The Falklands Conflict

http://www.falklandislands.com/map/stanley.asp

On the 2nd April 1982 Argentina invaded Port Stanley, the capital of the Falkland Island Dependancies. With only 80 marines for defence, the Islands and South Georgia were quickly overrun. A British task force was rapidly gathered to retake the Islands, with its' land element centered on 3 Commando Brigade RM.

At this time 3 PARA were Spearhead Battalion and they were attached to 3 Commando Brigade RM leaving the UK on the 9th April on SS Canberra. 2 PARA, then the In-role Battalion for the PCF at five days notice to move, were also stood-to and departed on the 26th April on MV Norland. During the long voyage south, both Battalions carried out intensive training.

3 Commando Brigade RM went ashore at Ajax Bay on the night of the 21st/22nd May. 2 PARA established itself on Sussex Mountain, protecting the South of the bridgehead, without opposition. 3 PARA landed in the north near Port San Carlos driving off a group of forty enemy. Over the next week Argentinian air attacks against the beach-head and shipping took place almost daily.

On the 26th May, 2 PARA were ordered to move south and engage the Argentinian Strategic Reserve and Airfield on the Darwin/Goose Green Penninsular. The attack began during the early hours of the 28th May with Naval and Artillery support. By daylight, however, it was held up by strong enemy defensive positions near Darwin and the CO and Adjutant were killed trying to take out a machine gun post. The assault continued and by last light the whole penninsular, less the Goose Green settlement, was taken. Negotiations with the Argentinians produced their surrender the next day. Over 1250 prisoners were taken and 256 Argentinians killed. After the battle 2 PARA then reverted to being under command 5 Infantry Brigade.

Meanwhile on the 27th May, 3 PARA set off on foot by a northern route to capture Teal Inlet which it did on the 29th May taking some prisoners. On the 11th June 2PARA moved north to rejoin 3 Commando Brigade RM for the final battle for Port Stanley. An early, but vital objective was Mount Longdon and this was attacked by 3 PARA during the night of the 11th/12th June. The enemy were well dug-in and prepared and it was only after ten hours of bloody fighting that 3 PARA secured the objective. They then held it for 48 hours under intense and accurate artillery fire. A total of 22 were killed during this operation.

On the night of the 13th/14th June, 2 PARA passed behind 3 PARA and, supported by 3 PARA mortars, attacked another key objective - Wireless Ridge. This again was secured by first light and shortly afterwards the enemy resistance collapsed. Both Battalions followed up and were the first troops to enter Port Stanley.

In all, the two Battalions had 40 dead and 93 injured. 68 awards were received including two Victoria Crosses.

 

The Falklands Memorial Chapel at Pangbourne School near Reading are holding a service on the 14th June 2007 at 1200hrs.  Further details from:   www.falklands-chapel.org.uk

 

Commemoration Concert & Parade in Gosport (June 2007) Exact date and timings TBN.  This event is being organised between the FVF, SAMA 82 and Gosport Borough Council.  See: www.fvf.org

 

The main M o D sponsored event will be held in London on the 17th June 2007.

 

The stands and 'big TV screens' will be left in place following the Queen's Birthday Parade on the 16th.  Veterans and their families will muster on Horseguards Parade in the afternoon for a Drumhead Service that will include Royal attendees.  This will be followed by a Veterans March Past for a Royal Salute accompanied by Military Escort with Massed Bands down the Mall to Buckingham Palace for the Royal Salute.  There will also be a 'Fly Past'.

 

The Veterans Awareness marquee will be available for refreshments to all veterans and their families sponsored by SAMA 82.  See: www.sama82.org

 

This event is being organised between the M o D, Metropolitan Police, SAMA 82 and the BBC.

 

The M o D plan to advertise these events more fully with detail by sending information out to all relevant organisations that includes the PRA.

 

There will also be significant commemorations held in the Falkland Islands itself and there will be many more veterans than usual on the islands during these dates.  More details will be available as the above plans become finalised.

 

RAF Waddington will be the venue for a Drumhead Service in July 2007 that co-incides with the Stations Open Day. Contact: Peter Cobbold: [email protected]  Note:  Volunteers are being asked to assist.

 

SAMA Wales also hope to unveil a new monument in Cardiff during the late summer of 2007.  The basis of the monument consists of a five and a half tonne rock sent to Wales from the Falkland Islands as a gift to the people of Wales in recognition of the sacrifices of Welsh Servicemen who gave their lives for the freedom of the Falkland Islands.  Details to follow.

 

For more information please contact

 

Denzil  Connick

SAMA

 

 

Useful Links

 

 

THE FALKLANDS VETERANS FOUNDATION

www.fvf.org.uk/aboutus.htm

The Falklands Veterans Foundation (FVF) is the first UK based charity for Falklands Veterans and their Families and is committed to providing a network of support both financially and through support work for all Veterans and their Families.

The FVF's aim is to work in partnership with all other charities and organisations providing assistance for Falklands Veterans and their Families and in co-operation with other Service charities in identifying, investigating and primarily giving financial support to eligible cases in "real need".

The Charity aims to help to direct and guide with advice on all welfare topics and to offer help and guidance when it comes to any help with any welfare or health problem. The aim is to help to direct through to those who can help and where possible to offer direct help.

The Charity will be establishing a base in Stanley Capital of the Falklands with an overall aim to provide a facility for Veterans and Families to visit and to spend time, laying to rest memories and helping to come to terms with emotions. This we aim to achieve through the purchase of a Property and to, where possible, subsidise flights to the Islands.

The charity will be establishing working offices with staff manning the phones during office hours. We also aim to find and train volunteers around the UK and even the World who wish to not only represent the charity but also to work on its behalf providing a caring service. If you want more info on this please e-mail us today. [email protected]