thompson, CB, OBE, ADC, Royal Marines 3 Commando Brigade

Major General Sir Jeremy Moore RM, KCB, OBE, MC and Bar Army land forces Falkland Islands

Brigadier MJA Wilson, OBE, MC, Army 5th infantry brigade
Argentine hierarchy

Acting President and Commander – in – Chief of the Army was Leopoldo.Galtieri, head of the military junta

Admiral Jorge Anaya – driving force to invade the Falklands & Commander – in – Chief of the Navy

Brigadier General Basilio Lami Dozo - driving force to invade the Falklands and Commander – in – Chief of the Air Force

Brigadier Ernesto Horacio Crespo Commander of the fourth Air Force brigade & naval units.

General Mario Menendez commanded the Argentine forces on the ground

Left Galtieri, centre Margaret Thatcher, right 3 Para rescuing a casualty on Mount Longdon

The Argentine Military Code Article 751 states:

' A soldier will be condemned to prison for three to five years if, in combat with a foreign enemy, he surrenders without having exhausted his supply of ammunition or without having lost two thirds of the men under his command.'
4

British land forces committed to the Falklands War & weapons used

The land forces commander was the late Major General Sir Jeremy Moore, KCB, MC & Bar of the Royal Marine Commandos and his deputy was Brigadier C John Waters now General Sir Charles John Waters GCB, CBE.

If I miss any unit or miss spell any names beit military or civilian throughout the book I apologise in advance. When I mention for example the Royal Artillery it covers all their sub units and this is the same with every minor or major unit unless they are already highlighted.

HQ 3 Commando Brigade Commander Brigadier J Thompson CB, OBE, ADC, Royal Marines

29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery

59 Independent Commando Squadron Royal Engineers

40 Command Royal Marines

42 Commando Royal Marines

45 Commando Royal Marines

2nd Battalion Parachute Regiment, including stretcher bearers

3rd Battalion Parachute Regiment, including stretcher bearers

16 Field Ambulance RAMC

81 Ordnance Company

Commando Logistic Regiment Royal Marines

Mountain and Arctic Warfare Cadre Royal Marines

3 Commando Brigade HQ and Signals Squadron Royal Marines

3 Commando Brigade Air Squadron

29 Battery 4 Regiment Royal Artillery

43 Air Defence Battery, Field Troop

9 Parachute Royal Engineer Squadron

2 Troop, 9 Parachute Squadron Royal Engineers

1, 3 & 4 Troop

2 Medium Reconnaissance Troops, B Squadron the Blues & Royals

3 & 4 Troop B Squadron the Blues & Royals

T Battery 12 Air Defence Regiment

43 Air Defence Battery Royal Artillery

Air Defence Troop

1. x Raiding Squadron Royal Marines

2, 3 & 6 Section Special Boat Squadron, Royal Marines

D & G Squadrons 22nd Special Air Service

3 x 613 Tactical Air Control, supply & communication wings/parties

4th Assault Squadron Royal Marines

Air Maintenance Group

Rear Link Detachment Squadron 30 Signal Regiment

2 Squadron 30 Signal Regiment

4 x Mexeflote Detachments 17 Port Regiment RCT

5 x Landing Ship Logistics Detachments 17 Port Regiment RCT

3 x Surgical Support Teams

Army Catering Corps, also RM equivalent

Royal Pioneer Corps

Royal Army Educational Corps

Women's Royal Army Corps

Army Air Corps

Royal Army Pay Corps

Intelligence Corps

Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps

Postal Courier Communications Unit Detachment of 1 PC Regiment

Detachment RAF Special Forces

Detachment 47 Air Despatch Squadron RCT

Detachment 49 EOD Squadron 33 Engineer Regiment

Y Troop Detachment (communications)

Commando forces band (stretcher bearers)

HQ 5 Infantry Brigade Commander Brigadier Sir MJA Wilson, OBE, MC, Army

2nd Battalion Scots Guards (London)

1st Battalion Welsh Guards (London)

1/7th Duke of Edinburgh Own Gurkha Rifles (Church Crookham)

97 Battery 4th Regiment Royal Artillery

HQ 4 Field Regiment Royal Artillery

21 Air defence Battery Royal Artillery

132 Battery Royal Artillery (the Bengal Rocket Troop)

407 Troop RCT

Army Air Corps

Intelligence Corps

Army Catering Corps also RM equivalent

Royal Pioneer Corps

Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps (Aldershot)

Women's Royal Army Corps

Royal Army Educational Corps

656 Squadron Army Air Corps

205 Signals Squadron

244 Signals Squadron (AS), RAF, Brize Norton

16 Field Ambulance RAMC

Royal Army Chaplains Department

81 Ordnance Company

Forward Air Control Party

5 Infantry Brigade Provost Unit (RMP)

49 Field Regiment Royal Artillery

137 Battery 40 Regiment Royal Artillery

16 Air Defence Royal Artillery

148 Commando Battery

11 Field Squadron Royal Engineers

33 Engineer Regiment

61 Field Support Squadron 36 Engineer Regiment

Military Works Force Royal Engineers

10 Field Workshops REME

Special Tasks Detachment a mixture of Intelligence Corps & Royal Signals

14th Signal Regiment

202 Signals Squadron

602 Signal Troop (special communications)

Composite Port Squadron Alpha

10 Field Ambulance RAMC

2 Field Hospital RAMC

Joint Helicopter Support Unit

29 Transport and Movement Regiment RCT

91 Ordnance Company RAOC
421 EOD Company RAOC

Royal Army Chaplains Department

Royal Army Pay Corps

91 Ordnance Company RAOC

Commando Ordnance Squadron RAOC

Stretcher bearers all units

Paratroopers exiting from a Hercules aircraft

this is the way forward for future operations and deployments

that require a rapid and aggressive response

Weapons used by the British forces

Personal weapons

L2-A2 fragmentation grenade (see fig 4)

Various other grenades, smoke etc.

L1A1 7.62 Self-loading rifle (SLR) (see fig 1)

Sterling submachine gun 9mm (SMG) (see fig 2)

7.62 general purpose machine gun (GPMG)

Pistol 9mm

Bayonets (see fig 5)

Bren gun light machine gun (LMG)

L42A1 sniper rifle (see fig 6)

M79 grenade launcher

Various Special Forces weapons

Support weapons

66mm light anti-tank weapon

84mm medium anti-tank weapon

Milan missile designed for anti-armour, but devastating against bunkers and trenches (see fig 7)

Blowpipe a man-portable surface to air missile – did its job

Rapier missile – did its job

Stinger a man-portable missile used by special forces one missile brought down an Argentine Pucara on 21 May

Sea dart a naval medium surface to air missile

Sea wolf a naval missile

Seacat & Tigercat a naval surface to air missile

Sea slug a naval long range high altitude anti-aircraft missile

The AIM-9 sidewinder was the harriers air to air missile & claimed twenty Argentine aircraft

GPMG on tripod in the sustained fire role (see fig 3)

Various mortars

105mm howitzer, very accurate, reliable and versatile

Scimitar, scorpion armoured reconnaissance vehicles & snow cat

7.62mm SLR L1A1 Rifle

(fig 1)

9mm Sterling Sub-Machine Gun (SMG)

(fig 2)

7.62mm general purpose machine gun (GPMG) mounted on a tripod

(fig 3)

L2A2 hand grenade

(fig 4)

Bayonet for SLR rifle

(fig 5)

7.62mm L42A1 enfield sniper rifle

(fig 6)

(Fig 7)
5

British casualties including foreign nationals in support

During this ferocious 74-day war there were two hundred and sixty personnel from Britain who died in action, or accidents including three Falkland Island civilians and foreign nationals from Hong Kong I apologise in advance if any names are spelt wrong or I have missed out any person military or civilian, nevertheless each and every one that took part from Argentina, Britain and other countries are heroes. Approximately seven hundred and seventy seven service personnel were wounded and that's including those poor souls who have committed suicide since the war or those suffering in silence today, as the true figures would surpass one thousand plus without a doubt. We had around one hundred and fifteen prisoners of war held by Argentina (Marines who fought very bravely but were massively outnumbered) and the one British Pilot Flt Lt Jeffery Glover whose Harrier was shot down by a blowpipe on 21 May was released on 8 July. The Falkland war losses for such a short campaign show that they are one of the highest percentages of losses suffered by Britain for a long time. During the fighting the British suffered casualties at nearly six men a day in combat, while during the conflict with greater numerical losses (Korea for example) the amount rises to eleven men, per month.

Royal Navy: 86 killed plus 2 Hong Kong nationals

Royal Marines: 27 killed, 2 Officers, 14 NCO's and 11 Marines

Royal Fleet Auxiliary: (RFA) 4 killed plus 4 Hong Kong nationals

Merchant Navy: 6 killed plus 2 Hong Kong Nationals

British Army: 123 killed 7 Officers, 40 NCO's, and 76 privates

Royal Air Force: 1 killed 1 Officer

The heroic Hong Kong personnel supporting the task force were on board the following vessels and ships when they died:

LAI Chi Keung (laundryman) HMS Sheffield 4 May

NG Po (seaman) SS Atlantic Conveyor 25 May

CHAN Chi Sing (seaman) SS Atlantic Conveyor 25 May

KYE Ben Kwo (laundryman) HMS Coventry 25 May

YEUNG Swi Kami (seaman) RFA Sir Tristram 8 June

YU Sik Chee (Bosun) RFA Sir Tristram 8 June

LEUNG Chau (electrical fitter) RFA Sir Galahad 8 June

SUNG Yuk Pai (butcher) RFA Sir Galahad 8 June
Deaths attributed to Operation Corporate totalling 260:

Captain Brian Biddick whilst on-board the hospital ship SS Uganda he fell ill soon after leaving Gibraltar. Whilst heading for the Falklands an emergency operation was performed on board and he was repatriated from Freetown by an RAF medical flight to the hospital at Wroughton but, sadly, he died on 12 May.1982

Paul T Mills HMS Coventry was a Marine Engineering Mechanic (mechanical) who was injured whilst his ship was sinking and died on 29 March 1983 from a brain tumour caused by a skull fracture sustained during the attack on 25 May 1982.

RIP

The three Falkland Island civilians who were killed on 11 June 1982 when a shell from a British ship hit the house they were occupying at the time.

Mrs Susan Whitley was newly married and was from Welsh parentage and born in Llandrindod. She was educated at the towns Grammar school. She was a home economics teacher. She and Mrs Doreen Booner and Mrs Mary Goodwin were occupying Superintendent of Education John Fowlers home with other family members when a stray shell from a British ship hit the house with devastating results whereby the three women died. Susan is buried on Sea Lion Island the most southerly inhabited island in the Falklands. Mrs Doreen Booner was a fine courageous lady. She was a third generation kelper, who was much respected by everyone on the island who knew her. Mrs Mary Goodwin was the elderly mother of Laurie Goodwin. Susan Whitley and Doreen Bonner were killed outright; Mary Goodwin died hours later in hospital from her wounds. Steve Whitley was badly wounded but survived. John and Veronica Fowler received minor shrapnel injuries whilst the children in the house were unhurt.

RIP
Suicides since the Falklands War

The British MoD has been accused of systematic failure to prepare service personnel for the horrors of brutal warfare and to provide the care and aftercare required for them when they returned home. I witnessed this first hand when I returned home from the war. We were told to jump on the waiting coaches after disembarking from the Europic Ferry a vessel taken up from trade that took me to the Falklands and brought me back home again. We were given a bottle of whisky each and headed back to Aldershot, no brief or communal blanket talks on the after effects of war. There are claims that around three hundred UK service personnel have committed suicide since the end of the war and four hundred and sixty Argentine forces. The MoD has carried out their own studies on deaths since the end of the war and has placed these figures much lower! Surprise, surprise. Quite how they go about this is a mystery as the MoD doesn't keep records of veteran suicides, unlike the US. They waffle on about the Standard Mortality Rate in the UK and play around with sums to try and baffle the general public with their bullshit that the suicides will go away; but they certainly won't. They claim other external factors are to blame!! There are allegations that the MoD has tried to ignore the vitally important issue of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This killer illness is silent and deadly and has without doubt taken many a good life of ex-servicemen and women who fought in the Falklands War. Sufferers are left emotionally scarred and unable to function due to flashbacks, alcoholism, depression and social isolation. It's about time the MoD and Government concede to the fact that PTSD may become an epidemic by 2024 and they need to pull their fingers out of their back sides and support the families and veterans of past conflicts and the young servicemen and women of today's forces who will be the veterans of the past themselves before it gets out of hand. The suicide figures of serving soldiers and veterans is on the increase and the figures are going up each year including deaths of soldiers who have served in more recent conflicts such as the Gulf War, Balkans, Kosovo and Afghanistan.

Soldier stress
6

Ships, captains/masters and aircraft of the British task force including losses & damages

On the evening of 31 March 1982 a decision was made to set up a task force and the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary had already decided to send a nuclear submarine to the South Atlantic prior to this. Vessels were on exercise troops were on leave and those in charge were on official visits. Non the less and with urgency and rigorous detail over a hundred ships were diverted and personnel were recalled ensuring that the largest fleet to be put together from the Royal Navy and Merchant Navy long regarded as the' Fourth Arm' of the nation's defences, including those requisitioned by the Government was carefully placed on a war setting since the Second World War. Without these vessels that were taken up from trade the operation could not have been undertaken, the words of the task force Commander Admiral Sir John Fieldhouse. On 4 April the legal order came to take up vessels from trade that was also the first call up of ships since 1945. Ships were converted to naval needs adding helicopter landing pads, extra signal equipment, and defensive armament and Royal Naval detachments. The people involved in the makeover of all the ships ensuring that they were ready for war in such a short period are commended for their skills, courage and self determination to ensure the Task Force set sail on time. This was a truly remarkable achievement from a unique breed of town folk displaying team spirit of the highest order. Not forgetting the expert managerial skills of the Royal Corps of Naval Consultants who worked around the clock to ensure all those vessels taken up from trade were ready and from 8 April to 21 April 1982 in Portsmouth dockyard, working on five vessels at any one time the task force targets were met. Unfortunately 86 Royal Navy, Merchant Navy, civilian staff and foreign nationals lost their lives fighting for this country.

More than five thousand British merchant seafarers are estimated to have served in the Falklands War. We as a country relied upon these people in a dire crisis and they came to our aid so we could succeed. Their numbers have dropped drastically since 1982 which raises profound questions about the future ability to crew ships with such professional British Seafarers whose loyalty could be relied upon at a time of national emergency. In 1982 around fifty five thousand seafarers were employed in the UK shipping industry. In 2007 there were twenty thousand seafarers!! The number of cadets in training was just over four thousand in 1982 and one thousand in 2007!! The number of UK owned registered trading ships in 1982 was nine hundred and eighty five and in 2007 the figure was two hundred and ninety five!! Can we ever do the same again? Or are we going to be "held to ransom," by foreign ship-owners if the need ever irises where we will rely on the fourth arm? The answer is quite clearly not with the continued defence cuts.

Aircraft carriers

HMS Hermes. (Captain L E Middleton, ADC, CB, DSO, RN). Became the flagship of the British forces & the RNs largest carrier, also Lt Commander AD Auld, DSC, RN & Lt Commander D.J.S Squire, AFC, RN

HMS Invincible. (Captain J J Black, CBE, KCB, DSO, MBE, RN). The RNs lead ship. Also Lt Commander N D Ward, DSC, AFC, RN & Lt Commander R J S Wykes-Sneyd, AFC, RN.

Painting by Robert Taylor

HMS Hermes and task force including: HMS Arrow, Sheffield,

Glamorgan, Olna & Resource

Assault ships

HMS Fearless. (Captain E J S Larken, CB, DSO, IVO, RN). Amphibious transport dock

HMS Intrepid. (Captain P G V Dingemans, CB, DSO, RN). Amphibious transport dock.

Destroyers

HMS Antrim. Damaged. (Captain B G Young, DSO RN). She was the flagship for the recovery of South Georgia and the commander of the Argentine forces on the island, Captain Largos, signs an unconditional surrender document on board.

HMS Bristol. (Captain A Grose, RN). Took over HMS Coventry's anti submarines duties when she was sunk

HMS Cardiff. (Captain M G T Harris, RN). Shot down the last Argentine aircraft of the war a B-108 bomber

HMS Coventry. Sunk 25 May (Captain D Hart-Dyke, MVO RN) twenty personnel lost.

HMS Exeter. (Captain H M Balfour, MVO, RN). Shot down three or four Argentine aircraft & the last ship to engage enemy aircraft before the end of the war

HMS Glamorgan. Damaged. (Captain M E Barrow, DSO, ADC, RN). Initially the flagship to Rear Admiral John Woodward. Thirteen losses.

HMS Glasgow. Damaged. (Captain A P Hoddinott, OBE, RN). Long-range defence of the fleet

HMS Sheffield. Sunk on 10 May. (Captain J F T G Salt, RN). Struck by an Exocet missile fired from a Super Etendard aircraft on May 4 and was the First Royal Navy destroyer to be sunk during warfare since World War Two. Nineteen losses plus one Hong Kong staff.

Ice patrol vessels

HMS Hecate. (The late Commander C S Gobey, RN). Arriving after the ceasefire and took over from HMS Endurance as the ice patrol ship.

HMS Hecla. (Captain G L Hope, RN). Used as an ambulance ship to ferry the wounded to the Uganda

HMS Herald. (Commander R I C Halliday, RN). Used as an ambulance ship to ferry the wounded to the Uganda

HMS Hydra. (Commander R J Campbell, RN). Used as an ambulance ship to ferry the wounded to the Uganda

HMS Endurance. (Captain N J Barker, CBE, RN). When she was not busy ferrying Marines and SBS between South Georgia and the Falklands she spent most of her time snuggling up to icebergs to avoid detection from submarines of the Argentine Navy.

Minesweeping countermeasure trawlers

HMS Cordella. (Lieutenant Commander M C G Holloway, RN)

HMS Farnella. (Lieutenant R J Bishop, RN)

HMS Junella. (Lieutenant Commander M Rowledge, RN)

HMS Northella. (Lieutenant Commander J P S Greenop, RN)

HMS Pict. (Lieutenant Commander D G Garwood, MiD, RN)

Frigates

HMS Active. (Commander Paul C B Canter, RN). Escorting supply convoys & shore bombardments

HMS Alacrity. Damaged. (Commander, C.J.S. Craig, DSC RN). Sank Argentine transport ship ARA Isla de los Estados

HMS Ambuscade. (Commander P.J. Mosse, RN)

HMS Andromeda. (Captain J L Weatherall, RN)

HMS Antelope. Sunk (Commander N J Tobin, DSC, RN). 24 May after unsuccessful attempt to defuse a bomb by two very heroic bomb disposal experts killing one and injuring another.

HMS Ardent. Sunk 21 May (Commander A W.J West, GCB, and DSC RN. He later became First Sea Lord). The Argentine pilot who made the last run to sink her was Lt Gustavo Marcelo Marquez who flew his A-40 Skyhawk and was subsequently killed in action when his aircraft was hit by 30mm fire and exploded. Ken Enticknap QGM was the Marine Engineer Artificer (M) First Class, in charge of the after damage control and fire-fighting team on this ship. Twenty two lost.

HMS Ardent RN Type 21 frigate & taking its final bow as it sinks in San Carlos Water

HMS Argonaut. Damaged (Captain C H Layman, DSO, MVO, RN)

HMS Arrow. Damaged. (Commander the late Captain P.J.Bootherstone, DSC, RN). He was awarded the DSC for rescuing two hundred and twenty five men from the doomed HMS Sheffield and claimed to be the first ship to open fire onto Port Stanley Airfield.

HMS Avenger. (Captain H M White, RN). Hull damage due to weather conditions

HMS Brilliant. Damaged. (Capt. J.F.Coward, KCB, DSO, RN later to become Admiral)

HMS Broadsword. Damaged (Captain W R Canning, DSO, ADC,RN)

HMS Minerva. (Commander S H G Johnston, RN). Escort ship arrived 26 May

HMS Penelope. (Commander P V Rickard, RN). Escort ship arrived 26 May

HMS Plymouth. Damaged (Captain D Pentreath, DSO, RN). The Argentine commander Alfredo Astiz of a small party based in Stromness surrenders without firing a single shot violating the military code's article 751.

HMS Yarmouth. (Commander A Morton, DSC, RN)

Submarines

HMS Conqueror. (Commander C L Wredford-Brown, DSO, RN) was one of the first Royal Navy warships to reach South Georgia. She torpedoed and sank ARA General Belgrano on 2nd May.

HMS Conqueror who sank the ARA General Belgrano on May 2nd 1982
HMS Courageous. (Commander R T N Best, RN)

HMS Onyx. (Lt Commander A P Johnson, RN) Ran aground moderate damage

HMS Spartan. (Commander J B Taylor, MiD RN)

HMS Splendid. (Commander R C Lane-Nott, MiD RN)

HMS Valiant. (Commander T M Le Marchand, MiD RN)

Despatch vessels

HMS Dumbarton Castle. (Lt Commander N D Wood, RN) mail carrier between task force & Ascension Island

HMS Leeds Castle. As above, (Lt Commander C F B Hamilton, RN)

Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFAs)

Appleleaf. (Captain G P A McDougall, RFA)

Bayleaf. (Captain A E T Hunter, RFA)

Blue Rover. (Captain J D Roddis, RFA)

Brambleleaf. (Captain M S J Farley, RFA)

Engadine. (Captain D F Freeman, RFA)

Fort Austin. (Commander S C Dunlop, CBE, DSO, RFA)

Fort Grange. (Captain D G M Averill, CBE, RFA)

Olmeda. (Captain A P Overbury, OBE, RFA)

Olna. (Captain J A Bailey, RFA)

Pearleaf. (Captain J McCulloch, RFA)

Plumleaf. (Captain R W M Wallace, RFA)

Regent. (Captain J Logan, RFA)

Resource. (Captain B A Seymour, RFA)

Sir Bedivere. Damaged (Captain P J McCarthy, OBE, RFA)

Sir Galahad. Destroyed (Captain P J G Roberts, DSO, RFA) on 8 June & sunk on 21 June by HMS Onyx. Four lost + two Hong Kong staff & thirty three Welsh Guards.

