Falkland Islands War

Brilliantly Executed Warfare

The previous page was: "Bravery"

Falkland Islands War: Since early in the 19th Century the Falkland Islands has had a detachment of Royal Marines at various times. On 1st April 1982 whilst the garrison was changing they were warned that an invasion was imminent.

Sure enough early next morning Lt Com. Giachio with a escort turned up; he was leading the invasion. They were from the Argentine Navy's Amphibious Commando Company. He had expected to walk in and take over without any trouble; they had arrived with a large landing force.

They walked up to the door with the intention of entering and demanding the Governor, Rex Hunt surrenders. The response was fire from the Royal Marines Lieutenant-Commander Giachio and a Lieutenant were seriously wounded; the other three escaped. The Argentine Commander was the first person to die in the conflict.

Within 3 hours Stanley had been occupied by the Argentine Commandos. Governor Hunt had no options he ordered the Royal Marines to surrender to save further bloodshed.

Details of what was to become the South Atlantic Campaign are now part of contemporary history.

Bravery

Royal Marines SBS were first ashore

Another part of British History was unfolding in which the Royal Marines were to play a major part in providing over 3,500 men as the Navy's soldiers.

A unique military exploit, over 8,000 miles from the UK, The Naval Task Force conducted successful amphibious operations with the units of 3rd Commando Brigade and 5th Infantry Brigade.

The SBS were the first ashore during the Falkland Islands War their task was to make safe the beaches and helicopter landing zones ready for the amphibious landings that proved so vital to the overall success of the campaign.

An Argentine radio operator report stated: "there is nobody out there except the penguins," the colours used in snow warfare.

Other British Units played a gallant role

Brigadier Julian Thompson RM and the Royal Marines were allotted this historical mission; they wouldn't be alone but they would be the main force. The other British Units played a gallant role completing the jobs they had been allocated.

42 Commando RM distinguished itself in the retaking of South Georgia. 42 Commando RM engaged in the thick of the campaign and was included in those units which participated in the now famous 'yomp' across the island to Port Stanley.

The Commando also distinguished itself by a bold night attack on Mount Harriet to take the enemy positions which were dominating the surrounding area.

Formidable Objectives

The two most formidable objectives forming the defences to the west of Port Stanley were: Mount Harriet and Two Sisters, each was allocated to a Commando unit: 42 cdo RM Mount Harriet and 45 cdo RM Two Sisters.

The courage, skill and motivation of every young marine was tested again and again. Through the long hours of battle on those dark mountain sides; and the subsequent days under enemy artillery fire, especially the 155mm guns whose range of 24,000 metres allowed them to hit all their hard-won objectives.

The Royal Marines in particular, played parts in many guises from the advance force operations of the Special Boats Service, to the RM detachments in many of the naval ships, to helicopter pilots and landing craft crews, to the Commandos in the Brigade themselves.

Modern-day Pages Fast Boats Pages Joe Wezley Pages

the award of many honours

Their actions led to the award of many honours including two DSOs, two DSCs, five MCs, and sixteen other gallantry medals.

During the Falklands War unfortunately two officers and twenty-five men were killed with 101 others being wounded.

It is clear without the Royal Marines the Falklands would be Argentine today. Britain would be a different country.

The next Link below will be: "Falklands Synopsis 1"

Falkland Islands War Falklands Synopsis 1

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