The Falklands War

[Drew5233]

I thought we had a thread running on the Falklands War? Please move if there is one.

Feel free to add any Falklands War related stories

[Drew5233]

I saw this on the news this morning and thought I'd share it. I remember reading/hearing when I was younger that some of the Argentinian Conscripts captured by British troops had gun shot injuries to their feet, allegedly committed by their officers to stop them retreating. A practise still used toady I'm sure. There was apparently some 'evidence' of this in Iraq in 2003.

Seventy former Argentine army officers are accused of crimes against humanity for the alleged abuse, torture and, in one case, murder of their own troops during the 1982 war with Britain over the Falklands, or Malvinas, Islands. As the BBC's Angus Crawford reports, the case has divided Argentina's veteran community.

BBC News - Argentina veterans divided over Falklands 'abuse' case

[A-58]

I was working the Mardi Gras Detail in 1983, and there was a sizeable group of sailors and marines from the Royal Navy on the loose on the streets of the French Quarter at that time. We had no problems with them of any consequence, but there were plenty of problems when a USN aircraft carrier pulled in to port and off-loaded about 4,000 drunken US sailors and marines into the mix. I was quartered at the Sheraton Hotel on Canal Street for the detail, and there were two RN officers in the room next to me. They seemed to be having a great time in New Orleans. Later, I had the opportunity to talk to several Royal Marines at one of the many oyster bars on Bourbon Street. They said that they spent some time down at the Falklands during the war, and was glad that it was all over and done with. They wanted to drink beer, and really didn't want to talk about the fighting. Can't say that I blame them. They earned their R & R time, and then some.

[geoff501]

Don't have any stories, but once met a vet and had an interesting chat while I while photographing some war graves.

However a couple of interesting links:


Stories from the Falklands War and service life


Falklands War Poetry

[James Daly]

I've a friend who was down South in 1982, I've had some pretty interesting conversations with him. Although hes never told me exactly what unit he was in, and neither have I asked... make of that what you will

As for books on the Falklands, I like Martin Middlebrook's book on the Argentine aspect of the War. The Max Hastings and Simon Jenkins book is a good background read but I'm not sure I like Hastings' style. The commanders memoirs - Woodward, Clapp and Thompson - make fascinating reading, only because it shows just what a chaotic situation the command set up was!

[Sgt Bilko]

I worked as a fourth year apprentice plater at the Royal Naval Dockyard at Devonport during the conflict.... Worked on a lot of the conversions of merchant ships heading down and a lot of the damaged warships that came back.....

[airborne medic]

If I may add something to this I spoke today with my old boss Doc Hughes (well that's what he was to us)...otherwise Captain S Hughes RMO 2 Para in 1982......he speaks a little Spanish and he said that a lot of Argies thought they would be killed in the RAP......perhaps this now makes a little sense.....my Spanish is limited to dos cervezas....which wasn't much use.......

[Gage]

I keep meaning to get a copy of Sharkey Ward's book. Is it any good?

There's loads of Special Forces stories from the Falklands.

[Drew5233]

Originally Posted by Sgt Bilko

I worked as a fourth year apprentice plater at the Royal Naval Dockyard at Devonport during the conflict.... Worked on a lot of the conversions of merchant ships heading down and a lot of the damaged warships that came back.....

Mel did you work on the Atantic Conveyor - My brother under wrote her insurance before she was 'borrowed' by the MoD and the insurance was taken over by the Crown.

Any details on HM Ships that came back?

[wtid45]

Originally Posted by Gage

I keep meaning to get a copy of Sharkey Ward's book. Is it any good?

There's loads of Special Forces stories from the Falklands.

Sharkeys book is great he upset a few people with his ways but it is a great read.