Sir Geraint. (Captain D E Lawrence, DSC, RFA)

Sir Lancelot. Damaged (Captain C A Purtcher-Wydenbruck, OBE, RFA)

Sir Percivale. (Captain A F Pitt, DSC, RFA)

Sir Tristram. Damaged (Captain G R Green, DSC, RFA)

Stromness. (Captain J B Dickinson, OBE, RFA))

Tidepool. (Captain J W Gaffrey, RFA)

Tidespring. (Captain S Redmond, OBE, RFA)
RMAs & their masters* (donates did not meet the criteria for award of a Battle Honour)

Gooseander.* (Captain A MacGregor)

Typhoon. (Captain J N Morris)

Ships taken up from trade, their masters and senior naval officers * (donates did not meet the criteria for award of a Battle Honour)

MV Alvega.* (Captain A Lazenby)

MV Anco Charger.* (Captain B Hatton)

MV Astronomer.* (Captain H S Braden & Lt Commander R Gainsford, RN)

SS Atlantic Causeway. (Captain M H C Twomey & Commander R P Seymour, RN)

SS Atlantic Conveyor. Hit on 25 May & sunk on 28 May whilst under tow.

(Captain I H North, posthumous DSC & Captain M G Layard, CBE, RN). This was the most serious single logistic blow to the task force losing, three heavy lift chinook helicopters, and eight wessex support helicopters with only one chinook surviving. Also lost were tents, mobile landing strips and a water desalination plant. Six losses + three Hong Kong staff.

Atlantic Conveyor hit by two exocet missiles on 25th May & sunk on 28 May 1982 and below during the rescue operation

Sea king rescue by Robert Taylor
MV Avelona Star.* (Captain H Dyer)

MV Balder London.* (Captain K J Wallace)

MV Baltic Ferry. (Captain E Harrison & Lt Commander G B Webb, RN)

MV British Avon.* (Captain J WM Guy)

MV British Dart. (Captain J A N Taylor)

MV British Enterprise III.* (Captain D Grant & Lt Commander B E M Reynell, RN)

MV British Esk. (Captain G Barber )

MV British Tamar.* (Captain W H Hare)

MV British Tay. (Captain P T Morris)

MV British Test (Captain T A Oliphant)

MV British Trent. (Captain P R Walker)

MV British Wye. (Captain D M Rundell, OBE)

SS Canberra. 3 Para & 3 Commando Brigade sailed on this ship. (Captain W Scott-Masson, CBE & Captain C P O Burne, CBE RN) This was the first ship taken up from trade.

MV Contender Bezant. (Captain A Mackinnon & Lt Commander D H N Yates, RN)

MV Elk. (Captain J P Morton, CBE & Commander A S Richie, OBE, RN)

MV Europic Ferry. I sailed on this vessel from Southampton (Captain C J C Clarke, OBE & Commander A B Gough, RN

The MV Europic ferry the vessel I sailed south on before being transferred over to the MV Norland to join 2 Para

MV Fort Toronto. (Captain R I Kinnier)

MV G.A Walker.* (Captain E C Metham)

MV Geest Port. (Captain G F Foster)

GS Iris. (Captain G Fulton OBE) & Lt Commander J Bithell, RN)

MT Irishman. (Captain W Allen) salvage tug

MV Laertes.* (Captain H T Reid)

MV Lycaon. (Captain H R Lawton & Lt Commander D J Stiles, RN)

MV Nordic Ferry.* (Captain R Jenkins & Lt Commander M St J D A Thornburn, RN)

MV Norland. 2 Para sailed on this vessel (Captain M Ellerby, CBE & Commander C J Esplin-Jones, OBE, RN)

RMS Queen Elizabeth II. 5 Infantry Brigade. Scots Guards, Welsh Guards & Gurkhas. (Captain P Jackson & Captain N C H James, RN)

TEV Rangatira.*. (Captain P Liddell & Commander D H Lines, RN. Arrived after the ceasefire

MT Salvageman. (Captain A J Stockwell) & Captain B W Vere-Stevens RMAS) salvage tug

MV Saxonia. (Captain H Evans)

MV Scottish Eagle. (Captain A Terras)

MV Shell Eburna. (Captain J C Beaumont)

MV Stena Inspector.*(Captain D Ede & Captain P J Stickland RN)

MV Stena Seaspread. (Captain N Williams & Captain P Badcock, CBE, RN

MV Strathewe.*. (Captain STS Household & Lt Commander R H Hewland, RN). Arrived after the ceasefire

MV ST Edmund. (Captain M J Stockman & Lt Commander A M Scott, RN)

RMS ST Helena.* (Captain M L M Smith) & Lt Commander D N Heelas RN)

MV Tor Caledonia. (Captain A Scott & Lt Commander J G Devine, RN)

SS Uganda the hospital ship. (Captain J G Clark & Commander A B Gough, RN & Surgeon Captain A J Rintoul, RN)

MV Wimpey Seahorse. (Captain M Slack, OBE)

MV Yorkshireman. (Captain P Rimmer) salvage tug

Naval Party 1982

Naval Party 2060

Fleet Clearance Diving Team 1 & 2

Falkland Island company vessels seized by the Argentine forces at the time of the invasion

ARA Forrest. motor coaster

ARA Monsunen. motor coaster

ARA Penelope. Schooner

MV Norland with 1000 lb bombs splashing either side of her

SS Uganda hospital ship

The Canberra - notice the plumes of water rising after an attack by an

Argentine fighter aircraft
British aircraft during the Falklands War

A total of approximately one hundred and seventy three aircraft were deployed, many based on board ships of the Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFAs). Some transported south and operated from shore basis. Many that were deployed came from the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, Army Air Corps, or Royal Marines with a total of thirty four losses. The following is a rough breakdown of the aircraft used during the war including losses:

Royal Navy

Wessex HAS.3 & HU.5

Fleet Air Arm

Sea harrier FRS 1 (fighter) x 28 with 6 losses

Sea king II, IV & V (ASW) x 48 with 5 losses

Lynx (ASW) x 14 with 3 losses

Wasp x 9

Army Air Corps

Wessex (ASW) x 9 with 9 losses possibly from the Royal Navy too

Gazelle (recon) x 3 with 3 losses

Scout with 1 loss

Royal Marines

Gazelle (recon) x 12

Scout x 6

Royal Air Force

Harrier GR 3 (ground attack) x 10 (1 squadron) with 4 losses

C-47 chinook (transport) x 4 (18 squadron) with 3 losses

Vulcan (bomber) x 4 (44, 50 & 101 squadrons)

VC 10 (10 squadron)

Victor (tanker) x 20 (55 & 57 squadron)

C-130 hercules (transport) x 2 (24, 30, 47, & 70 squadron)

Nimrod MR 2 & R1 (recon) x 13 (51, 42, 120, 201, & 206 squadron)

Phantom FGR 2 x 3 (29 squadron)

Sea king X 1 (202 squadron)

Canberra x 2 (39 squadron)

RAF Regiment with elements of No 3 (regiment) wing HQ unit, 15 & 63 rapier squadron.

We must not forget the accidents at sea nor those aircraft lost on board vessels, including: wessex HU5, sea king HC 4, sea harriers, scout AH 1, lynx HAS 2, and chinook HC 1.

Vulcan bomber

Lynx helicopter

Sea harrier

Wessex helicopter
The British Military cemetery at San Carlos (below) in the Falkland Islands holds the remains of fourteen of the two hundred and fifty five British casualties who lost their lives during the 74 day war. Situated close to where 3 Commando Brigade had its initial headquarters after landing on 21 May 1982. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission manages these graves. Two more graves are situated in isolated single grave sites at Goose Green and Port Howard. The cemetery is surrounded by a one metre high stone wall with an area tapered higher with seven slate panels, six with the Regiment, Name, Rank and Service of the fallen and one with the three forces emblems with the following inscription: 1982 April-June in honour of the South Atlantic task force and to the abiding memory of the sailors, soldiers and airman who gave their lives and who have no grave but the sea here beside the graves of their comrades this memorial records their names. Give glory to the Lord and declare his praise in the islands. The site is divided into two sections each with seven graves. The right hand section is known as the Airborne cemetery as it contains the remains of four Paratroopers including Colonel 'H' Jones VC and two royal signallers from 16 Air Assault Brigade and sergeant Griffin from 656 Squadron Army Air Corps. On the opposite side the headstones of seven more heroes, six Royal Marines and Captain Bell from the Army Air Corps. When I last visited this cemetery there was a book that could be signed close to the entrance where visitors can leave messages to loved ones or comrades.

British cemetery at San Carlos

Named after the famous ship which visited the islands in 1768, San Carlos lies in the north-western east Falklands about a three hour drive from Port Stanley along the southern link road. Chosen as the location for the official war cemetery because it was the crucial landing point through which the amphibious task-force became a land Army. Below the author at San Carlos Cemetery.

7

Argentine units, casualties-Operation Rosario & weapons used

During Operation Rosario the name used by the Argentines during the war they lost six hundred and forty nine brave military personnel killed in action, plus approximately one thousand two hundred wounded and not forgetting the suicides since the war and those personnel suffering in silence since. It is estimated that more Argentine veterans have committed suicide than the six hundred and forty nine killed fighting for their country. Suicides of veterans after the war were largely ignored and many veterans have resorted to selling on the streets or begging for hand outs. Now veterans are pleading for help with their basic monthly pensions and finding it difficult to hold down jobs due to fighting another battle, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) which is made more difficult when psychiatric mental health support is hard to attain. What we must never forget even though we were fighting an enemy force who invaded British territory is that many of these soldiers were sent to fight by a ruthless dictator who simply wanted to boost his own political ratings in a fast failing economy. They then had to return defeated to a bloody dictatorship that treated them like they had leprosy. The Argentine Government should spend less time, energy and money on trying to boost their own ratings fighting for the Malvinas and more time supporting those who fought bravely for their country. Support them with their pensions, health and recognition, they deserve it. The veterans that did take part from Argentina, including all civilians are heroes and shall never be forgotten.

The Argentine pilots were excellent and should be singled out for their skills and bravery during the war. There were approximately eleven thousand, eight hundred and forty three enemy prisoners of war that had to be taken care of and returned to Puerto Madryn some seven hundred miles south of Buenos Aires by the British where there was no civilian welcome just a military reception committee. They had seven complete Brigades at their disposal but as the Argentine junta did not believe the British would use military force to take back the islands by force they concentrated many full time troops around the Chilean and Argentine border due to the ongoing Beagle Channel dispute to deter an attack from Chile. This was a border dispute that once again the Argentines wanted to lay claim too, even though Chile have always controlled the islands. Argentina refused to abide by a binding international award giving the islands to Chile and they almost pushed Chile to the brink of war in 1978 over yet another dispute about territory beit land or channels connecting land. Since 1984 Argentina now recognises the islands as Chilean.

Argentine Army: 194 dead including 16 officers, 35 NCSs & 143 conscripts

Argentine Navy: 341 dead, including 4 naval aviators

Marines: 34 dead

Air Force: 45 dead including 31 pilots, and 14 ground crew

Genarmeria Nacional Argentina :( border guard) 7 dead

Coast guard: 2 dead

Civilian sailors: 16 dead
The Argentine forces were:

Amphibious task group 40.1 April 2

Amphibious commando group landed in inflatable boats at Mullet Creek between fifty and eighty men, 1 dead

Buzos tacticos on board submarine ARA Santa Fe & swam ashore – 15 frogmen

2nd Marine infantry battalion (BIM 2) 500 men landed in various amphibious, armoured and tracked vehicles in Stanley. They also had sea king helicopters.

A 25th infantry company (Argentine Army) airlifted by C-130 Hercules.

South Georgia April 3

1st Marine infantry battalion (BIM 1) embarked on ARA bahia paraiso transport and ARA Guerrico corvette. - 60 men 1 dead

3rd Mechanised infantry brigade

4th Regiment (R1 4) Mount Harriet &Two Sisters - 23 dead & 121 wounded

12 Regiment (R1 12) Goose Green & Darwin – 35 dead & 72 wounded

5th Regiment (R1 5) Port Howard – 8 dead & 67 wounded

8th Regiment, 9th infantry (R1 8) at Fox Bay 5 dead & 51 wounded

10th Mechanised infantry brigade Stanley sector

3rd Regiment (R1 3) Stanley 5 dead & 85 wounded

6th Regiment (R1 6) Stanley Common 12 dead & 35 wounded

7th Regiment (R1 7) Mount Longdon & Wireless Ridge 36 dead & 152 wounded

25th Infantry regiment (R1 25) 9th infantry brigade attached to 10 brigade Stanley Airport, Goose Green and San Carlos 13 dead & 67 wounded

181 Panhard armoured cars squadron, 9th infantry brigade attached to 10 brigade Moody Brook

Artillery

3rd Artillery group (GA3), 3rd infantry brigade 2 dead & 42 wounded

Eighteen 105mm howitzer guns

Miscellaneous Army troops 1 Corps

181st military police and intelligence company (Stanley)

Army Chief of Staff troops

601st Commando at Port Howard & Murrell River

602nd Commando Mount Kent 5 dead & 7 wounded

601 Combat aviation battalion

Marines 1,800 men

5th Marine infantry battalion (BIM 5) attached to the Army Mount Tumbledown, Mount William and Sapper Hill (Stanley) 16 dead & 68 wounded

Heavy machine-gun company with twenty seven 12.7mm 7 dead & 17 wounded

Amphibious engineer company (Stanley Common) 4 dead

1st Marine field artillery battalion, B battery (B/BIAC) (Stanley Common) 2 dead & 2 wounded

Dog section naval base with eighteen dogs 2 dead with 22 men

Border guards

601 de gendarmeria nacional

Special forces units 7 dead 6 in a puma helicopter crash

Squadron atucha (Mount Kent)

Squadron bariloche

Squadron calafate

Squadron esquel (smoko mount)

Air Defences Army

601st air defence artillery group (GADA-601) 6 dead & 23 wounded

One cardion TPS-44 long range radar

One roland short range SAM system

Four tigercat SAM triple launchers

Six skyguard fire control radars each controlling two oerlikon GDF-002, 35mm twin cannons. One skyguard radar and two GDF-002, 35mm twin cannons deployed to BAM Condor/Goose Green). Twelve GDF-002s in total & 3 oerlikon 20mm single barrel anti-aircraft cannons. Often used in the ground role against 2 Para.

B Battery, 101st anti-aircraft group (GADA 101), 1 Corps 3 dead & 8 wounded

Eight 30mm hispano suiza guns

Ten 12.7mm machine guns

Some infantry units

Blowpipe shoulder fired SAM

Air Force Stanley

Airfield defence group

Goose Green airfield defence group (BAM Condor)

Special operations group

One westinghouse TPS-43F long range radar

Three oerlikon twin 35mm guns

One super fledermaus fire control radar

One Elta short ranged radar

Fifteen rheinmetall Rh-202 twin 20mm anti-aircraft guns (nine deployed close to Port Stanley Airport runway & six deployed to Goose Green)

A number of SA-7 man portable short ranged SAMs

There were plentiful supplies of the deadly napalm bombs that were stacked in single wooden type pallets at Goose Green which chilled world opinion of the Argentines and highlighted the dimension and ferocity of the war. The chances of survival if a bomb is dropped with a few hundred feet of the enemy is slender as the burning liquid ignites and sweeps forward from the point of impact, washing flame over everything in its path. The jellied gasoline sticks to every surface it strikes and within a few seconds has caused a general ignition of every inflammable substance in the area. Anyone caught in the open by napalm will be splashed with the burning fluid, surrounded by flame, and deprived of air. This was used against 2 Para.

AM39 exocet missile from France wreaked considerable havoc on the task force and is carried under the right wing of the super etendard attack aircraft. Within 2.5 seconds it reaches its cruising speed of Mach 0.93 that's about 700mph. It can also be fired from improvised land launchers.

The deadly French made exocet missile

Argentine attack aircraft and an exocet missile in flight
Navy

1st Marine Anti-Aircraft Battalion (Stanley common) 2 dead

Three Tigercat SAM triple launchers

12 Hispano HS-831, 30mm anti-aircraft guns

Above Hispano HS 831 twin barrelled 30mm anti-aircraft gun

also used in the ground role against 2 Para

Argentine Roland short range surface to air missile
Argentine infantry weapons

Personal weapons:

Browning Hi-Power 9mm pistol

Sistema Colt pistol 11.25mm

Ballester-Molina 11.25mm

PA3-DM submachine gun similar to the Israeli uzi

M3A1 submachine gun called the 'Grease Gun'

Silenced sterling submachine gun used by Commandos

FN FAL (fusil automatique leger) assault rifle 7.62

FN FAL assault rifle 7.62

Mauser bolt action rifle M1909 (may not have been used)

PAM-1 & PAM 2 La Engrasadora 9mm Submachine gun

L34A1 sterling submachine gun

12.7mm machine gun

Fragmentation hand grenades

Sniper rifles

Bayonets and swords

Argentine personal weapons

Support weapons:

FN FAP short barrelled heavy automatic rifle

FN folding stock FAL 7.62 rifle

FN MAG 7.62 heavy machine gun on tripod capable of firing over 700 rpm

Browning M2HB

90mm Recoilless rifle

106mm Recoilless rifle

60mm Mortar

81mm Mortar

120mm Mortar

Blowpipe – man portable Air-Defence System

Multiple rocket launchers

Ant-tank weapons and guided missiles including man portable air defence systems

105mm Howitzer

155mm Howitzer

Soviet made SA-7 Grail man portable missiles

Roland short range surface to air missile

Various anti-aircraft guns including, fifteen oerliken GDF-002 35mm twin cannons, six skyguard fire control radars, fifteen Rheinmetall 20mm/75 anti-aircraft guns and twenty Hispania Suiza 30mm guns.

Various armoured vehicles including, LVTP-7 & LARC-5 vehicles in their amphibious assault

French Matra R530 air to air missile

Anti- personnel mines:

FMK1 Argentine mine made of plastic with a diameter of approx. 3 inches

No 4 is an Israel box type approx. 5 .5 Inches long

P4B is a Spanish mine made of plastic with a diameter of 3 inches

SB33 is Italian & made of plastic with a diameter of approx. 3 inches

Anti-tank mines:

C3B is a Spanish mine made of plastic with a diameter of 111/4 inches

FMK3 Argentine mine made of plastic with a diameter of 9.5 inches

M1 is a US mine from 1944 metallic with a diameter of 11.75 inches

No 6 is an Israel mine metallic with a diameter of 12 inches

SB81 is an Italian mine made from plastic with a diameter of 9.5 inches

Note:

The Argentines failed to map where they placed mines resulting in the un - necessary deaths of their own soldiers and placing great danger on the wildlife and mine clearance operation after the war

Argentine mine

De-mining

Some of the mines that littered the battlefield

Discarded Argentine weapons at Port Stanley
8

Argentine ships and aircraft on Operation Rosario

The Argentine Navy (ARA) especially the commander-in-chief and junta member, Admiral Jorge Anaya, was the main architect and supporter of the military solution to resolve the long standing claim of sovereignty over the islands and on the 2 April 1982 a group of Argentine military infiltrated a group of Argentine scrap metal merchants and raised the Argentine flag at South Georgia on 19 March. On the 2 April the local Falkland islanders woke to the sound of an amphibious landing at Stanley and found to their astonishment tanks patrolling their streets rather than tractors. On the 3 April Argentine Marines used helicopters to take the Georgia's, but the Falkland Islands were now under the control of Argentina.

Operation Rosario (2 April 82)

2.1.1 Task Group 20

2.1.2 Task Group 40

2.2 South Georgia (3 April 82)

2.3 Falklands theatre of operations (2 April – 14 June 82)

2.4 South Atlantic theatre of operations (15 April – 14 June 82)

2.4.1 Task group 79.1

2.4.2 Task group 79.3

2.4.3 Task group 79.4

2.4.4 Submarine force

2.4.5 Others:

3 Argentine coast guard

4 Argentine Merchant Navy (ARA)

4.1 Blockade runners

4.2 Spy trawlers

5 Falkland Islands company ships seized by the Argentine Navy

Argentine Navy:

Vice Admiral Juan Jose Lombardo

Commander Jose Sarcona. (task group 20 April 2nd 1982)

ARA Comodoro Py (D-27). Gearing class destroyer

ARA Comodoro Segui (D-25). Allen M Sumner class destroyer formally USS Hank.

Rear Admiral Jorge Allara. (task group 40)

ARA Cabo San Antonio (Q42) amphibious landing ship
South Georgia (3 April)

ARA Guerrico (P-32). Drummond class corvette, damaged, 1 dead

ARA Bahia Paraiso. Antarctic survey ship, later deployed as a hospital ship

Falklands theatre of operations (2 April – 14 June)

ARA Alferez Sobral a Sotoyomo Class Patrol Vessel, damaged by sea skua missiles fired by westland lynx helicopter from HMS Glamorgan and HMS Coventry damaged, 8 dead.

ARA Comodoro Somellera, a Sotoyomo class patrol vessel

ARA Isla de los Estados transport ship, sunk, 22 dead

ARA Bahia Buen Suceso transport ship, sunk

South Atlantic theatre of operations 15 April – 14 June

Vice Admiral Juan Lombardo (control from Buenos Aires province)

Rear Admiral Jorge Allara. (task group 79.1)

ARA Veinticinco de Mayo. Colossus class aircraft carrier

ARA Hercules. Type 42 destroyer

ARA Santisima. Trinidad type 42 destroyer

ARA Punta Medanos. Fleet tanker

Captain Hector Bonzo. (task group 79.3)

ARA General Belgrano. Brooklyn class cruiser, sunk 323 dead

ARA Hipolito Bouchard. Allen M summer class destroyer

ARA Piedrabuena. Allen M summer class destroyer

ARA Punta Delgada. Fleet tanker

Captain Juan Calmon. (task group 79.4)

ARA Drummond. Drummond class corvette

ARA Granville. Drummond class corvette

ARA Almirante Brown class D-10 destroyer in convoy

not used in the conflict

Submarine force

ARA San Luis Type 209 submarine

ARA Santa Fe Balao class submarine. It was disabled by an air to surface missile fired from westland wasp HAS Mk 1 helicopter from HMS Plymouth and HMS Endurance, 1 dead. It was raised and scuttled by the British in 1985.

ARA Santa Fe
Other vessels

ARA Almirante Irizar an Icebreaker, acting as a hospital ship

ARA Francisco de Gurruchaga, a patrol ship

YPF Campo Duran. Tanker

ARA King. Murature

ARA Santiago del Estero, damaged

ARA Rio Carcarana. Fleet tanker, sunk

ARA Narwal. Intelligence gathering trawler, sunk

ARA Puerto Deseado. Survey ship & later hospital ship

ARA Comodoro Rivadavia. Survey ship and later hospital ship

ARA Intrepida. TNC 45 fast attack craft

ARA Indomita. TNC 45 fast attack craft

ARA Alakush. Higgins class motor torpedo boat (MTB)

ARA Towora. Higgins class motor torpedo boat (MTB)

ARA Baradero. Fast patrol boat Israel

ARA Barranqueras. Fast patrol boat Israel

ARA Concepcion Del Uruguay. Fast patrol boat Israel

ARA Clorinda. Fast patrol boat Israel

Argentine fast patrol boat

Argentine coast guard originally stationed at the Falkland Islands

Islas Malvinas coast guard patrol vessel, damaged by a westland lynx HAS Mk 2/3 helicopter from HMS Alarcrity on 1 May 1982 near Kidney Island. She was captured by the British at Stanley on 14 June 1982 and renamed HMS Tiger Bay.

Rio Iguazu naval patrol vessel, damaged by sea harrier FRS Mk 1 on 22 May 1982 in Choiseul Sound while steaming towards Goose Green with two 105mm guns aboard, beached in Button Bay. Attacked again by westland lynx HAS 2/3 from HMS Penelope firing a sea skua on 13 June 1982. The wreck was towed to Goose Green after the war.1 dead.

Argentine Merchant Navy

Formosa a 12,762 ton cargo ship was attacked and damaged by her own forces (skyhawk from group 5) she was hit by an unexploded 1,000lb bomb and strafed whilst bounded for Rio Gallegos. She survived the war.

Mar Del Norte. A cargo ship

Lago Argentino. A cargo ship

Rio Cincel. A cargo ship

Puerto Rosales. A commercial tanker

Rio Carcaraba. A cargo ship (8,500 tons) damaged by sea harriers in Port King and subsequently attacked by both sides. Sunk after being hit by sea skua missiles fired from a westland linx helicopter on 23 May.

Yehuin. Requisitioned oil tender. Captured 15 June 1982 and renamed Falkland Sound. After being sold to a British owner she transferred to several Panamanian companies. Returned to Argentina control as Audax II in 2008, but still under Panamanian register.

Spy trawlers

Narwal. A 1,300 ton stern fishing freezer trawler. Damaged by an unexploded 1,000lb bomb and 30mm ADEN cannon fire from two sea harriers from HMS Hermes. One crew member was killed. She was later captured by Royal Marines on 9 May and she sunk in a severe storm on 10 May 1982.

Maria Alejandra. Assisted the disabled ARA Alferez Sobral and acted as a radio link between the ill-fated Narwel and the mainland.

Constanza. Patrolled the Northwest of the exclusion zone.

Invierno. Patrolled the northwest of the exclusion zone

Capitan Canepa. From the Government fishery agency SEIM

Maria Luisa. She revealed important intelligence to the Argentine forces on the path of the British battle group She was part of a three trawler flotilla that intercepted supply vessel RFA Fort Grange on 29 April she returned to the mainland on 30 April due to mechanical problems.

Usurbil. Part of the three trawler flotilla with Maria Luisa & Mar Azul.

Mar Azul. Part of the three trawler flotilla with Maria Luisa & Usurbil.

Rio de la Plata II. An ELMA cargo vessel of 10,409 tons. She was the most successful spy ship collecting valuable intelligence on the British.
Argentine aircraft used on Operation Rosario

The Argentines used their aircraft in multiple roles and their losses include those damaged, destroyed, captured, accidents or damaged on the ground. An estimated two hundred and eighty one aircraft were used in all with approximately ninety eight losses. I have to say the Argentine Air Force was very well trained with brave pilots and crew. When the fighter pilots were on a mission to destroy the British Naval and commercial ships taken up from trade in San Carlos Bay (known as bomb alley) they had to ensure that they had enough fuel to return to their mainland and also had to negotiate the horrendous terrain and mountains as well as the firepower from the soldiers on the ground. To do this they came in low and fast hugging the terrain so close that on one occasion I could see the pilots flying the aircraft. If they managed to avoid crashing or being shot down by the troops on the ground they also had to avoid the surface to air missiles either fired from the ground or from ships, as well as being attacked by our own Air Force. They displayed exceptional skill and courage of the highest order.

Air Force

Mirage III EA. (Fighter aircraft). Operational eleven and lost two

Dagger. (Fighter aircraft). Operational thirty four and lost eleven

A-4 Skyhawk B. (bomber/attack aircraft). Operational thirty three and lost ten

A-4 Skyhawk C. (bomber/attack aircraft). Operational not known and lost nine

C-130 Hercules. (transport aircraft). Operational seven and lost one

KC-130H Hercules. (A-A refuelling aircraft). Operational two and lost none

B707-320B. (narrow body jet airliner used for recon). Operational two and lost none

Mirage III

Lear Jet 35A. (photo recon aircraft). Operational four and lost one

Canberra B.62. (bomber aircraft). Operational six and lost two
IA-58 Pucara. (recon & light attack aircraft). Operational eighty and eleven losses in combat with thirteen losses non-combat related. This twin turbo-propped engine aircraft packed a lethal punch with an assortment of armaments including rocket pods and machine guns. It could be operational from unprepared air strips quickly and attacked 2 Para on several occasions.

IA-58 Pucara

IA-50 GII. (multipurpose aircraft)

Bell 212. (general transport duties helicopter). Non-combat losses two

CH-47 Chinook. (transport helicopter)

DHC-6 Twin Otter. (utility short take off aircraft)

Fokker F-27. (airliner)

Navy

Super Etendard with exocet missile

Super Etendard. (anti-shipping & attack aircraft). Operational four, losses none

A-40 Skyhawk. (bomber &attack aircraft). Operational eight and three losses

S-2E Tracker. (recon & ASW aircraft). Operational six and no losses

P-2H Neptune. (recon & ASW aircraft). Operational two and no losses

SH-3D sea king. (transport and anti-submarine warfare ASW helicopter). Operational four and no losses

SA-319B Alouette III. (light utility helicopter). Operational seven and one loss

MB-326/MB-339. (light attack jet & trainer aircraft). Operational five and 2/3losses

T-34C Turbo Mentor. (light attack recon & trainer aircraft). Operational four and four.losses

Skyhawk with missiles

Fokker F28-3000. (transport jet aircraft). Operational two/three

L188 Electra. (transport & recon aircraft). Operational two/three

HS125 Hawker Siddeley. (business jet). Operational one, losses none

B-200 Super King Airs. (transport/utility aircraft & night time missions from the mainland to the islands).Operational not known

B-80 Beechcraft Queen Air. (utility & business aircraft).Operational not known

Sea Lynx, (surface fleet helicopter). Operational two and lost one.

Army

CH-47 Chinook. (transport helicopter). Operational two and losses none

SA330 Puma. (utility and transport helicopter). Operational not known and losses nine

Augusta 109. (light weight twin engine eight seat utility helicopter used for search & rescue). Operational three and lost none

Bell UH-1H Iroquois. (unofficially the huey used as a utility, transport and search and rescue helicopter) Used as gunships in Vietnam by the Americans. Operational nine and no losses.

Coast guard

Puma. (utility & transport helicopter). Operational three and one loss.

Skyvan. (a two crew utility & transport aircraft that can carry 19 men). Operational five and two losses

Skyvan

Civil aircraft

Piper Aerostar 600A. (light transport aircraft with a crew of one and six seats). Operational eleven and losses none

HS-125 700B. (mid-size corporate jet). Operational one and losses none. A British aerospace jet.

LR 24 Learjet (business jets used as utility aircraft). Operational two losses none.

LR 25 Learjet. (business jets used as utility aircraft). Operational three losses none.

LR 35 Learjet. (business jets used as utility aircraft). Operational three losses none.

LR 36. Learjet. (business jets used as utility aircraft). Operational one losses none.

Citation aircraft. (cessna type small jet aircraft). Operational six and losses none.

MU 2/60. (small Mitsubishi utility/transport aircraft). Operational three and losses none.

Merlin III. (small business aircraft). Operational one and losses none.

Turbo Commander AC-690T. (small utility and transport aircraft). Operational four and losses none.

Aircraft on loan from Brazil to the Navy

EMB 111. (small light transport aircraft). Operational two and losses none.

The Argentine military cemetery on East Falkland

The Cemetery holds two hundred and thirty seven courageous Argentine Combatants. It was surrounded by a small white wooden fence but is now protected by a walled enclosure with a cenotaph including an image of Argentina's Patron Saint, the "Virgen Del Lujan," surrounding the graves with the names of all 649 heroes from the Army, Navy and Air-Force who lost their lives. The names are inscribed on glass plaques with no indication of military rank or service as requested by their families. Since the end of the war three more Argentine pilots have been interred. Captain Jorge Osvaldo Garcia (Skyhawk pilot). Lt Gimenez (Pucara pilot) & Lt Jorge Casco (Skyhawk pilot). An Argentine resident of the Falklands Sabastian Socodo is responsible for maintaining the cemetery. There are further memorials for those brave Argentine Service personnel in Argentine at the "Plaza San Martin," in Buenos Aires (see picture below), which is guarded by a member of the historic "Patricios Regiment," and another in Rosario with a third in Ushuaia. It is estimated that there were one hundred and twenty three unknown burials. Every person was given a Christian burial with full military Honours. The white crosses at the Argentine cemetery on the Falkland Islands have the individuals name if known or the words: "Soldado Argentina Conocido Por Dios," meaning, an Argentine soldier known unto God.

Father we commend to your gracious care & keeping all the brave service personnel who have fallen in battle. Including all civilian personnel. Stretch forth your almighty arm to protect them with the assurance of your presence.

Plaza San Martin Buenos Aires
9

Equipment & clothing used by the British

I can only comment on what 2 Para clothing and equipment was used during the war as other units may have been issued various other equipment or clothing to sail south with. As the task force was scrambled together as a matter of urgency equipment and clothing may not have been top of the agenda at that important time. One thing is for sure and that is we had no body armour as seen during the Afghanistan conflict to protect us from small arms fire and shrapnel. We had a basic fragmentation 'flak jacket' that we were issued with when we served in Northern Ireland, but not for the Falklands War. We did not have the magic first aid equipment that they have today and were issued with the basic first field dressings and a morphine tab to be used on ourselves if required that many of us kept inside our helmets. We carved a small piece of the inner polythene out to insert the morphine injection securely. It has to be said that many soldiers purchased some of their own clothing and equipment well before the war broke out such was the state of the basic Army issued equipment and clothing back then. The weight an individual may have carried in his combat equipment fighting order (CEFO) was around 140lb.

We were briefed that the Argentines were poorly equipped and their clothing was the bare minimum and inadequate. The truth was they were better equipped in the clothing department than we were. How do I know this? They had containers full of clothing and equipment that we came across after the war. There was more clothing in these containers than in Marks & Spencer's. The problem that many of them had was their hierarchy did not hand it out to many of them. Their boots were far superior to ours. We had the standard in barracks boots what we called DMS 'direct moulded sole' and mine were newly issued and lasted about one week in the boggy terrain before I had to have another pair which again failed later. I actually tried to obtain a pair from a dead Argentine as many of the lads did, but I could not find my size. The Argentines had very good boots and over boots to protect their own boots. I witnessed the Argentines when they were captured wearing inner clothing, outer clothing, water proofs, wind proofs, gloves etc. far better than ours. On many occasions we in 2 Para only had our belt webbing and its contents for days and weeks having left our Bergen's (ruck sacks) to be forwarded to our positions at some point; we knew not when! Trench foot from continuous damp feet due to the inadequate 1960s DMS boots was rampant disabling quite a few soldiers and affecting many more that persistently put up with the pain and suffering throughout the war. Needless to say a new high length boot was designed and ready for the Falklands War, but not ready to issue them out to the troops before they went! Out went the puttees (the ankle raps that twisted around the top of the boot and ankle similar to those worn in the Great War) and in came the new boots once we returned from the Falkland's. If only we had the new boots before we headed south, trench foot would have been reduced dramatically. The 1958 pattern webbing was also a disaster in the horrendous conditions when wet as it was made of cotton and thus absorbs water, which makes it even heavier.
The following is the equipment and clothing many of my battalion had during the war:

58 pattern belt webbing that may have contained the following:

Various waist belt pouches containing

Ammunition including spare (issued)

Food, (24 hour ration packs) stove & water proof matches or lighter (issued)

Water bottle full, mug & brew kit (issued)

First aid kit (purchased by individual unless a medic)

Survival kit (purchased by individual)

Poncho (protection from inclement weather and acts as a small tent issued)

Spare dry socks (issued)

Gloves Northern Ireland (issued)

Rifle cleaning kit (RCK issued with personal weapon)

Knife, fork and spoon (KFS) or just a spoon (issued)

Pocket knife and lanyard (issued)

Various grenades (issued)

A41 Radio and batteries (issued)

Small compact washing and shaving kit (purchased by individual)

Mess tins containing any of the above, but normally food and stove in one, (issued)

Light weight wooden shovel or pick axe (issued)

Bayonet (issued with personal weapon)

Mini flares (issued)

Respirator and nuclear, biological & chemical warfare clothing (issued)

Cam cream to camouflage your face, neck and hands (issued)

Small torch (issued or purchased)

Water proof jacket or trousers issued or purchased)

Binoculars (issued or purchased)

Watch military (issued)

Beret maroon (issued or purchased)

As you can imagine the weight in the belt kit alone was far more than we trained for and surprised many once we landed ashore. Then we had our bergen's to carry.
Nylon bergen: (rucksack)

Spare rifle and machine gun ammunition (issued)

Spare batteries for the radio operator (issued)

Mortar bombs for the mortars (issued)

Spare warm clothing (issued or purchased)

Sleeping bag (issued or purchased)

Sleeping mat (issued)

Boot cleaning kit or dubbin (purchased)

Kip sheet for building a trench (issued)

Spare food (issued)

Plastic bag inside the bergen to keep all our kit dry. (Issued or purchased)

Spare pocket knife (issued or purchased)

Survival kit if not in belted equipment (purchased)

Medical equipment for medics, (issued) some soldiers purchase their own.

On the person i.e. clothing:

Personal weapon & bayonet (issued)

First field dressings (issued)

Steel Para helmet (issued)

Belted ammunition for the general purpose machine gun (issued)

Bandelier of spare ammunition for the self-loading rifle (issued)

66mm Medium Anti-Tank Weapon (issued)

Grenades (issued)

Windproof smock &bottoms (issued)

Quilted top & bottoms (issued)

Jumper (issued)

White arctic socks (issued)

Face veil (issued)

Direct moulded sole (DMS) boots and puttees (issued) some boots were self-purchased

Gloves, Northern Ireland (issued)

Maps (issued)

Small torch (issued or purchased)

Cam cream (issued)

Note book and pencil (issued or purchased)

Compass (issued or purchased)

Morphine (issued & held inside our helmets))

Pocket knife (issued or purchased)

Paid for sweat tops or other tops, bottoms or boots purchased by the individual

It must be noted that our support company i.e. machine gun platoon, mortar platoon, anti-tank platoon and assault pioneers carried far more weight that the remainder of the battalion and must be commended for this.
10

Locals held hostage by Argentine forces in the community centre at Goose Green 1st May to 29th May 1982

Note these are the families who supported each other throughout what can only be described as a terrifying ordeal:

Mike Anderson

Georgina Anderson

Paul Anderson

Tony Anderson

Jenny Anderson

Diana Bailey

Ginny Bailey

Keith Bailey

Kim Bailey

Duncan Bain

Steve Ball

Les Billett

Haley Bowles

Norma Bowles

Troyd Bowles

Willie Bowles

Frances Browning

Gavin Browning

Kevin Browning

Nutt Cartmell

Andy Clark

Clarvis Clausen

Denzil Clausen

Mally Clausen

Wayne Clausen

Kenny Cletheroe

Sandy Coutts

Amy Pole-Evans

John Pole-Evans

Mike Pole-Evans

Paula Pole-Evans

Hazel Ford

John Ford

Jonathon Ford

Paul Ford

Pauline Ford

Caroline Ford

Ethel Ferguson

Finlay Ferguson

Teena Ferguson

Charlie Finlayson

Hugh Finlayson

Peter Finlayson

Phyllis Finlayson

Adrian Gilbert

Donna Gleadell

Eric Goss

Morgan Goss

Shirley Goss

William Goss

Andrea Gray

Johan Gray

Pat Gray

David Gray

Brooke Hardcastle

Eileen Hardcastle

Beat Harvey

Brian Hewitt

Davey Hewitt

Kevin Hewitt

Neil Hewitt

Dolly Jaffray

Gerard Jaffray

Ian Jaffray

Ingrid Jaffray

Kenneth Jaffray

Lisa Jaffray

Tanya Jaffray

Terrence Jaffray

Wayne Jaffray

Stephen Jaffray

Eileen Jaffray

Brian Jaffray

Mike Lewis

Linda Lyse

Mally Lyse

Reg Lyse

Ellen McCullum

Albert McLeod

Bob McLeod

Ian McLeod

Janet McLeod

John McLeod

Sally McLeod

June McMullen

Lucille McMullen

Mathew McMullen

Tony McMullen

Caroline Middleton

Michael Minnell

Coleen Morrison

Graham Morison

Nanette Morrison

Stewart Morrison

Martin Ridge

Anna Robson

Gay Robson

Gladys Robson

Mike Robson

Ray Robson

Stephanie Robson

Colin Shepherd

David Shepherd

Liz Shepherd

Sylvia Shepherd

Bob Smith

Bruce Smith

David Smith

Jennifer Smith

Margaret Smith

Nora Smith

Russell Smith

Oscar Velasquez

Being held hostage by the Argentine Forces in the small Community Centre at Goose Green from 1st May to 29th May 1982 must have been horrifying for over one hundred people that were being detained by an enemy force. The biggest family being the Jaffray's totalling twelve. The Goose Green population possessed a rigour and resolve far beyond praise with a community spirit of the highest order. If I miss spell a name or leave someone out I apologise in advance.

The community centre at Goose Green where

2 Para liberated the hostages held by the

Argentines
11

British awards & medals

Below are the gallantry and distinguished service awards and medals presented to the Armed Services and civilians who took part in liberating the Falkland Islands and is testament to the bravery of all those who took part. It also highlights the spirit, rigour and togetherness that pulled a nation together in the face of adversity. Her Majesty the Queen approved six hundred and eighty two awards. Not all awards are highlighted here.

Navy

Distinguished Service Order (DSO)

Commander Samuel Clark Dunlop, CBE, DSO, RFA

Captain Michael Ernest Barrow, DSO, RN

Captain John Jeremy Black, CBE, KCB, DSO, RN

Captain William Robert Canning, DSO, RN

Captain John Francis Coward, KCB, DSO, RN

Captain Peter George Valentine Dingemans, CB, DSO, RN

Captain Edmund Shackleton Jeremy Larken, CB, DSO, IVO, RN

Captain Christopher Hope Layman, DSO, MVO, RN

Captain Linley Eric Middleton, ADC, CB, DSO, RN

Captain David Pentreath, DSO, RN

Captain Philip Jeremy George Roberts, DSO, RFA

Lt Colonel Nicholas Francis Vaux, CB, DSO, RM

Lt Colonel Andrew Francis Whitehead, CB, DSO, RM

Commander Christopher Louis Wredford-Brown, DSO, RN

Lt Commander Brian Frederick Dutton, DSO, QGM, RN

Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)

Captain Ian Harry North, DSC, MN

Lt Commander Gordon Walter James Batt, DSC, RN

Lt Commander John Stuart Woodhead, DSC, RN

Lt Commander John Murray Sephton, DSC, RN

Captain George Robert Green, DSC, RFA

Captain David Everett Lawrence, DSC, RFA

Captain Anthony Francis Pitt, DSC, RFA

Commander Paul Jeffrey Bootherstone, DSC, RN

Commander Christopher John Sinclair Craig, DSC, RN

Commander Anthony Morton, CBE, KCB, DSC, RN

Commander Nicholas John Tobin, DSC, RN

Commander Nigel David Ward, AFC, DSC, RN

Commander Alan William John West, GCB, DSC, RN

Lt Commander Andrew Donaldson Auld, DSC, RN

Lt Commander Michael Dennison Booth, DSC, RN

Lt Commander Hugh Sinclair Clark, DSC, RN

Lt Commander Hugh John Lomas, DSC, RN

Lt Commander Neil Wynell Thomas, DSC, RN

Lt Commander Simon Clive Thornewill, DSC, RN

Lt Alan Reginald Courtenay Bennett, DSC, RN

Lt Nigel Arthur Bruen, DSC, RN

Lt Richard Hutchings, DSC, RM

Lt Nigel John North, DSC, RN

Lt Stephen Robert Thomas, DSC, RN

Sub Lt Peter Thomas Morgan, DSC, RN

Fleet CPO (Diver) Michael George Fellows, BEM, DSC, RN

Military Cross (MC)

Major Charles Peter Cameron, MC, RM

Captain Peter Murray Babbington, MC, RM

Lt Clive Idris Dytor, MC, RM

Lt Christopher Fox, MC, RM

Lt David James Stewart, MC, RM

Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Lt Richard James Nunn, DFC, RM

Captain Jeffrey Peter Niblett, DFC, RM

Air Force Cross (AFC)

Lt Commander Douglas John Smiley Squier, AFC, RN

Lt Commander Ralph John Stuart Wykes-Sneyd, AFC, RN

Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)

Corporal Julian Burdett, DCM, RM

George Medal (GM)

Second Engineer Officer Paul Anderson Henry, GM, RFA

Able Seaman (Radar) John Edward Dillon, GM
Distinguished Service Medal (DSM)

Petty Officer MEM (M) David Richard Briggs, DSM, RN

Acting Corporal Air-crewman Michael David Love, DSM, RM

Colour Sergeant Michael James Francis, DSM, RM

Chief MEM (M) Michael David Townsend, DSM, RN

Chief Petty Officer (Diver) Graham Michael Trotter, DSM, RN

Chief Petty Officer Air-crewman Malcom John Tupper, DSM, RN

Petty Officer John Steven Leake, DSM (below). John was a civilian member of staff working for the NAAFI who joined the ship HMS Ardent in 1977. In 1982 when 'Active Service' was declared the Canteen Manager signed on as a Petty Officer so that if he were captured he would be covered by the Geneva Convention. Whilst the Ardent was being bombed continuously, instead of selling cigarettes, beer, toiletries and sweets to staff he manned a general purpose machine gun (GPMG) that was mounted on the side of the ship and continually fired at the Argentine aircraft, all day. John an ex-soldier in the Devonshire and Dorset Regiment and was discharged at the age of 24 died in 2000, and later his medals were sold for a record one hundred and ten thousand pounds. A true hero.

The late Petty Officer John Leake DSM & Medals DSM, NI, SAM & Rosette

Sergeant William John Leslie, DSM, RM

Acting Petty Officer (Sonar) (SM) Graham John Robert Libby, DSM, RN

Leading Air-crewman Peter Blair Imrie, DSM, RN

Leading Air-crewman (Radar) Jeffrey David Warren, DSM, RN

Military Medal (MM)

Sergeant Thomas Collings, MM, RM

Sergeant Joseph Desmond Wassell, MM, RM

Sergeant Michael Collins, MM, RM

Corporal Michael Eccles, MM, RM

Corporal David Hunt, MM, RM

Corporal Stephen Charles Newland, MM, RM

Corporal Harry Siddall, MM, RM

Corporal Chrystie Nigel Hanslip Ward, MM, RM

Acting Corporal Andrew Ronald Bishop, MM, RM

Marine Gary Williams Marshall, MM, RM

Distinguished Flying Medal (DFM)

Sergeant William Christopher O'Brien, DFM, RM

Queen's Gallantry Medal (QGM)

Acting Colour Sergeant Brian Johnston, QGM, RM

Chief Engineer Officer Charles Kenneth Arthur Adams, QGM, RFA

Lt John Kenneth Boughton, QGM, RN

Lt Philip James Sheldon, QGM, RN

3rd Officer Andrew Gudgeon, QGM, RFA

3rd Engineer Brian Robert Williams, QGM, MN

Marine Engineer Artificer (M) 1st Class Kenneth Enticknapp, QGM, MN

Petty Officer Medical Assistant Gerald Andrew Meager, QGM, MN

The Victoria Cross the highest award for bravery in battle
Army

Victoria Cross (VC)

Lt Colonel Herbert Jones, VC, OBE, 2 Para

Sergeant Ian John McKay, VC, 3 Para
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)

Major Cederic Norman George Delves, DSO, Devonshire & Dorset Regiment

Major Christopher Patrick Benedict Keeble, DSO, 2 Para

Lt Colonel Hew William Royston Pike, MBE, DSO, 3 Para

Lt Colonel Michael Ian Eldon Scott, DSO, Scots Guards

Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)

Warrant Officer Class 2 John Henry Phillips, DSC, Royal Engineers (Bomb disposal). Injured whilst trying to defuse a 1000 bomb on board HMS Antelope with his colleague Sergeant Jim Prescott, CGM, Royal Engineers. The bomb disposal teams of any unit or service, military or civilian are very highly regarded throughout all three services and civilian population. A true hero.

W02 John Phillips DSC

Military Cross (MC)

Captain Gavin John Hamilton, MC, the Green Howards/SAS

Major Michael Hugh Argue, MC 3 Para

Captain Timothy William Burls, MC, Para/SAS

Major David Alan Collett, MC, 3 Para

Lt Colin Spencer Connor, MC, 2 Para

Major John Harry Crosland, MC, 2 Para

Major Charles Dair Farrar-Hockley, MC, 2 Para

Major John Kiszely, KCB, MC, Scotts Guards

Lt Robert Alasdair Davidson Lawrence, MC, Scots Guards

Captain William Andrew McCracken, MC, Royal Regiment of Artillery

Captain Aldwin James Glendinning Wight, MC, Welsh Guards

Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Captain Samuel Murray Drennan, DFC, Army Air Corps

Captain John Gordon Greenhalgh, DFC, Royal Corps of Transport

Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)

Private Stephen Illingsworth, DCM, 2 Para

Guardsman James Boyle Curran Reynolds, DCM, Scots Guards

Corporal David Abols, DCM, 2 Para

Colour Sergeant Brian Faulkner, DCM, 3 Para

Sergeant John Clifford Meredith, DCM, 2 Para

Warrant Officer Class 2 William Nicol, DCM, Scots Guards

Sergeant John Stuart Pettinger, DCM, 3 Para

Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (CGM)

Staff Sergeant James Prescott, CGM, Corps of Royal Engineers (Bomb disposal) this medal was the first of its kind to be awarded during the Queens reign. It was discontinued in 1993 and replaced by the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross (CGC) a tri-service award for all ranks, and second only to the Victoria Cross (VC) for combat gallantry. Staff Sergeant Prescott was killed whilst defusing bombs on board HMS Antelope where his colleague Warrant Officer Philips, DSC lost an arm during an explosion. Once again bomb disposal personnel are very highly regarded by all three services. A true hero

Staff Sergeant James Prescott CGM

Military Medal (MM)

Private Richard John de Mansfield Absolon, MM, 3 Para

Lance Corporal Garry David Bingley, MM, 2 Para

Corporal Ian Phillip Bailey, MM, 3 Para

Lance Corporal Stephen Alan Bardsley, MM, 2 Para

Sgt Terrence Irving Barrett, MM, 2 Para

Lance Corporal Martin William Lester Bentley, MM, 2 Para

Sergeant Derrick Sidney Boultby, MM Royal Corps of Transport

Corporal Trevor Brookes, MM, Royal Corps of Signals/SAS

Corporal Thomas James Camp, MM, 2 Para

Private Graham Stuart Carter, MM, 2 Para

Guardsman Stephen Mark Chapman, MM, Welsh Guards

Corporal John Anthony Foran, MM, Corps of Royal Engineers

Sergeant Desmond Fuller, MM, 3 Para

Private Barry James Grayling, MM, 2 Para

Corporal Thomas William Hartley, MM, 2 Para

Bombardier Edward Morris Holt, MM, Royal Corps of Artillery

Sergeant Robert White Jackson, MM, Scott's Guards

Lance Corporal Dale John Loveridge, MM, Welsh Guards

Sergeant Joseph Gordon Mather, MM, SAS

Sergeant Peter Hurcliche Rene Naya, MM, Royal Army Medical Corps

Warrant Officer Class 2 Brian Thomas Neck, MM, Welsh Guards

Guardsman Andrew Samuel Pengelly, MM, Scott's Guards

Lance Corporal Leslie James Leonard Standish, MM, 2 Para

Sergeant Roman Hugh Wrega, MM, Corps of Royal Engineers
Royal Air Force

Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)

Flt Lt David Henry Spencer Morgan, DSC, RAF 899 Naval Air Squadron

Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Wing Commander Peter Ted Squire, DFC, AFC, RAF

Squadron Leader Richard Ulric Langworthy, DFC, AFC, RAF

Squadron Leader Calum Neil McDougall, DFC, RAF

Squadron Leader Jeremy John Pook, MBE, DFC, RAF

Flt Lt William Francis Martin Withers, DFC, RAF

Air Force Cross (AFC)

Wing Commander David Emmerson, AFC, RAF

Squadron Leader Robert Tuxford, AFC, RAF

Flt Lt Harold Currie Burgoyne, AFC, RAF

Queen's Gallantry Medal (QGM)

Flt Lt Alan James Swan, QGM, RAF

Flt Sergeant Brian William Jopling, QGM, RAF
12

British Roll of Honour

The Right Reverend Stephen Venner, Bishop of the Falklands said:

God grant to the living, grace; to the departed, rest; to the church, the Queen, the commonwealth, and all mankind, peace and concord; and to us and all his servants, life everlasting; and the blessing of God Almighty, father, son and holy spirit, come down upon you and remain with you always. Amen.

Private RJ Absolon, MM 3 Para

Petty Officer Engineering Mechanic (Electrical) MJ Adcock, HMS Glamorgan

Air Engineering Mechanic (Radio) 1 AJ Anslow, 845 Squadron Fleet Air Arm

Marine Engineering Mechanic (Mechanical) 1 FO Armes, HMS Coventry

Able Seaman (Sonar) D Armstrong, HMS Ardent

Corporal RE Armstrong, 22 SAS

Sergeant JL Arthy, 22 SAS

Warrant Officer (Class 1) M Atkinson, 22 SAS

Staff Sergeant JI Baker, Royal Signals

Lt Commander DI Balfour, HMS Sheffield

Lt Commander RW Banfield, HMS Ardent

Able Seaman (Sonar) AR Barr, HMS Ardent

Lieutenant JA Barry 2 Para

Lt Commander GWJ Batt, DSC, 800 Squadron Fleet Air Arm

Corporal WJ Begley, 22 SAS

Lance Corporal GD Bingley, MM, 2 Para

Able Seaman (Radar) IM Boldy, HMS Argonaut

Petty Officer Marine Engineering Mechanic (Mechanical) DR Briggs, DSM, HMS Sheffield

Petty Officer Engineering Mechanic P Brouard, HMS Ardent

Corporal JG Browning, 3 Commando Brigade, RM

Private G Bull, 3 Para

Lance Corporal BC Bullers, ACC

Sergeant PA Bunker, 22 SAS

Lance Corporal A Burke, 1 WG

Corporal RA Burns, 22 SAS

Private JS Burt, 3 Para

Acting Chief Weapons Engineering Artificer JDL Caddy, HMS Coventry

Marine PD Callan, 45 Commando RM

Marine Engineering Artificer (Mechanical) 1 PB Callus, HMS Coventry

Lance Sergeant JR Carlyle, 1 WG

Petty Officer Air-crewman KS Casey, 846 Squadron Fleet Air Arm

Seaman Chan CS, SS Atlantic Conveyor

Lance Corporal SJ Cockton, 656 Squadron AAC

Private AM Connett, ACC

Catering Assistant D Cope, HMS Sheffield

Lance Corporal A Cork, 2 Para

Private JD Crow, 3 Para

Sergeant PP Currass, QGM, 22 SAS

Lieutenant WA Curtis, 801 Squadron Fleet Air Arm

Guardsman IA Dale, 1 WG

Sergeant SAI Davidson, 22 SAS

Marine C Davison, Commando Logistic Regiment, RM

Acting Petty Officer Catering Accountant SR Dawson, HMS Coventry

Guardsman DJ Denholm, 2 SG

Captain C Dent, 2 Para

Private SJ Dixon, 2 Para

Bosun JB Dobson, SS Atlantic Conveyor

Acting Weapons Engineering Mechanic (Radio) 1 JK Dobson, HMS Coventry

Private MS Dodsworth, 3 Para

Chef RJS Dunkerley, HMS Ardent

Guardsman MJ Dunphy, 1 WG

Chef B Easton, HMS Glamorgan

Guardsman P Edwards, 1 WG

Weapons Engineering Artificer 1 AC Eggington, HMS Sheffield

Sergeant C Elley, 1 WG

Sub Lt RC Emly, HMS Sheffield

Sergeant R Enefer, 45 Commando, RM

Sergeant AP Evans, 3 Commando Brigade Air Squadron, RM

Corporal K Evans, 45 Commando, RM

Lt Commander JE Eyton-Jones, 801 Squadron, Fleet Air Arm

Petty Officer Chef, R Fagan, HMS Sheffield

Lance Corporal IR Farrell, RAMC

Colour Sergeant GPM Findlay, 2 Para

Corporal PR Fitton, 45 Commando, RM

Chief Petty Officer Writer, E Flanagan, SS Atlantic Conveyor

Private MW Fletcher, 2 Para

Acting Leading Chef, MP Foote, HMS Ardent

Marine Engineering Mechanic (Mechanical) 1 SN Ford, HMS Ardent

Major ML Forge, Royal Signals

Mechanic, F Foulkes, SS Atlantic Conveyor

Petty Officer (Sonar) MG Fowler, HMS Coventry

Lieutenant KD Francis, 3 Commando Brigade Air Squadron, RM

Warrant Officer Class 2 L Gallagher, BEM, 22 SAS

Sapper PK Gandhi, 59 Independent Commando Squadron, RE

Guardsman M Gibby, 1 WG

Lance Corporal BP Giffin, 3 Commando Brigade Air Squadron, RM

Chef, NA Goodall, HMS Sheffield

Guardsman GC Grace, 1 WG

Guardsman P Green, 1 WG

Private AD Greenwood, 3 Para

Staff Sergeant CA Griffin, 656 Squadron AAC

Marine RD Griffin, RM, HMS Fearless

Guardsman GM Griffiths, 1 WG

Private N Grose, 3 Para.

3rd Engineering Officer CF Hailwood, RFA Sir Galahad

Weapons Engineering Mechanic (Ordnance) 1 IP Hall, HMS Coventry

Captain GJ Hamilton, MC, 22 SAS

Acting Steward S Hanson, HMS Ardent

Corporal D Hardman, 2 Para

Sergeant WC Hatton, QGM, 22 SAS

Steward DRS Hawkins, SS Atlantic Conveyor

Flight Lt GW Hawkins, RAF

Able Seaman (Sonar) SK Hayward, HMS Ardent

Lieutenant RR Heath, HMS Coventry

Private PJ Hedicker, 3 Para

Air Engineering Mechanic (Mechanical) 1 M Henderson, HMS Glamorgan

2nd Engineering Officer, PA Henry, GM, RFA Sir Galahad

Able Seaman (Electrical Warfare) S Heyes, HMS Ardent

Lance Corporal PD Higgs, 3 Para

Air Engineering Mechanic (Radio) 1 BP Hinge, HMS Glamorgan.

Private M Holman-Smith, 2 Para

Radio Officer R Hoole, RFA

Corporal S Hope, 3 Para

Guardsman DN Hughes, 1 WG

Guardsman G Hughes, 1 WG

Mechanic J Hughes, MN

Sergeant WJ Hughes, 22 SAS

Sergeant IN Hunt, SBS, RM

Private S Illingsworth, DCM, 2 Para

Marine Engineering Artificer (Propulsion) AS James, HMS Fearless

Guardsman B Jasper, 1 WG

Private TR Jenkins, 3 Para

Colour Sergeant BR Johnston, QGM, RM, HMS Fearless

Sapper CA Jones, 59 Independent Commando Squadron, RE

Private CE Jones, 3 Para

Lt Colonel H Jones, VC, OBE, 2 Para Commanding Officer

Private MA Jones, ACC

Sergeant P Jones, 22 SAS

Guardsman A Keeble, 1 WG

Lance Sergeant K Keoghane, 1 WG

Leading Marine Engineering Mechanic (Mechanical) AJ Knowles, HMS Sheffield

Laundryman Kye BK, HMS Coventry

Laundryman Lai CK, HMS Sheffield

Private SI Laing, 3 Para

Weapons Engineering Mechanic (Radio) 1 SJ Lawson, HMS Ardent

Local Acting Chief Air Engineering Mechanician D Lee, HMS Glamorgan

Sergeant RA Leeming, 45 Commando, RM

Marine Engineering Mechanic (Mechanical) 2 AR Leighton, HMS Ardent

Electrical Fitter Leung C, RFA Sir Galahad

Lance Corporal PN Lightfoot, 22 SAS

Lance Corporal B Limbu, 1/7 Ghurkha Rifles

Corporal MD Love, DSM, 846 Squadron Fleet Air Arm

Lance Corporal CK Lovett, 3 Para

Marine SG McAndrews, 40 Commando, RM

Air Engineering Mechanician 1 A McAulay, HMS Ardent

Air Engineering Artificer (Mechanical) 2 KT McCallum, HMS Glamorgan

Corporal KJ McCarthy, 3 Para

Corporal DF McCormack, Royal Signals

Corporal MV McHugh, 22 SAS

Corporal AG McIlvenny, 9 Independent Para Squadron, RE

Sergeant IJ McKay, VC, 3 Para

Marine PB McKay, 45 Commando, RM

Corporal SPF McLaughlin, 3 Para

Marine GC Macpherson, 45 Commando, RM

Chef BG Malcolm, HMS Glamorgan

Guardsman D Malcolmson, 2 SG

Guardsman MJ Marks, 1 WG

Naval Airman (Aircraft Handler) 1 B Marsden, HMS Invincible

Leading Chef T Marshall, HMS Sheffield

Private T Mechan, 2 Para.

Corporal M Melia, 59 Independent Commando Squadron, RE

Private RW Middlewick, ACC

Acting Leading Marine Engineering Mechanic (Mechanical) D Miller HMS Fearless

Lance Sergeant C Mitchell, 2 SG

Guardsman C Mordecai, 1 WG

3rd Engineering Officer AJ Morris, RFA Sir Galahad

Acting Leading Seaman (Radar) MS Mullen, HMS Ardent

Lance Corporal JH Murdoch, 3 Para

Lieutenant B Murphy, HMS Ardent

Leading Physical Training Instructor GT Nelson, HMS Ardent

Lance Corporal SJ Newbury, 1 WG

Corporal J Newton, 22 SAS

Seaman NG Por, RFA

Guardsman GD Nicholson, 1 WG

Petty Office Weapons Engineering Mechanic, AR Norman, HMS Sheffield

Captain IH North, DSC, MN, SS Atlantic Conveyor

Marine MJ Nowak, 45 Commando, RM

Lieutenant RJ Nunn, DFC, 3 Commando Brigade Air Squadron, RM

Major R Nutbeem, RAMC

Staff Sergeant P O'Connor, 22 SAS

Chef DE Osborne, HMS Sheffield

Acting Weapons Engineering Machanician 1 DJA Ozbirn, HMS Coventry

Acting Petty Officer Weapons Engineering Mechanic (Radio) AK Palmer, HMS Ardent

Private DA Parr, 2 Para

Guardsman CC Parsons, 1 WG

Lance Corporal JB Pashley, 9 Independent Para Squadron, RE

Marine Engineering Mechanic (Mechanician) 2 TW Perkins, HMS Glamorgan

Guardsman EJ Phillips, 1 WG

Marine K Phillips, 45 Commando, RM

Guardsman GW Poole, 1 WG

Sergeant J Prescott, CGM, 49 Squadron, RE

Private K Preston, 16 Field Ambulance, RAMC

Corporal SN Prior, 2 Para

Leading Air Engineering Mechanic (Electrical) 1 D Pryce, 845 Squadron Fleet Air Arm

Guardsman JBC Reynolds, DCM, 2 SG

Chef JR Roberts, HMS Ardent

Lt Commander GS Robinson-Moltke, HMS Coventry

Craftsman MW Rollins, REME

Sergeant RJ Rotheram, RM, HMS Fearless

Guardsman NA Rowberry, 1 WG

Marine AJ Rundle, RM, HMS Fearless

Leading Chef M Sambles, HMS Glamorgan

Lance Corporal DE Scott, 3 Para

Private IP Scrivens, 3 Para

Lt Commander JM Sephton, DSC, HMS Ardent

Craftsman A Shaw, REME

Leading Chef AE Sillence, HMS Glamorgan

Sergeant J Simeon, 2 SG

Private F Slough, 2 Para.

Corporal J Smith, 42 Commando, RM

Lance Corporal NR Smith, 2 Para

Corporal IF Spencer, 45 Commando, RM

Steward MR Stephens, HMS Antelope

Leading Radio Operator (Warfare) BJ Still, HMS Coventry

Guardsman AG Stirling, 2 SG

Marine Engineering Artificer 2 GLJ Stockwell, HMS Coventry

Lance Corporal AR Streatfield, REME

Acting Weapons Engineering Artificer 1 DA Strickland, HMS Coventry

Steward JD Stroud, HMS Glamorgan

Seaman (Missile) MJ Stuart, HMS Argonaut

Weapons Electrical Artificer 1 KRF Sullivan, HMS Sheffield

Corporal PS Sullivan, 2 Para

Able Seaman (Electrical Warfare) AD Sunderland, HMS Coventry

Butcher Sung YP, RFA Sir Galahad.

Chef AC Swallow, HMS Sheffield

Lance Corporal PA Sweet, 1 WG

Corporal SJG Sykes, 22 SAS

Guardsman R Tanbini, 2 SG

Sapper WD Tarbard, 9 Independent Para Squadron, RE

Lieutenant N Taylor, 800 Squadron Fleet Air Arm

Lance Corporal CC Thomas, 1 WG

Guardsman GK Thomas 1 WG

Lance Corporal NDM Thomas 1 WG

Guardsman RG Thomas, 1 WG

Acting Chief Weapons Mechanician M Till, HMS Sheffield

Lieutenant DHR Tinker, HMS Glamorgan

Marine Engineering Mechanic (Mechanical) 2 S Tonkin, HMS Coventry

Acting Chef I Turnbull, HMS Coventry

Corporal AB Uren, 45 Commando, RM

Petty Officer Air-crewman CP Vickers, HMS Glamorgan

Mechanic EN Vickers, SS Atlantic Conveyor

Guardsman A Walker, 1 WG

Weapons Engineering Mechanician 2 BJ Wallis, HMS Sheffield

Corporal ET Walpole, 22 SAS

Lance Corporal CF Ward, 1 WG

Corporal LG Watts, 42 Commando, RM

Guardsman JF Weaver, 1 WG

Leading Chef AK Wellstead, HMS Sheffield

Master-at-Arms B Welsh, HMS Sheffield

Private PA West, 3 Para

Acting Weapons Engineering Artificer 2 PP White, HMS Coventry

Acting Leading Marine Engineering Mechanic (Mechanical) SJ White, HMS Ardent

Acting Leading Marine Engineering Mechanic (Electrical) G Whitford, HMS Ardent

Warrant Officer Class 2 D Wight, 2 SG

Sergeant M Wigley, 1 WG

Guardsman DR Williams, 1 WG

Marine Engineering Mechanic (Mechanical) GS Williams, HMS Ardent.

Weapons Engineering Artificer (Apprentice) IR Williams, HMS Coventry

Chef KJ Williams, HMF Sheffield

Marine D Wilson, 45 Commando, RM

Corporal S Wilson, 9 Independent Para Squadron, RE

Captain DA Wood, 2 Para (Adjutant)

Lt Commander JS Woodhead, DSC, HMS Sheffield

Seaman Yeung SK, RFA Sir Tristram

Bosun YU SC, RFA Sir Tristram

Captain B Biddick, HMHS Uganda

Marine Engineering Mechanic P Mills, HMS Coventry

Mrs Doreen Bonner, Falkland Islands resident

Mrs Mary Goodwin, Falkland Islands resident

Mrs Susan Whitley, Falkland Islands resident.

Father we commend to your gracious care & keeping all those service personnel who have fallen in battle, including all supporting personnel and civilians who died during

Operation Corporate. Stretch forth your almighty arm to protect them with the assurance of your presence.
13

A reflection from the author on his role in 1982 with 2 Para

"We have lots of new friends"

These are the words spoken by Port Stanley's telex operator during the invasion

Early on the 2nd of April 1982 the residents of Port Stanley the capital of the Falkland Islands were woken by gunfire. This was the beginning of Argentina's invasion of British Sovereignty. Shortly after the gunfire armoured vehicles and troops were now occupying the normally tranquil streets where the locals were more use to seeing tractors than tanks. The Argentine Buzo Tactico Special Forces unexpectedly landed by helicopter at Mullett Creek, a small inlet situated about three miles to the Southwest of the Falklands capital. Within hours of the first Argentine soldier stepping foot on the Islands the small eighty man garrison of Royal Marines surrendered. They were totally outnumbered but didn't' give in without a gutsy and determined hard fought battle as expected from the elite Commandos. The next day the even smaller Royal Marine force on South Georgia East of Port Stanley surrendered to the Argentines. The invasion of British held territory was clearly seen to be an illegal and aggressive act. Argentina thought at this stage that they were in for a quick and easy victory after a successful landing and occupation. They were unaware that the British were placed on immediate alert for deployment to the South Atlantic. 2 Para were on 72 hours' notice to move.

Portsmouth provided the vast support required working around the clock to equip and transform the largest contingent of Navel and Commercial Ships for action since the Second World War. They had to convert luxury liners into troop carriers within a week along with preparing Royal naval ships for action. This was a magnificent show of support and camaraderie from a wonderful naval town whose integration and wide variety of professional skills set the task force on its way.

I had been at home on leave with my older brother when we were immediately recalled back to Aldershot. On 5th April a task force was assembled on time and began a long journey sailing eight thousand miles south towards a place that I had never heard of before; the Falkland Islands. 3 Para were already on route aboard the SS Canberra known as 'The Great White Whale' whilst 2 Para were boarding coaches under the covered way (a large covered area safe from inclement weather) in Bruneval Barracks, Aldershot, home of the British Army.

My brother and I were in cheerful mood and certainly felt no apprehension about the fact that we were heading into a possible conventional war zone. There was no reason to be scared, as we had never been in this situation before. We feared nothing at that time, as we didn't know what to be afraid of. We had fought in Northern Ireland (Op Banner) but that was a completely different kettle of fish as we were fighting an invisible enemy who did not want to fight us head on; terrorism. We had been on many journeys by coach from Montgomery Lines before to go on exercise or carry out parachute descents and today felt no different. The reality was that the battalion was going to suffer casualties on a large scale and many men would not be returning. Once in Portsmouth it was routine as normal 'get on the bus, get off the bus' until eventually we boarded our relevant ships. I was now part of the newly formed Defence Platoon whose responsibility was to re-supply ammunition, look after prisoners of war and casualty evacuation. This may have been formed in hindsight of the task ahead and the uncertainty of beach landings and vast casualties of war expected from many battles. I sailed south on a vessel called the Europic Ferry built in 1968 by Swan Hunter in Newcastle upon Tyne. This Townsend Thoresen Ferry was one of many merchant ships chartered by the British Government for service during the War. The magnificent bright red hull was a perfect aiming mark for the Argentine Air force, but it was painted battlefield grey to camouflage it and it somehow managed to survive any direct hits. The Europic changed hands and names on numerous occasions since her heroics in 1982 eventually being scrapped under the name of Ajman Glory in 2005 at Alang in India. My brother who I had not seen since we left Aldershot was sailing south on the NV Norland a 27,000 ton role on role off ferry; a much larger vessel than the Europic with the remainder of the battalion group. The ship was built in 1974 and chartered by the British Government to join the remainder of the hundred plus ships to the South Atlantic. She was sold in 2002.

The experience so far was surreal to say the least yet I felt a sense of guilt towards my family and friends because I hadn't said my goodbyes' in the manner I should have. Instead I was quite blasé about the whole matter. This created personal anxiety as I secretly worried about my parents and what they must have been going through. After all they had two sons sailing towards a conventional war far away into the unknown. What must my sisters and younger brother think?

The thick ropes securing the ferry to the side walls of the old dock were released. We then began slowly manoeuvring away before sailing through the harbour towards the open sea. The Europic lower decks was packed full of ammunition and vehicles amongst other stores and equipment. Various unit representatives were on board such as, medics, signallers, Royal Corps of Transport (RCT) now part of the Royal Logistic Corps, Royal Engineers (RE), and Royal Artillery (RA) to name a few. The ammunition was stored well overhead height, row upon row and certainly was a worry whenever we had to stand guard over it. We knew that if this small ferry was to be targeted by the enemy that it would go up like fireworks on bonfire night and take everyone with it.

The ferry was tiny in comparison to the larger vessels Canberra and Norland with cabins like match boxes. They would normally accommodate two people and now housed between six and eight, including equipment. Training on board was quite casual in that our platoon commander ran the show in conjunction with specialists such as medics, gunners and signallers who would pass on their skills to our lads. The platoon commander a Colour Sergeant (TC) was a very experienced soldier and one who was well respected in 2 Para. He kept us younger lads busy with vital training and ensured morale on board was high. Fitness training was not abandoned because we were on a small ferry. The lads ran around the small flight deck using the many stairs and steps to their advantage often wearing their full equipment. It was easier said than done when the weather turned. The weight transfer ratio almost doubled when the ferry took a nosedive during very inclement weather. We had lectures on prisoner of war handling, Geneva Convention and first aid. We also fired our personal weapons after zeroing them in. We improvised by throwing rubbish bags overboard and then used them as targets and shot at them with either rifles or machine guns under controlled conditions. First aid training was very important indeed and certainly highlighted the dangers we would face in battle. When the medic informed us that the majority of injuries we'd encounter would be head and chest wounds it was a reality check. At least every man was confident in first aid particularly anything to do with entry and exit wounds or explosive injuries. When the ferry hit high seas most people on board suffered with seasickness for days. There were no seasickness tablets that I was aware of and it was suffer and get on with it. I remember some of the lads lining up to go for breakfast in the morning and being thrown around like rag dolls in the corridors. I had to leave breakfast on numerous occasions through feeling very sick and in some cases missed the remainder of the days' meals. Maybe there were seasickness tablets, I never asked, fool!

I spent my 21st birthday on board the Europic (something I will never forget) and decided to celebrate by having a few beers with my mates. Something was to happen that night that would change my perception towards the possible conflict in the Falklands for the remainder of the journey south. I was sitting on the top bunk in my cabin chatting away. After a couple of hours I decided to go for a pee so I jumped down from the bunk in my bare feet. My right foot landed on one of the rings that were pulled from the beer cans. The pain was little; however my immediate reaction was to grab my foot with both hands. I squeezed it tightly to stop any flow of blood whilst hopping around on one leg to the amusement of the lads. I eventually fell over and released the grip on my foot which then brushed the small cabin wall leaving a messy red stain visible which resembled scenes from a horror movie. Once I saw the blood I panicked and quickly began to feel dizzy and sick with sweat pouring from my forehead, yet my body appeared chilled. This was the beginning of shock and I felt dreadful. Afterwards I fully appreciated the lessons we were taught by the medical staff about shock and how dangerous it was. We learnt how to treat it; by reassuring the casualty that no matter how serious the injury was everything was going to be fine. I began to wonder if my roommates attended the same lessons as me, because they were still pissing themselves laughing. Understanding that shock can kill I panicked more. The Doctor quickly arrived and came to my aid reassuring me that it was not as bad as it looked and that the bleeding would stop very soon. He was right the bleeding stopped altogether. He placed a small plaster on the bottom of my foot and left. The lads were now taking the piss out of me big time, still doubling up with laughter. The point behind this story is, although this was a minor incident; a scratch. It does not bear thinking about what a soldier goes through when he is severely wounded and especially if he is on his own. My personal concern was how I reacted once I saw the blood, my blood. I went into shock so how would I react when we landed on the Falklands and someone required assistance due to injury? I would soon know the answer to this question.

Submarine and air attack drills were essential in the event that we were attacked by the Argentines. We were on constant readiness covering all eventualities of attack from either below or above the waves. Air defence weapons were mounted in various positions around the ferry that were manned around the clock. Blackouts were a common occurrence to avoid detection at night.

On the 2nd May the Argentine battle cruiser General Belgrano (see below) named after the military leader of the Argentine war of independence had been sunk by the British submarine HMS Conqueror. She was the largest ship in the Argentine Navy and the largest to be destroyed since 1945. It was an ex US destroyer which survived Pearl Harbour then named USS Phoenix. Whether it was in or out of the 200-mile exclusion zone at the time is still a matter of debate today as the Argentines feel it was outside the zone and moving away from the islands. The Argentines soon retaliated and on the 4th May two Super Etendard naval strike aircraft equipped with long range fuel tanks let loose two French made sea skimming exocet missiles one of which hit HMS Sheffield (see below) whose primary task was to protect our two carriers. The exocet missiles were precise and deadly as they dropped to around six and eight feet above the waves and travelled at the speed of sound until they crashed into their intended target. The crew had barely minutes to take cover before the missile struck starboard side, amidships. It entered the foreword engine room and travelled aft, plunging into the after bulkhead without detonating. Even without detonating the damage was colossal and catastrophic. Within seconds the friction of the missile as it passed through the thin steel plating generated a sheet of flame which caused paint, plastic, PVC cable covering, foam cushions and other inflammable materials to catch fire. This filled the whole area with thick black, acrid, pungent smoke, mainly from the cable runs and paint. These toxic fumes overpowered many officers and ratings as they desperately tried to get the ships systems back up and running again. Twenty brave officers and ratings died. Six days after being hit by the exocet missile the Sheffield was sunk in deep water after a rescue attempt to tow her failed due to the volume of water she had taken on board. Were the government's brutal cost cutting measures responsible for the lack of radar inadequacies? She was the first Royal Navy ship to be sunk since the Second World War and is now a registered war grave. We also lost one of our Harriers. This shocking demonstration of modern warfare opened my eyes into the realization that we had stumbled into a full-scale war. Amazingly morale on board the Europic was second to none, and this made us even more determined to get ashore.

Sinking of the General Belgrano

HMS Sheffield
Lost at Sea

The one thing that every soldier looks forward to whilst away and especially on operations is mail. It certainly boosts morale when they receive it. I promised to write at every opportunity to my girlfriend who waited patiently back in England for the daily post to arrive to deliver my letters. The mail was collected by the military and placed on helicopters for onward distribution to the battalion. Unfortunately some mail failed to arrive back in the UK for whatever reason. We understood that the helicopter pilots might have had to ditch their loads due to hostile circumstances i.e. the threat of attack. Unfortunately and unbeknown to me at the time my letters were the casualties of war on one occasion. The result was that my girlfriend did not receive any mail from me. She would have been extremely worried and upset probably thinking the worst. I was also waiting anxiously for mail from her therefore also felt that something was wrong. Some mail was still getting through ok at the time so I did not think that it was lost until it was confirmed at a later date. It got to the stage where some lads were rubbing my nose in the fact that they had received mail and I had not. It was all done in jest only I was sulking big time. Some of the blokes offered for me to read and smell their perfumed letters to try and cheer me up. Once we were informed that the mail had been lost I came back down to earth and immediately wrote another letter to my girlfriend stating what had happened. I have personally seen heartache caused to friends of mine when they have read a letter carrying bad news or have not received any letters at all when expecting one. In my case I was miserable and could not help wondering why I had not received any mail. I am just grateful that somebody had the sense to inform everyone that some of the mail had been lost at sea. Letters bring optimism amongst soldiers, like receiving a Christmas present when you're a kid. It pushes soldiers onwards when facing difficult times but can so easily send them in the wrong direction if the news is bad. The Government has mentioned in the past that they may terminate the British Forces Post Office. After what I have just said the Government will send the morale of all servicemen and women south; to the lower depths. This includes those families, wives, children, girlfriends, boyfriends and relatives of loved ones serving abroad if it goes ahead. What affect will this silly idea have on our service personnel's security if mail goes through the normal system? Let's hope it remains as it is.

This is the British forces air letter within the BFPO system and free of charge - known in the military as the (bluey).

It brings a smile to peoples faces
Preparing to go ashore

As we neared the Falklands it was time to check and double check our equipment before going ashore. My bergen and webbing weighed more now than at any other period I had served and this was before I was issued with ammunition or rations. Every person was in the same boat, no pun intended. The daily news broadcasts via the intercom system on board only resulted in uncertainty when the politicians stated peace was close one minute before broadcasting that war was imminent the next. We transferred over from the Europic Ferry to the Norland to join the remainder of the battalion. Once on board I looked over at the Europic as it bounced from wave to wave in the ice-cold South Atlantic Sea. I could not see the hull due to the size of the waves. The difference was very noticeable now that we were on board a bigger ship and the huge waves didn't appear as ferocious any more. The rooms were also bigger with two men occupying one cabin rather than the cramp conditions we were used to on the smaller vessel. Don't get me wrong the Europic and the staff were brilliant and looked after everyone on board throughout the long voyage. The cabin conditions were unavoidable.

I decided to wander around the ship to locate my brother as I had not seen him in quite a while. He and the remainder of the lads were in good spirits. They were desperate to get off the ship now and get down to business. The queues for meals were bigger therefore it took longer to be served. However this blip was nothing comparison to the tossing and turning we encountered on the Europic. The steadiness on the foot was a blessing as we queued.

The closer to the Falklands we got the more serious things became on board. At night we practiced moving from our designated cabin areas to the offloading point on E-deck with a full complement of equipment including rations and weapons. We assembled in the continental lounge in the order that we were to enter the landing crafts (LSUs). During that evening we heard that a helicopter carrying many SAS had crashed into the sea after tying to land on board a ship with 21 casualties but the details were vague. This was tragic and something that shook me to the core. Why? This type of thing doesn't happen to the SAS our elite forces, does it? I was gutted and took my Saint Christopher from around my neck and said a quiet prayer. We practiced to ensure that once we got the order to go we would know exactly what to do when boarding the Royal Marine landing crafts in darkness. My bergen was so heavy that I could not pick it up to throw onto my back without assistance. My webbing belt weighed more than I had ever carried before and pulled down on the hips relentlessly once my bergen was on my back. Moving along corridor after corridor, up and down stairs from deck to deck was an absolute nightmare. We moved painstakingly slow towards the exit point that took hours as we zigzagged through the never-ending length of the ship. Sweating profusely I plodded along with the remainder of the battalion resting the load whenever and wherever I could. Although this practice was painfully difficult it certainly brought home just what had to be carried once ashore and left everyone under no illusion what was expected.

Around dawn on the 21st May reality was soon upon us as the go ahead was given for 2 Para to be the first to go ashore at Bonners Bay San Carlos. It was now time to disembark for real through the long laborious corridors towards the large doors designed to transfer everyone from the Norland to the waiting RM landing crafts. This time the painstakingly slow move along the corridors did not appear as bad as the adrenaline pumped around my body. There was an unusual quietness as we headed towards the doors of the ship to exit. The sound of the freezing south Atlantic sea was crashing menacingly up against the side of the ship and the landing craft. We were more used to heading towards the doors of a C130 Hercules aircraft, 800 feet in the air. This was certainly different. It was total darkness apart from the few dull red lights surrounding the exit point. As I got closer the sound of the waves melted into significance when I saw silhouettes of people and heard the clattering of the landing craft as it smashed against the side of the huge ship in the rough seas. It rose upwards before crashing down into the sea with no precise timings. Once I was in view of the exit point the aches and pains came flooding back as procedures appeared to slow down around the point of transfer. We heard rumours that one lad fell between the ship and the landing craft and was only stopped from falling into the sea by his equipment as it jammed between the vessels. If this was correct then his equipment certainly saved him from a dreadful fate. If he had fallen into the freezing sea he would have been killed either from the cold or crushed by the two vessels as they clattered against each other. It was my turn to cross on to the landing craft. I was a nervous wreck whilst holding my rifle in one hand and trying to keep my balance with the huge load on my back. I don't know who it was at the exit point directing us across to the landing craft but one thing's for sure they were very robust and direct in their approach. They had to be when transferring hundreds of troops between vessels knowing that the slightest slip could lead to devastating and potentially lethal consequences. I was grabbed by my bergen strap and guided towards the landing craft where another person was waiting to ensure I made it across safely. The transfer had to be precise as we were guided from one vessel to the other in horrendous miserable and frightening conditions. They waited for the crucial moment then made their move. They did a tremendous job and although I was shaking nervously an air of confidence flowed through my veins once they took a firm hold of me and directed me into the packed landing craft below. Whist waiting I felt sick as the landing craft bobbed up and down in the sea and closed my eyes to see if it helped me at all; it didn't. All kind of thoughts were whizzing around in my head whilst waiting to move off. I thought a torpedo or exocet might slam into the ship or machine guns would tear into us from the coastline. I was absolutely wetting myself with fear. Once packed full we moved off in the eerie darkness as the waves continued to crash into the landing craft sending plumes of freezing cold water into the vessel. Our Naval guns were pounding away in the far distance. The dark skies overhead suddenly lit up dangerously silhouetting our vessel as it crept towards the Island ahead. The closer we got to the beach my mind began playing tricks. I had visions of the old war films I watched where the landing crafts were blown out of the water as they approached the beach by mortars or machine guns. Visions of everyone being mowed down as the ramp slowly lowered into the sea; it was terrifying waiting and not knowing what was going to happen. This scenario would have been a disaster for the task force before we set foot on the Falklands. I kept my fingers and everything else crossed. Just before the large metal ramps hit the water my anxiety level hit boiling point. My morose yet uncontrollable thought of a wall of lead ripping into each and every one of us as the Argentines lay in wait was soon to be revealed. My heart raced faster and faster, I was scared. Strangely this daunting feeling soon evaporated the longer we waited to exit from the landing craft. My fear turned into an unusual eagerness to get off quickly no matter what. The ramp began lowering and hit the water and not a dry beach and sand as expected. Before I could gather my thoughts someone shouted "go" a term used by Para's when parachuting. Although sandwiched in we began moving from the cramped landing craft. Due to the darkness the ramp fell short and no one had a clue how deep the sea was going to be but that was the last thing on our mines. I couldn't see the ramp floor so just followed everyone else. The water was at thigh level as I struggled through in no particular direction other than ahead only. The discomfort was instantly forgotten in the chaos that ensued. At least no one was shooting at us. I waded through the cold water and made my way onto the beach before collapsing in a heap waiting for instructions. It was total pandemonium whilst every one orientated themselves. I heard someone shouting for the defence platoon so I struggled to my feet dripping wet and made my way in that direction to liaise with my comrades.

Troops going ashore at San Carlos ready for action
Sussex Mountain

The battalion regrouped and headed onwards and upwards (3000 feet) to secure a ridge on Sussex Mountain that separated the beachhead from Darwin and Goose Green and the amphibious assault in San Carlos Bay. This was fifty miles away from the Capital Port Stanley and only thirteen miles from Darwin and Goose Green. We were to dig in and lay up until ordered to move forward. Tabbing up the mountain was a long hard laborious slog that tested even the fittest soldier carrying the heavy gigantic loads that every person did. My nerves had still not settled and I still expected to be ambushed at any moment. After a while slogging up this never-ending mountain my anxiety levels did subside but only to let the backbreaking pain take over. Apart from carrying my own ammunition I also had a 2-inch mortar tube with twelve bombs and two 81 mm mortar bombs courtesy of the mortar platoon. We had been unopposed so far which was a good sign I thought to myself and then our luck ran out. An Argentine ground attack Pucara aircraft with top speeds of 310 mph and packed a lethal punch of fire power approached the battalion whilst we were tabbing. The aircraft came from nowhere and thundered above our heads. To my amazement it was blown out of the sky shattering into tiny pieces before slowly descending back down to earth. Apparently this was the result of a stinger missile fired by the SAS, what a result.

The lads cheered having witnessed such accurate fire from our own forces. This was the first real action I saw since landing and certainly was reassuring knowing what precise firepower we had in place. This close support two-seater aircraft was loaded with various armaments including: cannons, rocket pods, anti-submarine torpedoes and conventional bombs. It was also used to drop lethal and terrifying napalm bombs. Napalm was dropped on our battalion but the Argentine pilots misjudged their targets thankfully and their terrifying bombs missed. Still it was too close for comfort. Short for Naphthenic and Palmatic Acid it coagulates gasoline into a gelatin forming a sticky combustible fluid type incendiary designed to stick and burn. It can kill or wound by inhalation and asphyxiation by deoxygenating of the surrounding air. This nasty inhumane bomb was the type used in Vietnam in 1972 and people will have seen its devastation when remembering the young Vietnamese girl fleeing the burning napalm, naked and in extreme agony on news coverage back then.

A napalm bomb after detonating
After many hours tabbing up the mountain some of the lads began to suffer due to the excessive weight they carried. It affected Support Company more than others as they carried far more weight than the remainder of the battalion. Although I was very fit I certainly felt the pain as the shoulder straps of my burgen tore into my upper body. I knew that everybody would have felt the same, which kept me going. When we eventually reached the top we were quickly placed into company positions and ordered to dig our trenches for protection from further Argentine air strikes. I placed my two-inch mortar with 12 bombs on the ground including the two 81 mm mortar bombs that everyone carried. Taking my bergen off was a struggle but total bliss. I felt as light as a feather as the blood began to flow back into my shoulder muscles once more. The Royal Artillery was also dug in on the mountain with rapier missiles and blowpipe surface to air defence systems to protect us from air attack. We also had the added bonus of naval gun support from the ships offshore. This certainly boosted our morale knowing what they could do. It was not long before the Argentine Mirage attack aircraft paid us a visit which became a regular daily occurrence. Whilst digging my trench I got down to about two-feet when suddenly I hit solid rock. I managed to get down another couple of feet at one end of the trench and then came to a standstill as I hit more rock. It was deep enough to protect me from shrapnel and I had the added bonus of a huge boulder next to me. I could use the rock to hide behind whenever the attack aircraft came in. I simply manoeuvred around it depending on which direction the aircraft attacked. The weather was hideous at times and varied from part sunshine, freezing cold, sleet and snow, rain or howling winds. My boots were the bog standard DMS boots that were worn on a daily basis back in Aldershot and were most definitely not designed for the conditions we found ourselves in. Our issued windproof jackets, trousers and white arctic socks were efficient; however the remainder of our clothing was the general issue. To combat this problem most people wore extra clothing or bought their own before sailing south. We had a good alert system in place to warn us of approaching enemy aircraft attack on Sussex Mountain, however sometimes we would receive a warning as the aircraft roared, overhead. The speed and accuracy of the Argentine fighter pilots was phenomenal to say the least. They tightly hugged the coastline and mountainside with what looked like meters to spare as they ducked and dived to avoid being hit by our small arms fire. They knew that they only had one chance to succeed otherwise they would be flying home on vapour. Argentina was between three hundred and eighty and five hundred and eighty miles west of the Falkland Islands depending on where they chose to land. They had two-minutes in the target area to select a target and withdraw before returning for fuel and flew so low that I actually saw their faces in their cockpit as they flew past without a care in the world. They certainly took a lot of chances and many were either shot down by rifle and machine gun fire or blown out of the sky by accurate and deadly surface to air defence systems from the RAF, Royal Artillery or Navy. The amount of firepower from the lads on the ground was breath-taking as every person let rip into the air forming what can only be described as a wall of lead that the pilots had to fly through. One lad even tried to engage the aircraft with an 84mm medium anti-tank weapon. Within the first few days the Argentines had lost about eighteen aircraft. The one thing I had whilst shivering away in my wet and cold trench was time to reflect about my family and girlfriend and how I wished that I was at home with them. This personal feeling would have been the normal reaction to most in the same situation. It's a state of loneliness that occurred during dangerous or uncomfortable situations. For example I remember whilst I was standing in the pitch darkness in a trench with another lad. We were on guard protecting our position for two-hours in the freezing cold. The howling wind swept the sleet and snow onto our position for the duration. I couldn't feel my feet and my fingers were numb even though I was wearing a pair of Northern Ireland issue gloves. We both talked quietly about how we were going to get out of the Army once the war was over and basically moaned for the duration. This sense of loneliness soon evaporated once we were warm and dry once more. That said, believe me when I say that soldiers do think more of their families and loved ones during any exercises or operations. They think of mum, dad, relatives, boyfriend or girlfriend home and socialising with mates. In a nutshell when circumstances are severe then family and loved ones do come first. Within a few days on the mountain my DMS issued boots split and began letting water in. They were brand new before sailing south which goes to show that most of our general issue kit was useless. I had them quickly exchanged for another pair. As the temperatures dropped on Sussex Mountain the skies became crystal clear and the light around San Carlos Bay was brilliant yet invitingly perilous. The ships at anchor in the bay known as 'Bomb Alley' sparkled in the still waters making them a perfect target for the Argentine pilots. I often watched in horror as they targeted the ships before releasing their deadly bombs that landed sometimes within meters of them. The soldiers and naval personnel on board must have felt hopeless and terrified as the huge plumes of water menacingly smashed onto their decks. The crew of the Royal Navy including Merchant Navy were so brave on board their ships having to observe the approach and attack of the enemy aircraft that had only one aim, to kill them. I preyed on numerous occasions that they did not succeed. The ships survived many air raids, however it was only time before their luck ran out. On the 23rd May whilst on air defence and escort duty at the entrance of San Carlos Water the type 21 destroyer HMS Antelope was attacked by two A-4 Skyhawk jets and struck twice by two 500kg bombs which failed to go off. Although severely crippled she sailed in to San Carlos water and anchored in Ajax Bay. Whilst a very brave EOD bomb disposal team from the Royal Engineers was trying to defuse one of the bombs it exploded killing one and severely injuring the other. The ship burnt through the night and I witnessed the shocking explosion whilst I was observing in a forward position on the Mountain. I was standing in a freezing cold damp trench with another guy (on stag) protecting our position and taking in the eerie silence and total darkness that surrounded our position. As I tactically peered through my night viewing aid into the still darkness the bomb detonated. I immediately pulled my head away from the night sight and observed the horrific scene to my front. We were aware that the bomb disposal team was on board the Antelope trying to defuse a bomb that was lodged precariously below deck having not detonated. Suddenly my freezing cold body felt insignificant as the night sky exploded and lit up San Carlos Water like a giant bonfire display. Bomb disposal personnel are heroes and every serviceman or women will vouch for that. Their heroes in war time as well as peacetime and continuously do a tremendous job that earns them my sincere respects. The next day the Antelope slowly began sinking as I watched it take its final bow as it lifted skywards before eventually being swallowed up by the sea with no evidence that she was there in the first place. This was certainly one of the lowest moments for me. I said a quiet prayer for those who had lost their lives.

We had lost two of our ships due to enemy air attacks and although it pains me to say so the Argentine pilots were good. They knew before taking off that they had severe limitations and had to navigate normally skimming the terrain before planning their attack whilst being fired upon by troops on the ground. Sussex Mountain was water logged, freezing cold, bleak and open. Our trenches often filled with water throughout the three days we were dug in. I observed the Argentines attacking the ground forces and ships with deadly precision on a daily basis and this pushed my resolve to get stuck into them.

When the order to move did eventually get past on to the battalion began the long gruelling night tab (march) in the cold wind and rain across open bleak terrain in what became known as the battalion snake formation. After about eight-miles we stopped at a small farm settlement known as Camilla Creek House and were met by D Coy. The defence platoon took advantage of this shortstop and lay up for a while. I found a small shed that was full with peat used by the locals for fuel to burn on their fires. The peat was stacked like a pyramid and already cut into brick like shapes. Some of us clambered into the shed as best we could and grabbed the opportunity to get our heads down for a few precious hours still wearing our belt equipment. Although the temperature outside was freezing this small safe haven afforded protection from the wind and rain. Early the next day an Argentine patrol travelling in a civilian land rover taken from the Goose Green area were captured by 2 Para after a minor skirmish and they became the first prisoners of war for our unit. It was a perfect opportunity to try and gain important information from the captured enemy patrol. We were briefed that the plan of attack for Darwin and Goose Green was going to be carried out under the cover of darkness around the 28/29 May and that both positions were heavily protected. As we tabbed off towards our intended targets we heard the supporting fire from the Navy ships as they pounded away. The defence platoon were situated at the rear of the companies that may appear like the right place to be for some, however it was so far from the truth. I could see everything that was going on as the rifle companies fought through enemy positions. The enemy was frantically ducking and diving from position to position as they fired at our advancing companies. The problem we encountered was that we received the flak from the enemy aimed at our lads and secondly we could not fire to the front in fear of hitting our own troops. The Argentines were using their artillery to good effect as their huge shells landed on our positions with deadly accuracy. First we would hear the enormous thump in the far distance followed by the eerie whistling sound as the projectiles flew through the air and rained down sporadically. There calling card warned us of an incoming shell; the problem we encountered was we had no control over where it was going to land! Once we heard it we dived for cover and simply hoped that our names were not on it. The best way to describe how I felt when an Argentine artillery shell was seeking its prey as it whistled through the air with deadly intent would be to walk blindfolded across the M6 motorway during working hours knowing you may get hit, but not when. As we continued to advance the Argentine small arms fire cracked overhead searching for targets with tracer rounds menacingly lighting up the dark sky.

We trusted our NCOs with our lives because

they were the best in the British Army

Looking over Blue Beach towards Sussex Mountain

Para carrying his full equipment weighing well over 100lbs
Darwin Hill and Goose Green 27/28 May 1982

Both sides of the coin

Darwin is a settlement in Lofonia on the East Falklands lying on Choiseul Sound on the East side of the islands central isthmus 2.5 miles North of Goose Green. It is also known as Port Darwin. We continued tabbing south towards Darwin uncertain of the exact strength of the Argentine forces but we were made aware that the defensive positions were well prepared with some approaches mined. They could also call upon support from artillery, anti-aircraft guns and attack aircraft from Stanley. Our support during the advance was from HMS Arrow under the control of a naval gunfire observer and our own 105mm guns from the Royal Artillery Battery. Not forgetting our own support company.

Once on the start line we prepared to move off. The defence platoons first mission was to clear the area around Darwin Hill that the companies would fight through. The rifle companies did not have time to go back onto the positions after fighting through to check for prisoners. They were required to keep the momentum of battle going. We slowly and diligently advanced up the hill in arrowhead formation. I was positioned at the rear protecting my comrades from attack. Each enemy trench was sited very professionally with one covering the other and so on. This was not surprising at all as the British probably taught the Argentines their tactics at Sandhurst. The lads at the front of the formation opened up on the trenches as they approached them. I could see their muzzles blazing away as they sprayed the enemy at close range and the flashes of the grenades as they exploded with devastated affect. As I levelled with the trenches I noticed that most of them were covered by issued ponchos so we could not observe who was in them. We took no chances and opened up, spraying them with rifle fire or by dispatching grenades. Only then did we attempt to remove the ponchos or covers. Any attempt to do so would have been stupid and costly as some Argentines escaped unhurt from the first skirmish and they would certainly shoot any person trying to remove the covers. Although my adrenaline was pumping ten to the dozen the freezing cold was biting into my bones and I was shaking uncontrollably. This combination of fear and adrenaline was the uncertainty of what lay behind the ponchos. Were the soldiers inside going to shoot discriminately before we opened up? Would we be shot by in depth positions that survived the first attack? Due to being at the rear I levelled with my first trench after the companies and my platoon had passed through. The whole position was alight with tracer rounds and exploding grenades and shells. The noise was something no person would ever understand unless they were in the situation we were in at that time. There were explosions from grenades, mortars, missiles or projectiles from artillery from both sides. There was rifle and machine gun fire, and amongst all that we could still hear the screams from those who were wounded or the cries from those who were dying amongst the chaos. The defence platoon continued onwards clearing other trenches in depth that had been protecting the trenches that had just been cleared. We worked in pairs protecting each other diligently and to great effect as we began to search each trench carefully. We looked for injured enemy soldiers as well as any information they may have on their possession. The first trench I approached had four dead Argentine bodies lying in it. The stench was dreadful, a smell I grew to recognise and one that haunts me to this day. The blood was a thick dark mass as it soaked through their green uniforms and the holes from the rifle and machine gun fire were clearly visible where they tore through their bodies and equipment with terrible ease. As I trained my rifle on them one soldier suddenly opened his eyes. It was like something from a horror movie and startled me initially. "For fuck sake," I said to myself. There was no real threat to me therefore I simply trained my rifle onto the critically wounded soldier. The damaged caused by rifle and machine-guns was immense coupled with the devastating effect of the hand grenades that had been dispatched into the trench. His black leather combat boots appeared as if they had gone through a mincing machine as his mutilated toes and flesh hung precariously from the shredded black and blood stained boots. The grenades had done what they are designed for and sent red-hot pieces of metal fragments crashing into his body braking and cutting everything in its path. The shrapnel had ripped his boots wide open tearing his feet to bits. The majority of his bones in his upper and lower body were broken as he lay in an abnormal position. His body was a red mutilated and mangled mess. Although fatally wounded he made no sound at all as he desperately peered into my eyes. It was as if he knew I was the last face he was ever going to see on this earth, and he was right. The problem was I could do nothing to help him; it was plain to see that his wounds were massive and fatal. Although very sad I felt no remorse at the time but then again this was war and he was trying to kill me and my comrade's only minutes before. His weapon was still by his side so I jumped into the stinking trench and quickly dismantled it throwing the working parts away in all directions. This took seconds and was something I did when I came across the enemy dead or injured who still had weapons by their sides. It was either that or smash the weapon up on a rock. "There is one over here still alive," I shouted to my section commander. "Check him over and see if he is carrying any documentation," he instructed.

The unpleasant smell from the trench was foul as the guts from the other soldiers lined the sodden damp ground. The smell was a combination of their internal organs and the fact that some Argentines also did their number two's in their trenches possibly due to not knowing where the mines were positioned that their hierarchy had placed out without mapping their locations!! This young lad was about eighteen years old and quite stocky which made my attempts to remove him very difficult. I grabbed him by his combat jacket and heaved him upwards with all my strength. The blood from his body covered my chest and leg area. Once again his eyes met mine. It was then that he took his last breath and died in my arms. This occurred within minutes of me checking this particular trench and it was very clear that this young soldier was beyond medical assistance. I placed him back on the ground and covered him with a blanket. After checking the others I moved on to the next trench and for one split second I actually felt sorry for the young lad.

Once the position was cleared we tabbed onwards ever so vigilant as the enemy artillery began finding their range. Whenever we stopped we dug a small shell scrape to protect us from ground and air attack. This was normal Standard Operational Procedures (SOPs) that would save lives. It became second nature and due to the flat open terrain we understood just how important it was to dig our individual shell scrapes no matter how fatigued we were. They were only 18 inches or so deep.

Whilst tabbing onwards through another position I noticed that there was some Argentine soldiers lying in a row along a gully face down with their hands behind their heads. They were now enemy prisoners of war and their fighting was over. This was encouraging knowing that our lads had battled through these positions and captured prisoners; it was a morale booster. Within minutes I was brought right back down to earth as I came across an Army general issue poncho covering three bodies. I assumed that they were Argentine until someone told me that they were our lads. This news knocked me for six and to make matters worse one of them was a friend of mine from my previous company. I had seen plenty of Argentine dead and wounded, however I had not seen ours until now. This is when the reality and ferociousness of warfare hit home for me. I had no time to think when suddenly and from out of nowhere we were attacked by an Argentine Pucara aircraft that began firing onto our position. Pucaras are light propeller-driven aircraft with an impressive array of firepower. Luckily for us the pilot was well off target. The fact that the pilot was trying to dodge the heavy volley of rounds from the troops on the ground may have had something to do with that. As I had not dug my shell scrape yet I ran for cover and jumped into one of the enemy trenches to my rear that we had just cleared. I landed on top of some dirty stinking military issued dark grey blankets and waited for the danger to pass. When I pulled the blankets back I realised that I was kneeling on the bodies of four dead Argentines. Their bodies were rock hard and riddled with bullet holes and the trench was stinking of human excrement again and under normal circumstances would have made me throw up instantly, but these weren't normal circumstances! The shock of losing my friend and comrades who were lying under a poncho just meters away suddenly hit home. Three comrades who just hours before were alive and well and now lay on their backs facing skywards on an island they had never heard of before. The only visible sign that they were British was their issued DMS boots pointing upwards towards the heavens in military fashion right to the end. Just as quick as the enemy aircraft had been and gone I snapped and raised my rifle into the air before forcing the butt down onto the bodies of the four enemy soldiers in sheer frustration. Everything was a total blank for a second or two as my mixed emotions ran wild. One thing was for certain and that is war can certainly do strange things to individuals; I can vouch for that.

My brothers company was clearing other positions that concerned me as I knew that they had also lost comrades. I prayed that the battalion would not lose any more men and tried to concentrate on my own task and at the same time not worry about my brother in B Company. That is far easier said than done. The battalion had other brothers in battle too; only they will know where I am coming from.

I will never forget whilst moving along the beach before entering Goose Green our platoon stopped to let A Company pass. The second-in-command of A Company nodded and let on to me saying something that I will keep to myself as he tabbed on by. We lay up next to a small embankment on our right with the sea or water to our left. The embankment was about four feet high and was a god send for what was to happen next. I did not know at the time what type of artillery piece the Argentines were using but whatever it was, it was big. Bigger than the normal artillery shells that rained down at Darwin. They pounded the beach area and thank god they were aiming just over to our right past the small embankment that afforded us vital cover from the explosion and shrapnel. Debris was forced high up into the air before crashing back down to earth around our location and splashing into the sea. We waited there for some time so I bizarrely decided to make some porridge whilst I had a chance as it was rare to eat and sleep. The porridge was easy to make as I only had to boil water on my small issued stove using my mess tin and poor it into a small bag that held the porridge oats. I then used the spare water to have a coffee. Everything I used was packed away immediately in case we had to move quickly. A drill I carried out throughout my training or whilst on exercise and a tactical lesson that is so vitally important. Although dirt and crap was raining down I still managed to eat my porridge. It was shear bliss eating something hot for once. As soon as I packed my last bit of kit away we were off again. I timed that just right. After a while we heard via the radio that sunray was down; that meant that the Commanding Officer (CO) was injured or worse.

Once we were in the battle area where the companies were skirmishing and fighting through enemy positions my stretcher team was in the vicinity of the (CO) quite accidentally as it was chaotic on the ground with sections and platoons spread out all over the place. Volunteers were asked to go forward and collect some casualties without knowing who or what condition they were in. My section commander and others from the Defence Platoon volunteered and headed over what can only be described as a giant billiard table almost as far as the eye could see searching no particular area. Our stretcher team ran forward and located the casualties and there appeared to be no walking wounded; it was clear that they were all dead. It was also very obvious that A Company had been involved in a fierce battle as I observed grown men weeping for their fallen comrades. Battle hardened Paratroopers shedding tears for those who had lost their lives in battle for their country. When I reached the Colonel he was lying on his back. His body had been riddled with machine gun fire. I will never forget the expression on his face as he lay there half smiling with his eyes wide open. I tried to close them so he would look at peace only they would not budge. I still remember that day as clear as crystal. There were other members of the battalion lying next to the Colonel who had been killed in the same battle. There were two officers and two corporals. One of the officers was the one who spoke to me on the beach only hours earlier. Our stretcher team placed the Colonel on a stretcher and carried him to a secure area with the remainder of the casualties. The two corporals were the cream of the crop and very well respected indeed amongst the battalion; elite Paratroopers who lead from the front. As we evacuated them I certainly shed a tear or two on what was one of the saddest days of my life.

If we were not dealing with casualties we were carrying ammunition to the forward troops to re-supply them and help to keep the momentum of battle flowing. Running forward to supply ammunition was very nerve racking over the flat and open terrain and I observed on many occasions the Argentines trying to pick us off. They switched fire to try and hit an easy target whether it was a stretcher-bearer or ammunition carrier. It didn't seem to make any difference to them. The only defence that I could give the Argentines for trying to shoot us was that as stretcher bearers we did not wear insignias stating that we were indeed helping to save lives and pick up casualties. That said I thought the give-away would be the fact that there was four men carrying a wounded soldier on a stretcher!! Away from the battle area.

Now I understood why the training we received at the Depot Para was so tough. All that vigorous fitness and the long drawn out tactical lessons and drills certainly paid off. Para training that was second to none from basic training Para style to the final exercise parachuting from the skies. That's what makes a Paratrooper elite and unique, soldiers who will fight to the end. So when the Government talks about cutting Para pay; you know why Para's don't like it. Although a lot of conflicts are not airborne insertions today; that does not mean that the need for airborne attacks behind enemy lines will not be required in the future. It's a chance the money pinchers in Government must take. Because if we don't have a large elite airborne capability who can be ready in hours and dropped anywhere in the world in quick time ready to fight we may just suffer the consequences. We dashed forward dodging the enemy rounds as they kicked up the dirt around our feet before getting down moving again and running once more zigzagging left and right to avoid being hit. Once we dropped off the ammunition we would go back load up and move forward once more picking up casualties on the way back. On one occasion whilst escorting enemy prisoners of war to a holding area we had to tab a fair distance to drop them off to be duly processed. After about 45-minutes tabbing one of the Argentine prisoners a big lad fell behind and began struggling to even stay on his feet. I used my arms and facial expressions to try and communicate to him that he must get to his feet and carry on but he was having none of it. The pace was brisk but the prisoners carried no equipment or weapons and he was certainly not injured in any way. We tried again to usher him along but to no affect only this time he dropped to the floor and I could sense he was not going to budge. One of my comrades fired a round into the dirt next to the soldier hoping that would bring him to his feet. He didn't budge an inch. Out of the ranks emerged another prisoner who grabbed the lad around the throat lifting him to his feet before murmuring something to him in his native language. Whatever was said made no difference and the lad simply fell back to the ground to the disgust of his fellow prisoner who shook his head in disappointment and joined the remainder in the ranks. I noticed he was wearing layer after layer of clothing that was strange as we were informed that the Argentines were poorly clothed. He was instructed to remove some of his clothing using hand signals once more, which he did. On the top half of his body he was wearing two thermal vests, two t-shirts, a quilted top, a thick green jumper, combat jacket and waterproof jacket. On his bottom half he was wearing at least two pairs of socks, thermal underwear (long johns) tracksuit bottoms, quilted trousers, combat trousers and waterproof bottoms. Once he removed these items he did not look so big and surprise, surprise he joined the remainder of the prisoners on route to the holding area. It certainly proved just how cold it was during the winter months.

It is said that the late Sir Ernest Shackleton the Antarctic explorer said that the weather was far colder on the Falklands than any time he had been on the ice. The late USA President Ronald Reagan called the islands during the conflict "a little ice-cold bunch of land down there." Ironically the son of the late Sir Ernest Shackleton, Lord Shackleton MP was the person responsible for the economic turnaround of the islands after the war. After escorting the prisoners safely to the holding area we headed back to the remainder of the platoon on route to Goose Green. We were informed that B Company was pinned down by heavy machine gun fire which sent my anxiety levels through the roof worrying about my brother, but there was nothing I could do other than focus on saving lives on the battlefield.

The defence platoon was primarily made up from the battalion drivers and boosted by chefs, bandsman, REME and more. They often worked unnoticed behind the scenes. Nonetheless they were a very important piece of the overall jigsaw as regards to taking back the Falkland Islands. Dedicated stretcher-bearers were not used in this way during conventional fighting possible since Malaya or Korea.

Once the battalion began their march towards Goose Green the defence platoon were positioned at the rear ready to implement their multi-functional tasks. The view that I had once the light improved from the rear made my blood curdle as I observed the lads from the companies advancing forward towards the Argentine forces. It was like watching scenes from the Second World War unfold in front of me. I could also see the enemy to the front dashing from trench to trench and skirmishing towards our own troops. 2 Para were using their military tactics and skills previously taught to great effect. Zigzagging, dashing forward and getting down behind what little cover there was before firing towards the enemy and moving position once more. Argentine artillery shells and mortar rounds were whistling through the air before sporadically thumping down to earth. The section commanders were worth their weight in gold as they directed their sections and young platoon commanders onwards over the open and bare arse terrain. The enemy rifle and machine gun fire cracked overhead so close that I could have clocked the batch numbers whilst following the companies into battle. The only protection was to hit the deck and take cover as best I could. The scary feeling of not knowing if my number was on one of the rounds or artillery shells was frightful when there is no natural cover to hide behind. Although I knew this it made no difference in the way the lads or I performed knowing a bullet could slam into your body at any time or that one of the artillery shells could explode in the air or on the ground. Yes I was shitting myself but that did not stop me performing my duty for Queen and country. The lighter it became the scarier I was as I could now clearly see the whole battlefield ahead of me and the Argentines moving from trench to trench in the far distance like ants following a trail. The companies were so brave as they rolled forward continuing to bob and weave to avoid being hit as they made their way to their objectives. Bayonets fixed they dashed onwards, getting down and firing before repeating the process over and over until they fought straight through the enemy positions. The courage from each individual in the rifle companies was unquestionable as they pressed on. It has to be said that the defence platoon were as equally courageous as they supplied ammunition forward under heavy fire before bringing back casualties to safety and repeating the whole process again and again. The Argentine artillery and mortars pounded our positions relentlessly sending clumps of stinking peat and lethal pieces of hot shrapnel into the air. Amongst the flashes and bangs were the dreaded ricochets. These were rounds that had un-expectantly diverted after bouncing from the ground or rocks sending them in any direction. They had a distinctive whizzing sound on their calling card due to the round twisting and turning through the air with deadly intent. If one of these rounds hit the body it would certainly do a great deal of damaged as it entered the body twisting and turning as made its way through.

(Fig 8)

Above the difference between a bullet and a piece of shrapnel entering the body or a blunt end of a bullet that has been turned into a dumb - dumb round
Although hard to believe the Argentines were definitely trying to shoot the stretcher team and casualty. I can vouch for this because I witnessed the dirt on the ground being ripped and shredded as we carried casualties off the battlefield. After a while the team I was with headed towards C Companies position as they pressed onwards. The stretcher team consisted of five men each carrying their own weapon with one carrying the empty stretcher. Once a casualty was picked up we would hand our weapons to one person who then carried them whilst we got the casualty to safety. The Artillery shells continued whistling through the air far too often for my liking as we waited to move forward and collect our wounded. Some shells failed to explode in the soft peat. That was great however just as frightening as they sizzled away in the damp earth with a deathly uncertainty. This happened often whilst we advanced forward and the only thing we could do was prey that it did not explode as we passed by. I walked past a few of these that were literally only feet away, preying and hoping as the hair on the back of my neck stood to attention. Our section commander was assessing the situation as he scanned the ground to his front knowing that we were going to be required and pretty soon. Volunteers were asked for again and our Section Commander grabbed his team and headed forward to collect casualties without hesitation. Pumped with adrenaline we ran forwards and into enemy fire dashing and zigzagging left and right to avoid being hit; it was a miracle none of us were wounded or killed. I still believe my praying protected us. In the distance the Argentines could be seen dashing around trying to avoid the artillery and mortar fire that our brigade was dispatching to very good effect. Some were direct hits as we witnessed the whistling of the projectile flying over our heads before the shell slammed into the ground sending a large black mass of dirt and debris into the air along with bits and pieces of whoever was on the ground at the time. Although raring to go I still strangely anticipated a round slamming into my body at any time. This feeling had no bearing at all on whether to hide or turn around and run in the opposite direction. It's hard to describe, knowing a round or shrapnel from the enemy just may strike you. It's a case of simply carrying on and hope for the best coupled with sheer determination and willpower to prevail under such hideous circumstances that keeps you going. If it happens, it happens and there is nothing you or anyone else can do about it at the time. I had a job to do as did the remainder of the lads in our team and we would have ran into hell to retrieve our comrades. It wasn't brave, it was our job.

We reached a medic who was administering first aid to a young lad who was in a bad way. He had been hit by razor sharp red-hot pieces of shrapnel that severed one of his lower legs and severely damaged the other. He was given morphine to ease the pain and treated by the medic. Once the morphine kicked in he was in a world of his own and lay on the stretcher with a huge grin on his face completely oblivious to his wounds. The four of us grabbed each corner of the stretcher as we crouched low to the ground to avoid the shell and small arms fire heading our way. After steadying the weight of the wounded lad we quickly got to our feet and began carrying him to the first aid point some distance away. The medic who attended him was like an angel in disguise and was quite rightly awarded the MM for his actions on the battlefield. The pain in my legs and arms burned as we pumped and pounded our way towards relative safety trying not to make the casualties injuries worse. We also had to consider the casualties wounds. Imagine broken or shattered bones rubbing against each other if the casualty was thrown around on the stretcher. My heart and lungs were screaming for rest but my head said keep going. I was extremely fit so I knew that the remainder of the stretcher party was also hurting yet no one said a thing. They simply kept going. We continued onwards with the casualty up a long incline and over boggy and uneven terrain. The ground around us was being ripped up by rifle and machine-gun fire from the Argentines who were trying to pick us off, including the casualty!! Disgraceful, but true. The lad carrying the weapons was directly behind us ready to change with someone on the stretcher if required. He was suffering in a big way so we let him continue carrying the weapons. That said he was one of the older men and yet he still managed to do his duty.

When we carried the dreaded compressed steel stretcher during P Company as well as the rigorous fitness regime at the depot; it certainly paid off now, when it mattered. The physical and mental attitude required during life and death situations was immense and the instructors at Depot Para have to take the applause for that. They drove recruits to the end of their limits physically and mentally. We may have slated them at times for hammering us but their professional knowledge and vast experience paid off when it mattered most; on the battlefield. They pulled you in every direction, shouted, screamed obscenities and pushed you in every direction. Now I know why.

The Argentines tried unsuccessfully to pick off our stretcher party as we made our way over the bleak and unprotected ground. The cracking of rifle fire as the rounds past our heads and slammed into the ground to our front only hastened the pace. The casualty's lower leg fell from the stretcher on a few occasions so I picked it up and placed it under his other leg to secure it. I don't know why, but I looked at the limb as if I was inspecting an ornament from a car boot sale. The cut was clean almost guillotined like. In normal circumstances it looked as if surgeons could have stitched it back on immediately, only there was nothing normal about this. This wasn't something that happened on your everyday shopping trip or in the middle of a local town. This was war. There were no ambulances or vehicles to take this wounded soldier to hospital or professional doctors or surgeons immediately at hand. It took dedicated stretcher bearers to transport the wounded on stretchers often under fire themselves to the doctors and surgeons or at lease to a safe area where a helicopter could ferry them to safety. It is a well-known fact that our casualties that made it to the surgeon all survived. However the fact should never be underestimated that it would have been a lot different if the dedicated stretcher bearers were not available to carry the wounded to safety in the first place. I say this with gritted teeth because their roles were somewhat disregarded or praised by any of the hierarchy from 2 para in any publications since the war and has played havoc with my mind ever since. The young lad was trying to talk to us as we pelted along but his words were mumbled due to the morphine. We continued to reassure him that he was going to be safe and everything would be fine. This is what we were trained to do, re-assure the casualty. We eventually got him to safety without further injury to him or us and handed him over to the medical team waiting to save his life. We then headed straight back down to where the companies were fighting once more. My question had also been answered about how I would react once I saw blood or severe injuries; I was fine. That was one of the hardest things I have ever done physically and mentally in all my years in the Parachute Regiment and certainly brings home why a soldier should be fighting fit at all times. When we returned to the front we had no time to catch our breath when a senior rank tasked us to take some ammunition forward for one of the companies. We stuffed hundreds of rounds of ammunition into our smock pockets and threw bandoliers of machine gun rounds around our necks before grabbing the heavy ammunition boxes between us and then headed off to re-supply the lads fighting at the front. The RAF Harriers could not fly on occasions due to the inclement weather conditions. When they did fly they dropped cluster bombs that caused havoc on the enemy who were in strong dug in trenches. Each cluster bomb contained one hundred and forty seven separate bomblets. They spread in a blanket fashion causing great disarray and destruction on the Argentines positions below. The aftermath where these bombs had landed was massive to say the least. The ground was heavily scarred with a mass of black craters spread out in every direction. If these bombs hit their intended targets the enemy would have either been dead or running in the opposite direction.

After many skirmishes to deliver ammunition, collect casualties and escort prisoners we were knackered. The lads in the rifle companies must have been exhausted. An ultimatum was given to the commander of the Argentine forces at Goose Green by the acting CO who had arrived by parachute earlier after being dropped into the freezing south Atlantic sea. Surrender or suffer the consequences or words to that effect. I prayed that it was going to work especially as the Argentines outnumbered 2 Para by three to one. I don't know exactly what the CO said in his plan to ensure the Argentine Commander surrendered, but whatever it was, it worked. They surrendered in there hundreds. At Goose Green the sight of the Argentines surrendering was a relief and an amazing spectacle as they crept out from all directions reluctantly dropping their weapons and helmets where they stood. I say reluctantly because some were obviously glad to be surrendering whilst others were clearly not happy in conceding defeat. I remember thinking what may have happened if the prisoners had decided to stand and fight especially as we were vastly outnumbered. Those Argentines who weren't keen to drop their weapons were an obvious concern after all many were still carrying weapons that were fully loaded ready to fire. The tension was immense and the hair on the back of my neck stood to attention knowing that some of these die hard soldiers could go berserk at any time. Luckily for us they didn't. The islanders who were being kept prisoner in the community centre at Goose Green were released by 2 Para to their relief before the cleaning up process began.

The battalion had achieved its objective in re-taking Darwin and Goose Green and in doing so unfortunately lost many comrades who paid the ultimate price for their country.

The defence platoon was housed in a large barn where we had the opportunity to work on our personal administration or hygiene after weeks of living out of a mess tin. Whilst relaxing in the barn there was an almighty explosion from outside which shook the foundations. No one budged an inch as they had heard many explosions during the War; one more made no difference. Suddenly someone came into the barn and told everyone not to panic. He said that an Argentine soldier clearing up the ammunition piles triggered one of their own booby traps killing three of them. We heard that one of the injured who was engulfed in flames was mercifully shot. Although harsh in reality that did not concern me as I had seen everything that I could have seen in this short but vicious war so far. Later I went outside to stretch my legs and to try and make contact with my brother. After a short walk I eventually found him sitting on a battered small brick wall holding his GPMG (machine gun) on his lap with his belted ammunition still draped around his neck and shoulders. I didn't say so but he looked drained and 10-years older than the last time I saw him. 'Is this what war does to you?' I thought to myself. I sat down next to him and said nothing for a moment or two. We were like two strangers sitting on a park bench. Suddenly a small dog belonging to the locals came running towards us wagging its tail and tossing what appeared to be an old rag into the air before dropping it at my feet. My brother wasn't even looking at the time. Although I was in no mood to play fetch I struggled to look down at the dog that was in an obvious playful mood and went to pick up the object that it had fetched me. It was the remains of a mashed up Argentine lower leg. The problem I had was the dog wanted me to throw it for him to run and fetch like a dog owner walking his dog on a Sunday morning back home in the local park. This did not come as a shock to me as I had seen far worse over the course of the war. That said I wasn't going to throw its horrendous find, so the dog finally lost its patience and picked up its grisly discovery and headed off into the distance still wagging its tail and tossing the remains of the leg in the air. After a brief chat we departed and headed for our respective platoons. On route I saw four Argentines carrying one of their dead comrades on a green Army poncho. They were clearly distressed with tears flowing down their faces. On closer observation I noticed that the soldier in the poncho must have been one of the culprits who were blown up by the booby trap earlier. He was burnt to a crisp with only his jawbone and teeth recognisable from what was left of his face. The remainder of his body was blackened and severely deformed from the intense heat. 'What was wrong with me?' I thought to myself. I cried back home when my dog or cat got injured, but I did not flinch with the horrors I was witnessing here yet the Argentines were distraught. I simply carried on walking towards my location observing the carnage around me cocooned in my own bewildered world. The Argentines were all placed into make shift enemy prisoner of war compounds, fed and looked after until they were shipped back over to Argentina.

They were made to clear up their own mess due to the fact that they had booby trapped everything from wardrobes, dressing tables, household appliances and ammunition. In a last desperate act of vandalism they had also smashed up furniture in the local houses. They even had the impudence to leave excrement in sinks, baths, showers and some corners of the rooms. When the locals were allowed back into their homes they found to their horror that the Argentines had used their drawers and cupboards as toilets. They also spread excrement onto the inside walls. I walked into one house to use the toilet and the first thing that hit me was the smell that made my stomach churn. It was disgusting. Although retching I covered my nose and walked into the toilet. To my horror it was spotless but the floor and walls were covered in excrement. The sight and smell soon overpowered me so I quickly made my way outside to do my deed elsewhere in the fresh air. Whilst walking back to my platoon I noticed one of our lads standing guard over some dead Argentines who were lined up next to each other partially covered by snow and frozen on the bleak cold ground. Their eyes were frozen wide open as they lay there staring up towards heaven.

"Make sure they don't move." someone shouted to the lad. The lad's expression said it all as I walked by smiling to myself. The lad then broke into a half smile realising that what was shouted to him was true. He was there to ensure that the bodies remained where they were until a party arrived to take them to a resting place. Just as I thought nothing could get any worse regarding the Argentines behaviour I came across a large barn that had been converted into an ammunition factory. What I saw next only highlighted the maliciousness intended by some of the Argentines who I cannot identify to this day unless I could remember what day it was back then in the Falklands in 1982 and what unit was occupying the area we liberated. There was napalm bombs outside still packed in wooden support type crates. Inside there were shabby wooden heavy duty old work benches stacked with ammunition from small arms to anti-aircraft guns. The sight sent shivers down my spine as I witnessed tampering of the most illegal and devastating. They had turned the normal rounds (the pointed bullet heads) into dumb-dumb rounds to cause maximum damage to the human body once the round made contact. What is a 'dumb dumb' round'? It is where the tip or point of the round is pulled from the shell or casing and placed back into the casing the opposite way round. The pointed end of the round is upside down and the blunt end becomes the point of contact. When the blunt end of the round hit's the body the wound is devastating causing maximum pain and damage ensuring the main point of impact has a large wound and the exit point of the round has an even bigger wound. The photo above (fig 8) highlights what I mean when shrapnel enters the body. A dumb - dumb round causes the same damaged. Their calculating callousness did not end there they also tampered with the ammunition to the ground to air anti-aircraft guns that are designed to take aircraft out of the sky. These rounds are far bigger and devastating than conventional rifle rounds and when used in the ground role against troops were absolutely callous and inhuman ripping the body to pieces. One round making contact with the body would certainly kill or rip limbs from bodies and our lads were not wearing any body armour or protection!!

Napalm bombs

Rounds one & two are dumb - dumb rounds with the blunt end as the

point of impact

Burial of British troops killed at the battle for Darwin Hill & Goose Green

on a hillside above San Carlos Water
Bluff Cove and Fitzroy early June 1982

The battalion's next objective was to see if Fitzroy and Bluff Cove settlements were occupied. Fitzroy straddles a small headland that goes out eastwards into the South Atlantic. Bluff Cove is a small natural harbour that has a narrow bridge that crosses the inlet of Port Fitzroy linking both settlements. The battalion found out that both settlements were free from enemy soldiers by making a simple phone call in which a rapid helicopter operation was put in place to secure the locations. The defence platoon tabbed from Fitzroy to Bluff Cove and whilst at Bluff Cove we took the opportunity to sort out our admin. I found a small bakery whose ovens were pleasantly hot and afforded me the opportunity to dry my kit and equipment out quickly. It was here that the Scots Guards arrived by LCU's and although they had not been involved in battle at this stage they were absolutely freezing cold and wet due to the atrocious weather conditions at sea. After a while we jumped into a landing craft and headed off to Fitzroy. The RSM issued everyone with chocolate bounty bars during our journey that was a huge morale booster. I tried to make every bite last.

The one thing that did surprise many others and me was the fact that there was Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) sitting in Port Pleasant, Sir Tristram and Sir Galahad. Visibility was fine as they casually anchored off the coast like visiting cruise ships without a care in the world. The Welsh Guards were still on board the Sir Galahad as her large grey mass was shining brightly in the partial sunlight almost tempting the enemy to target her. The talk amongst the lads on the ground was why are they still on board? It was obvious to us that they were sitting ducks. It was only a matter of time before our thoughts became a reality. Whilst I was returning back from a task in Fitzroy on foot I could clearly see the Sir Galahad glistening off shore. Suddenly and without warning a thunderous roar of Argentine attack aircraft flew overhead hugging the terrain with deadly precision and intent before heading towards the RFA. I instantly hit the ground and before I knew it the aircraft were setting their sights on their vulnerable prey. The sight unfolding to my front was surreal as I knew what these aircraft were going to do and I also knew that the RFA vessels were in an exposed position. Although the aircraft were flying low and fast everything appeared in slow motion. They took everyone by surprise but the lads still managed to let rip with their small arms fire. Within seconds of the aircraft flying over me there was an almighty explosion on board the Sir Galahad followed by a thick black plume of smoke that bellowed from the stricken vessel. Large orange flames were burning ferociously on board as the Argentine aircraft skilfully manoeuvred away from the carnage. Both vessels had been hit during the attack with a huge loss of life particularly the Welsh Guards on board the Sir Galahad. Why this tragedy happened I don't know, however it's the hierarchy that make those life and death decisions and it's only they who can answer why this catastrophe occurred. I began running towards the shoreline where 2 Para were dug in and noticed that the companies were already helping the wounded who were coming towards our positions in small vessels belonging to the stricken ships. A heroic helicopter pilot was fanning the flames with his rotor blades and trying to keep the lifeboats and crew from drifting towards the intense heat. He was working literally meters away whilst ammunition was exploding adding to the already ferocious and deadly conditions. The pilot was flying blind in the thick black choking smoke and certainly deserved the highest praise as the crew winched survivors from the treacherous conditions below trying to avoid the exploding ammunition and searing heat. The courage and determination of all those soldiers on the ground who rescued the stricken service personnel and administered first aid was second to none. I could see everything unfolding to my front as more ammunition began exploding and the smoke got denser by the second. The faces of the walking wounded from the stricken ships as they came ashore were blackened and unrecognisable from the thick smoke. Arms outstretched, dazed with uniforms burnt from their bodies they agonisingly and delicately made their way to the field hospital on foot, tanks or anything that was available. The sight of masses of burning skin hanging from their bodies and their facial expressions will live with me forever; it was a combination of surprise of still being alive followed by the horror at what had just happened. As more stretcher casualties came ashore the scene was even more horrific. The casualties were shocking to say the least, charred and limbless, or dead. The priority at the time was to save the living and not count the dead. Seeing this unfold was horrendous and I witnessed everything. The aircraft attack, the ships being hit, the explosions, smoke and fire. The damage physically and mentally to our service personnel was incomprehensible; a living nightmare.

Comrades helping the stricken survivors from the Sir Galahad seen burning in

the background – picture the Telegraph

Picture the Telegraph

Picture the Daily Mail.

The pilots and soldiers displayed leadership, courage, determination and teamwork of the highest order during this dreadful day.
A God Send

It is a fact that since the First World War to present day most awards have been presented to soldiers who courageously rescued comrades from the battlefield under fire and rightly so. Although the two world wars were colossal in comparison to the Falklands War the principle of stretcher-bearers were similar for the defence platoon of 2 Para. Before I begin this controversial chapter in no way does what I have to say have anything to do with 'medal hunting' in any way shape or form. It's to recapitulate to the public what the magnificent defence platoon did during the war and to highlight what recognition they should have received but never did since. I have asked myself the same question for over thirty years; why did no one recognise any of this platoons courage? What saddens me is that after the Falkland War no one from the acting CO down documented this platoons individual acts of fearlessness in battle during what can only be described as incomprehensible conditions. The defence platoon appeared to be non-existent and certainly appeared very vague in any books or reports since the war as far as I know receiving little praise or recognition for their work during the whole campaign. This surprised me considering they were in the thick of the action at all times due to the nature of their role. This multi-tasking role not only covered stretcher bearing duties, helping the wounded from the battlefield under fire and reassuring them throughout. It covered ammunition re-supply to ensure that the momentum of battle was maintained at all times and prisoner of war handling. The platoon also fought through the trench positions and some soldiers were eventually attached to rifle companies. So as you can see the role was diverse. Although vitally important the task of a battlefield stretcher-bearer was hard to comprehend for most. It takes courage and something extra to expose yourself with no cover whilst trying to avoid enemy shells and small arms fire to retrieve wounded comrades. Yet not one of those lads hesitated in their duty. They ensured that each and every individual injured or deceased were treated with dignity or returned to safety. Yes the field hospital did not lose anyone they treated, but the fact remains this was partially due to the stretcher bearers carrying the wounded often under heavy fire miles to safety so that the field hospital could save them.

On today's battlefield individuals who save their comrades are heroes and nine times out of ten do receive a gallantry award (deservedly so) for doing this. This goes to show how highly thought of this type of action is taken. It also shows that the hierarchy today recognises what their men and women do, which is fantastic.

Perhaps the defence platoon were overlooked for praise because most were unsung heroes who went about their vital role in such a ghostly way that was not transparent to others on the battlefield; who knows? After all they worked in small teams that were fragmented on the battlefield. Although we had a platoon commander he would have found it difficult to control his entire platoon in such difficult circumstances. To be fair not many who witnessed what the platoon did on the battlefield reported what they saw to the right people. That said others in power within the battalion who directed members of the platoon to go and collect the wounded knowing that they were sending soldiers to possible death trying should have spoken up. Maybe just maybe certain individuals who did task the platoon to go and collect the wounded did not want to be highlighted. Why? Who knows? What I can say is our team was running across open ground to collect casualties and the Argentine rounds were tearing up the ground around us and that was before we reached the casualty. I could also see the Argentines skirmishing around adjusting positions to try and take one of us out. It was only through our own tactical awareness and fitness that prevented them from taking aim and killing us. Once we reached the casualties we had seconds to place them on the stretcher before about turning and giving the Argentines another chance at taking us out only this time we had a fully loaded stretcher to carry over wet, boggy and uneven terrain. Often we had no directions to collect the wounded because the person directing us did not know where the wounded were. It was like running onto this gigantic uneven bowling green like headless chickens in search of anyone who looked injured. It wasn't only the enemy trying to kill us that worried the team it was determining who was wounded as most of our lads were lying down firing their weapons or moving forwards. It was very surreal at times, like watching a war game only we were stuck right in the middle of it looking for our wounded without being shot or blown up at the same time. We could clearly see the enemy blasting away and our lads skirmishing left and right attacking to their front. The stretcher-bearers did not hesitate in their duties and were extraordinarily courageous and unsung heroes in my eyes. I was proud to serve with each and every one of them. For those who are reading this who are suffering in silence today who served in the Falklands and especially those from the defence platoon or medics; hold your heads high and be very proud of yourself.

Those who wrote novels or papers on the war and failed to recognise what this group of soldiers did know who they are. Certainly the field hospital knew what we did and I was also surprised that they said nothing whilst making their documentaries about the medics and surgeons and not once mentioning the stretcher bearers.

After the battles for Darwin and Goose Green the defence platoon who had worked so hard in saving lives and re-supplying ammunition to the battalion were to go about a change that would divide the platoon for the remainder of the war. Some of the platoon was attached to the rifle companies as rifleman to support them possibly due to the casualty rate from the previous battles. When I was told where I was going I felt a mixture of joy and anxiety as I was placed in the same company and platoon as my older brother. Most of the lads that had been chosen to move had recently served in rifle companies that made sense. The original platoon who was predominantly made up from the motor transport platoon (MT) was now reinforced with other elements from the battalion. It was during this change that insensitive words were spoken after the war about the defence platoons fitness and capabilities. The platoon was reinforced with the battalion band who after all are musician's not fighting soldiers. Nonetheless they still did a tremendous and vitally important job which requires character and courage. The defence platoon was a one off for the duration of the Falklands War. It consisted of young and older soldiers who regardless of where they worked beit bandsman, chefs, mechanics, electricians or drivers were there to do a job. A job that was vital. Each and every one of the lads had one thing on their minds and one thing only; helping their comrades on and off the battlefield. There are people out there who are here today because of the courageous acts of the stretcher-bearers, from either the defence platoon or any other platoon or section. They are a godsend in battle.

The author at the National Memorial

Stretcher-bearers are like 'Angels from Heaven'

My late best mate at the National Memorial in 2014
Wireless Ridge 13/14 June

My introduction to B Company was short and sweet as I knew the majority of the personalities. I was loaded up with more ammunition including grenades and two 66 mm light anti-tank rocket launchers strapped around my shoulders. The Section Commanders in this platoon were excellent guys and total professionals. One of them also had a brother in the battalion. He was calm switched on and his presence itself was enough to settle my nerves. I remember whilst advancing on one occasion in my new section when I tripped over the rugged terrain. My two 66mm rocket launchers and belted ammunition went flying everywhere and I went crashing to the boggy earth. Wiping away the dirt and peat from my freezing face I noticed the rocket launchers protective caps sprang open and I was flapping trying to get back to my feet when this NCO came over and calmly re- attached the caps to the rocket launchers before sending me on my way. It felt strange tabbing along with B Company instead of the lads who I had fought alongside in the defence platoon. Ironically I was in the same platoon as my brother but in a different section. He was in point section at the front of the platoon and I was in the reserve section, which concerned me. Why? Because it enabled me to observe everything to my front, that included seeing him blazing away with his GPMG (machine gun). This was very similar to when I was in the defence platoon covering their rear. Whenever I got the chance I would always say 'keep your head down our kid.' Mount Longdon appeared in the distance where 3 Para were fighting ferociously amongst the rocks and crags. As we advanced towards Wireless Ridge we dug in for the night without sleeping bags in the freezing cold. We huddled up together trying to keep warm and listened to the Argentines bombarding Longdon. We dug holes in the soft peat to dig in our cookers to avoid any light or flame being exposed and to use the heat to keep warm. The wind chill factor during the night could be devastating so we avoided exposing ourselves to it by insulating the ground with twigs and keeping our bodies low away from the cruel wind. I hugged my cup of coffee and treasured my boiled sweets like my life depended on them. The brew not only clenched my first, it also kept my hands warm. The boiled sweets, something I would normally throw away became a luxury during these difficult and uncomfortable times. After a night fighting the cold we tabbed off to the battalions next objective Wireless Ridge. The start line ran from left to right with a scorpion and scimitar tank at each flank to give the battalion supporting fire in conjunction with mortars, machine guns and naval support. To begin the attack both tanks opened up on the Argentines positions. The sight and sound was unbelievable as the combination of thumping cannons and pounding guns were directed towards the enemy. It was not long before the Argentines returned the compliment with tracer rounds twisting and burning through the air followed by 155 mm guns. To my front and part of the start line was a small embankment about 18 inches high that afforded some precious cover. The problem was I would have to negotiate it before moving off. That would not normally be a problem only this time the Argentines were trying to kill any one going over the start line. I remember the platoon commander being over enthusiastic on the start line and sticking his head a bit too high. The section commander told him to get his head down in no uncertain terms; he got the message. As I lay there with my knees shaking away like Elvis Presley a round landed to the front of me spraying small pieces of peat into my face. It may sound strange but I now wanted to get up and move towards the enemy, as that was too close for comfort. My shaking was now getting out of control a combination of the severe cold and the adrenaline rush. Suddenly someone shouted. "Prepare to move."

Like a robot my brain switched into gear before the next words were spoken. "Stand up and advance." I struggled to my feet still shaking before steadying myself to advance forward in extended line. To my front I could see the silhouettes of the lads as they bound forwards with their rifles and machine guns at the ready. As we got closer the rounds from both sides were bouncing off rocks and debris sending them spiralling menacingly in all directions. There was screaming and shouting all around me in the chaos. I knew that one of the machine guns I saw blazing away from our section was that of my brother. The machine gunners were more vulnerable than most as there muzzles lit up like Christmas lights when they let loose with hundreds of rounds per minute in the pitch darkness. They had to move positions quickly to avoid being targeted by the enemy. The deadly ricochets were now whizzing about rapidly as the exchange of firing became intense from both sides. My section commander and the forward sections were blasting away at the trenches as they swiftly moved onwards; this was close quarter battle at its most real. The section commander as normal was running the show directing the platoon commander as well as his own lads in the heat of battle. The huge craters on the ground were over five feet deep and full of freezing cold ice and water and almost impossible to see in the darkness. Some lads fell through the ice and into the large cold craters. They had to be dealt with immediately before they froze to death. I fell over on numerous occasions due to the uneven boggy terrain that certainly played havoc with my ankles. We were told to get down by our section commander as an artillery round was closing in. Only this time it sounded too close for comfort so as I hit the deck I closed my eyes. It whistled menacingly overhead before exploding behind us.

"Stay down," we were told as another one approached. The round slammed into the peat literally meters away only this time it failed to go off. Like so many others it perilously sizzled away in the wet peat almost taunting us knowing we were in its zone. Although the peat was horrendous to manoeuvre over on foot it was a godsend at times as it swallowed up some of the Argentine artillery rounds stopping them from exploding? Once the worst of the close quarter fighting was over the Argentines were happy to hit our positions with artillery and mortars from a distance. As the company was reorganising I saw a mate of mine also attached to B Company from the defence platoon so I tabbed over to him and had a quick chat. Suddenly shrapnel bounced from both our helmets almost simultaneously. Our reaction was unusual to say the least; we lucked at each other had a giggle swore a lot and carried on tabbing. The awful weather was now worsening as it began to snow with a vicious wind that cut through our clothing with ease. To keep warm during that evening I made an improvised wind break from small rocks that I collected then placed twigs and peat as insulation on the ground before cuddling up together with my buddy.
After taking Wireless Ridge the battalion was exhausted and most thought that we would be rested having already fought at Darwin and Goose Green; we thought wrong. Whilst on a company briefing we were informed under no uncertain terms that we were not going to stop now until we had Galtieri's balls on the end of a bayonet. Although knackered this speech cheered up the lads of B Company even though we had one more objective to take before reaching the capital, Sapper Hill.

2 Para at the battle for Wireless Ridge
The race for Stanley

Sapper Hill (453 ft.) is just South of Stanley and was believed to be heavily mined and defended. We tabbed off Wireless Ridge down through Moody Brook and past the ruins of the old Marine camp before slowly rising up towards the high ground. My feet were now in bits even though I took good care of them regularly; the boots brought this on, they were useless for the terrain we had covered. I did look at some of the boots the dead Argentines were wearing as they were far better than ours only I could not find my size so I had to persevere. As we climbed up a rocky outcrop I came across another dead Argentine who was lying in a wheelbarrow, frozen and partially covered by snow. The wheelbarrow was probably used as a make shift stretcher, 'what a sorry sight,' I thought to myself. At the top of the high ground I could see the Argentines maybe company strength or more on a position some distance away moving from trench to trench like they were on a camping holiday. What I witnessed next soon put that thought to bed and was unbelievable. A fire mission was directed onto the enemy trenches that enabled our ships offshore to pound the enemy position with deadly accuracy. We knew what was coming then we heard an almighty thud from a far distance as the ships fired their huge guns. Then came the destructive howling sound as the gigantic missile past over our heads and headed for their targets. Round after round accurately rained down onto the enemy trenches. The sight was extraordinary as I observed each strike rip into the ground with intense ferocity instantly followed by a huge black plume of earth rising high into the air along with the Argentine's. Once the dust settled the enemy trenches were obliterated leaving one huge black crater on the ground. This was repeated until the mission was complete and although the Argentines were diving from one trench to the other there was nowhere to hide on this occasion. The accuracy of the person directing the fire was spot on and the devastation plain to see.

As we neared Sapper Hill I was expecting a ferocious firefight as we were briefed that it was heavily defended. I had been scared throughout the war but positive. This time I did not feel the same as something inside told me this was going to be a mother of all battles. I wanted to write home and tell my parents and girlfriend how much I loved them; but I couldn't, there was no time. Although I was expecting the worst whilst advancing up the hill nothing happened, no one was firing at us and when we reached the top the Argentines had done a runner into Stanley. The relief was beyond description as the pressure dropped. Once on the hill the sight of the Argentine defences was frightening to say the least. The position was heavily armed with well dug in mortars, artillery and machine guns. They also had their anti-aircraft guns set up in the ground roll facing our direction. The bunkers and trenches were well protected and defended in depth with some made into large living quarters. They had abandoned everything before hastily retreating. It did not bear thinking about what would have happened if they had stood their ground with the amount of firepower and defences that I could see on the hill; it certainly sent a shiver down my spine. As we continued towards Stanley helicopters were observed flying in the distance with what appeared to be white flags displayed. Then Port Stanley came into view for the first time. The message came down the line to remove our helmets and wear our berets; mine was in my map pocket and had been throughout. That was my body armour. I took my helmet off strapped it to my webbing belt before placing my maroon beret proudly onto my head. The pride I felt encompassed a mixture of triumph and sadness. Although the Argentines had not officially surrendered it was obvious that this 74-day war was coming to an end. This was the proudest day of my life. I certainly shed a few tears whilst tabbing with 2 Para's band of heroes who had fought from one side of the Falklands to the other for peace. I felt rejuvenated and found a spring in my step as we raced along the ridge following the road into Stanley. Rumour had it that someone from Divisional HQ ordered our battalion to halt at the racecourse before entering Stanley and I don't know how true the reply was that day, which I heard went something like this: "If thousands of Argentines couldn't stop them, what do you expect me to do? Sir." Apparently the commander of 3 Commando Brigade eventually radioed through to the CO 2 Para to halt at the racecourse. Although we were the first into the capital we waited at the racecourse as ordered for the Marines to enter Stanley, which we resented at that time. I suppose having a Royal Marine in charge does have its perks

For all those sufferings in silence today; talk to someone and take that first all important step. Be proud of what you have achieved.

Port Stanley racecourse
Fallen heroes

Whilst I was in Port Stanley I stayed in a children's school to sort out my personal administration, i.e. clean my weapon, check my equipment and get a good wash. We were told to send a telegram home to let family and friends know that we were ok. I was slightly apprehensive about this as some of the Argentines prisoners were still in an aggressive state of mind and carried loaded weapons. My brother and I sent a telegram home with a simple message: 'We are both fine, see you soon.' I found out later that my mum and dad were shocked when they received the telegram. They refused to open it for two-weeks and my mum's hair turned white overnight; thinking the worst. Once again the Argentines had left unwelcome gifts (booby traps) in buildings and scattered around Stanley so we had to be on our guard at all times. They callously knew that we would probably search for clean socks or want to use a shower, so they booby-trapped everything. I said my farewells to the lads in B Company and re-joined my original platoon. My mate and I decided to go for a walk-a-bout around Stanley and commandeered an abandoned Argentine truck that was invitingly parked on a grass verge with its doors open and keys in the ignition; after checking it over of course. We headed for the Airport to have a nosey and noticed along the coast road that the Argentines had set up their defences all the way along the coast around Stanley. They obviously assumed that was where the task force was going to land. They certainly did not expect us to tab from one end of the Island to the other. As we approached the airport another Argentine truck was coming towards us with two Argentine soldiers inside who were driving on the wrong side of the road, to my annoyance. We pulled the truck over and got the driver and his passenger out. They were not armed and their expressions said it all. They looked almost relieved that we stopped them. We took them to the Airport and handed them to the Military Police whom were stock piling hundreds of weapons that were taken from the enemy. The expressions on the two soldier's faces were a picture to behold when we handed them over. It was as though they were expecting the Military Police to issue them with clean civilian clothing and a pair of first class flight tickets to Argentina.

Once the clean-up was complete it was time to attend the Church service. Christ Church Cathedral in Port Stanley was the setting for the battalion to say their goodbyes to those comrades who had paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country. The Church was consecrated in 1892 and displayed beautiful 19th and 20th century stained glass windows. I felt deeply saddened as I marched up the coast road with the battalion towards the Whalebone arch and the small church with my comrades; sad that not everyone had made it back safe. The Church was packed full as I stood at the rear with my brother listening to the Padre say some very special words for those fallen heroes. It was comforting knowing that the tears shed reflected the honour bestowed on those who had paid the ultimate sacrifice. Their heroics will be engraved in the history of this small island forever more.

Christ Church at Port Stanley

Falklands memorial in Port Stanley

The late Right Hon Baroness Thatcher wrote

The members of our Task Force restored our nations standing and they gave us back our nation's sense of pride and purpose. We salute them

The beer donated by a brewery when we had fought from one side of the island to the

other to liberate the Falklands
14

Would I like to return?

It has been thirty two - years since the Falklands War and I am so proud to have taken part in ensuring the islands remained under British Rule and that the economy has flourished ever since. We must never forget to recognise the achievements and sacrifices made. All Falklands veterans will remember their individual contributions with pride and the comradeship and team spirit they displayed throughout the 74 day war. We will never forget those that paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

I returned to the Falklands whilst I was still in the Army through privilege of rank and my job at that time. I was a Warrant Officer Class 1 and the military inspectorate for the Army who visited every guard room or detention facility wherever the three services were located in the world. My job was to ensure that the facilities were compliant with up to date custodial policies laid down by the Provost Martial of the Army and the equivalent in the Royal Navy and Air Force. After inspecting the facilities I would issue a licence to state that the facility was compliant for 12-months. Although I had a boss I compiled my own annual schedule or programme for inspections therefore although the Falklands only had a very small detention facility that you could not swing a cat around in, I made it my top priority to get back and see the place I help liberate.

The long flight culminated in an overnight stop on the Ascension Island a volcanic piece of rock that covered about 35 square miles. It was a very hot, sticky and uncomfortable night and a haven for mosquitoes. It was also a staging post for the task force from as far back as 1815 and gave access to aircraft via the air field built by the Americans in 1942. It was known as 'Wide-awake Airfield.' The next morning we headed for the Falklands. Once there I did my inspection that took all of about an hour then enquired if anyone could take me around the island. I slept in the large accommodation area called Mount Pleasant complex which is a self-contained garrison site 35 miles from the capital Port Stanley. It's a maze of corridors with accommodation, shops, bars and other services that makes life very comfortable for those service personnel posted there. Around three hundred local staff maintains this complex. Unfortunately I did not get to see what I would have liked to see during my short stay, but I would love to return some day and go and see the area that I was dug in on Sussex Mountain which should not be hard to find as I had a huge boulder next to my trench. My youngest daughter Danielle has always said that she would love to go to the Falklands to see where I was fighting and nothing would give me more pleasure than to show her.

As I'm in to cruising maybe I shall return one day

with my wife and tell her how 2 Para fought against the

odds to liberate these wonderful islands.

May be, just maybe, a visit to the islands would vanish the demons that I am haunted with today since being diagnosed with severe combat related untreated Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) by a professor in a London Hospital who headed the Medical Assessment Programme (MAP). This was almost seven years after I left the Army whilst travelling home from Manchester to Essex I witnessed a fatal car accident on the motorway that triggered my symptoms. Believe me when I say I was very cynical about PTSD when I was serving and it was only when I was diagnosed with this invisible illness that it hit home just how serious and unforgiving it can be. My book PTSD Silent heartache explains in detail how I cope with this nightmare and another of my books, Stretcher Bearer covers my time in the Army building up to the Falklands War both accessible through smashwords.com.
15

The after effects of war

PTSD & suicides

Carl Van Clausewitz born in Prussia on 1 June 1780 and a great military theorist and soldier (attaining the rank of Major General) made various bold statements about war; one being

"War is a mere continuation of politics by other means."

During the Falklands War politics failed drastically, but in reality there was success on both sides whereby Argentina and Britain benefitted in two very different ways. Argentina was bossed by a dictator who implemented a very harsh regime within his country and whose failing economy was at rock bottom. He was banished from power soon after the Argentine surrender leading to the beginning of democracy. On the other hand Margaret Thatcher's conservative government was trailing in the polls, that is until the Argentine surrender. This ignited a quick turnaround in fortunes for the conservative government whereby the opinion polls spiralled towards Margaret Thatcher who went on to win the following year's general election by a landslide.

After the War "a little ice-cold bunch of land down there," famously described by the late President of the United States of America, Ronald Reagan was regarded as having bleak prospects began to flourish. By 1983 the Falklands slowly became economically secure and in 1985 a new constitution was enacted promoting self-government. Tourism was booming with cruise ships visiting on a regular basis and the fishing industry grew bigger and bigger annually. When the late Sir Rex Hunt (Governor during the war) and his wife Mavis went back to the Falklands twenty years after the invasion in 2002 and drove on newly built roads they were shocked at the transformation. Now instead of relying on the fluctuation of the wool industry and pricing there was talk of oil as a new source of income and a steady development in infrastructure. The net population was slowly rising and further investment in housing, health and education in place. So the cultural and economic vitality was turned completely upside down since the War for the better.

What about those who liberated the Falkland Islands over thirty-years ago? How are they coping today? You will find in a lot of cases they are still fighting their own little battles. Many suffering in silence through the incomprehensible sights they encountered in a war that lasted only 74-days. When you look at the scale of casualties and equipment lost on both sides; it was ferocious. It was a naval, air and combat conventional war between two countries going head to head for superiority over the Falkland Islands. The British lost two hundred and sixty killed in action including three local ladies from Port Stanley. They had over eight hundred wounded and one hundred and fifteen taken prisoner. Seven vessels were sunk, including two destroyers, two frigates, one Landing Ship Logistic (LSL), one Assault Ship (LSU) Fearless and one container ship the SS Atlantic Conveyor. Thirty four aircraft were lost and thirteen ships were hit by bombs that failed to go off. Could we have lost the war if the fuses in those thirteen bombs detonated? The Argentines lost over six hundred and forty nine killed in action and one thousand, six hundred and fifty seven wounded with eleven thousand, three hundred and thirteen taken prisoner. They lost nine ships and one hundred aircraft! One ship alone the ARA General Belgrano that was sunk by the British submarine HMS Conqueror claimed almost half of the total killed in action, three hundred and twenty three personnel. May they rest in peace?

Do many people really understand the after effects of war? When I say people I refer to civilians and those high up in the military, government or MoD both in the UK and those service personnel and civilians who thought so valiantly from Argentina. Although our MoD don't keep records of service personnel suicides unlike the US who do record these vital statistics they cannot be honest or precise as to how many service personnel have committed suicide from the Falklands War to more recent conflicts covering Northern Ireland to Afghanistan. That's shocking when the MoD rely on others to do their homework for them by going direct to coroners. Just quite how they know which coroners to visit and precisely when throughout the UK, baffles me!! The UK government certainly don't want to highlight the severe problems that the UK has now as regards to mental illnesses (PTSD) through fear of the compensation claims that would hit them at great speed. The MoD really don't care about many veterans problems in the UK; in fact its only through many self-funding charities, military associations, unit associations and unit Regimental Welfare Officers or personnel who actually do all the hard work in assisting serving soldiers or veterans in need. The government don't scrutinise the millions of pounds in compensation that they handed out to the land owners in Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan, many of whom supported the enemy. They don't deal sufficiently with their own MPs who are ripping the expenses claims system off by buying what they want, when they want for no apparent sensible reason. MPs appear to be renting high priced properties in London even though they only live nearby, and do they buy these properties on the cheap and then rent them out? They don't monitor who their MPs employ to be their personal assistants or secretaries because many of them employ their wives or family members on huge salaries paid for by the tax payer. They employ henchmen and women to carry out medicals that are aimed to fail veterans who are seeking help through a disability or other type of injury. ATOS healthcare are one such organisation employed by the government who were in the media recently stating that they are ending their contract due to their staff being threatened continuously. Google ATOS and read the horror stories. The Military Covenant that once again was in the media spotlight which is a type of unwritten rule regarding perks and assistance to veterans from the MoD and government was yet another 'looks good on paper exercise'. What the government did was pass the buck to local councils. So the covenant for veterans living in Colchester will be different than the covenant for veterans living in Devon.

Some of the assistance the Military Covenant should have in place is housing, work, and health, priority treatment in Doctors surgeries or Hospitals to reductions in purchasing items from certain stores. Are the local councils really taking note when they place a wheel-chair bound veteran in a high rise flat? Are the hospitals taking note when they say that they know nothing about priority treatment for veterans? Are the government serious when they hire strategists to work out just how long a veteran may live when deciding on paying out pensions or when they ignore the pleas of families whose sons and daughters have committed suicide? A perfect example of the cold hearted stance the government take on suicides of serving service personnel and veterans the MoD carry out their own studies on suicides, bearing in mind they don't register suicides! They then deny the suicide figures that welfare organisations such as the South Atlantic Medal Association (SAMA) come up with. SAMA state that more people have committed suicide since the end of the Falklands War than those who died during it and let's not forget that there were two hundred and fifty five deaths on the battlefield, at sea or in the air. They state that from 2002 their figures are two hundred and sixty four!! The government once again hire strategists to do their dirty work for them. Then they try and baffle the nation with their mathematical jig saws and finely tuned statistics. These strategists state that the actual numbers of suicides since the Falklands War are far lower than what other organisation state. Not forgetting that organisations like SAMA for example get to know when any person who took part in the Falklands War commits suicide more often than not. These strategists try to baffle the nation by talking about ratios and comparing the ratio of suicides of the general public in the UK to those of the task force that took part in the war. How can they even compare or have the audacity to compare these statistics? The suicides of veterans from the Falklands War may surpass two hundred and sixty and in Argentina their suicide rate may be between around five hundred! We must never forget other conflicts since the Second World War and more recently Northern Ireland, Kosovo, Sierra Leone, Iraq and Afghanistan. I have estimated that by 2024 there will be an epidemic in PTSD especially those service personnel who served in Afghanistan whose suicide rate rises every year!

Silent heartache

In Argentine the veterans appear to be treated worse than the veterans in the UK with one veteran stating that the suicide problem of veterans is a taboo and veterans have been treated like "a kind of aids sufferer." Many Argentines are desperately seeking help and assistance from their government. They are finding it very difficult to hold down any decent jobs and due to the economy they find healthcare harder to obtain and have no access to psychiatric treatment. They are paid meagre monthly military pensions and resort to selling items or busking and begging on the streets. Sounds similar to the lack of aftercare some of our veterans are experiencing in the UK. We must never forget that many of the Argentine forces were sent to fight a conventional war against one of the fittest and best Military Forces in the world by a dictator who simply wanted to deflect his own failings in the economy and harsh regime. The UK utilised the majority if not all of their Special Forces in Royal Marine Commandos, SBS, Paratroopers and SAS along with highly trained infantry and supporting units; not forgetting the magnificent Royal Navy and Royal Air Force so the Argentine Forces were certainly up against it from the start.
At the end of the day service personnel know what they are getting themselves into when they join the military and that there is a very good chance that they may go to war. However there is no military manual explaining that service personnel may suffer the consequences of war later in life or how to combat it. One thing a veteran requires today is the security that once they leave the service that they will be cared for after and to the end of their days since they delivered and protected their country and tried to make the world a better place.

They shall not grow old as we that are left grow old.

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning,

we will remember them
