Return to Bomb Alley 1982 – The Falklands Deception, by Paul Cardin

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Foreword

Willing pawn. Doing my duty. Hero/Zero? You decide.

The year 2022 marks the 40th Anniversary of the Falklands Conflict. Here’s a link to a digital copy of my original “Falklands War Diary”. This was handwritten on location in the MCO (Main Communications Office) of HMS Yarmouth in between Argentine air raids, calls to action stations, false alarms, bombardments and rescue missions.

It comes to us all. You’ve been born. You’re gonna die. What have you got to lose in between?

How natural to find ourselves in the Falklands. We were young Royal Navy volunteers. Like freshly fallen autumn leaves settling on a river, we were captured and carried along on the stream. We had no choice in our destination.

These trials were brief, but the sometimes precious, sometimes crushing wisdoms gained would endure throughout our lifetimes. We know that wars kill, maim or mentally damage many of the participants and give few a second chance. We also understand that genuine moves towards peace are an afterthought, and an option never taken up.

For forgotten UK veterans who’ve swallowed the ‘hero’ spin, the injustice can persist forever, and is deeply felt. They become an unspoken cause for shame and are made to feel empty and worthless. They’re unrepresented politically, patronised with lip service, and basically cast to one side. They’re left to rely on charities and their own dwindling resources. The overriding, ever-present injustice is that they’re carefully snubbed by the cowardly ‘great and the good’ and the Ministry of Defence, who will busily adopt PR strategies, promising much and leading to nowhere, or wait for veterans to die, whilst pursuing other agendas.

So the question they are forced to ask themselves is, ‘If I’m a hero, why are they treating me like a piece of shit?’

Driven to contemplate suicide when all hope was lost, how many Falklands veterans survived this bloody conflict, only to perish by their own hand later, when we’d all assumed they were ‘out of danger’? Way too many. Please accept my apologies for linking to a sneering MOD report that strives to minimise the numbers / impact of Falklands veterans’ tragic suicides.

VIPs attending the Cenotaph every November 11th, before the world’s cameras. Sombre, dressed in black, displaying practised, solemn faces, sporting poppies, whilst keenly aware of the electoral benefits. We still occupy a society where it remains very easy and convenient for politicians to serve their own interests, whilst despoiling the memory of millions of dead armed forces members, and getting away with it every time. All in return for votes.

Such behaviour was visually shocking to me before I stopped watching TV, and I imagine, is massively insulting to those unfortunate enough to have known and experienced the harsh realities of war.

It’s also an annual, very public reminder of cascading, high-level hypocrisy and betrayal from on high. A description which it seems will never permeate those bull-headed, cast iron, political skulls.

For the combatant nations here, we servicemen were vital yet dispensable chess pieces in the hands of elected / unelected, political game players / military strategists. Strategy must always feature inside risk / benefit analyses, but it trumps many other considerations, including risks to life and limb.

If you ask HMS Invincible’s and HMS Hermes’ junior ratings how many enemy planes they spotted visually, it’s likely to be zero. That’s because our very important Queen pieces were kept well back and heavily shielded throughout. Whilst this prevailing strategy continued, lesser vessels and their crews could be tried out here and there, toyed with and placed at greater risk. ‘Risking a few lives to save many’ would be the justification given publicly.

I should state at the outset, I’m just someone with a book out, and these days there must be millions of us. Much of the content is going to be questionable. It may not be easy to discern fact from opinion and fact from potential fiction. Upon completion, you’re free to go with your gut feeling and to reach your own verdict on my honesty or lack thereof.

In the enclosed diary, the 1982 text has a border and grey background. Some new, contemporary facts and opinion, giving context, are in italics. There are links to online news articles, websites, and videos. These are included to add detail if you’re new to the subject, or to refresh readers’ memories on these now rapidly receding events. Photos are included.

Contemporary thoughts were added in 2021. The whole package is now being published as an eBook. Hyperlinks are blue underlined. Hover, press [ctrl] and click to follow.

About the author

Paul Cardin was born in Wallasey, Wirral, Merseyside, United Kingdom in August 1959. Now 62 years old, he is married with two daughters. Wirral has been his home since he left the Royal Navy in February 1983.

 

2022 is the 40th anniversary of the Falklands Conflict. This is not a time to celebrate. It’s a time to remember the lives lost and to remind ourselves of a concerted deception, planned and perpetrated on the islanders and the British electorate by Margaret Thatcher’s government. This deceit was long in the making and was actioned across a number of years. It accelerated and intensified under Mrs Thatcher’s tenure in the lead up to the April 2nd 1982 invasion. All the senior players – who were party to clandestine, manipulative activities – are now dead. But in the aftermath of the invasion and resultant conflict – which could easily have gone either way – many of the prime movers won an extension to their political power, influence and their places at the top table. To me, this was their unstated aim.

They also enjoyed a longer time alive on this earth than  907 soldiers, sailors, airmen and civilians who needlessly perished due to the UK / Argentine governments’ reprehensible conduct.

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to all the conscripted Argentines (those still with us) who were pressed into what will have been described to them as ‘serving their country’. However my sympathy is tempered when it comes to the unspeakable shits who knowingly, voluntarily joined up and were then trained to serve a murdering, military junta that whipped up nationalistic fervour and masqueraded as ‘patriotic’, whilst kidnapping, torturing and killing thousands of its own countrymen. How the hell could anybody risk their lives, serve and kill in the name of that?

The beginnings of the post-invasion, UK parliamentary debate:

UK Hansard, Saturday 3rd April 1982, the day after the Argentine invasion

 

In February 1976, as a fresh-faced 16-year-old new entry to shore-based training establishment HMS Ganges, I’d been seduced by the glamorous and compelling TV ads. All risks to life and limb had been heavily glossed over. They offered me the chance to travel the world and to build my Royal Navy career. Like many more young boys before me, I was extremely keen and eager and a very naïve blank slate queuing up to be scrawled upon.

Six years later, in March 1982, I was 22 years old and serving onboard HMS Yarmouth (F101). My crewmates and I were all in good spirits. We’d completed Exercise Springtrain and had set sail across the Mediterranean on an East Asian deployment. Soon we’d be moving south via the Suez Canal and down through the Red Sea, before venturing further east. The sun was up, winds were light, and we were all on a high, primed for our forthcoming travels.

We’d be working hard and spending our days off exploring Naples, Egypt, further afield to Malaysia and many more intriguing places. Having served six years, I was keen to travel more broadly with my shipmates before finally calling it a day and leaving the Royal Navy.

But President Leopoldo Fortunato Galtieri Castelli  – who later served a brief prison sentence – had been making his own travel plans, which clashed with ours.

So on 2nd April 1982, the invasion of the Falkland Islands went ahead, Thatcher was tipped off, and an undeclared war was soon to be unleashed upon us.

 

My Falklands War Diary, written on location in 1982

Monday 5th April 1982 (On passage from Gibraltar)

The captain said over the main broadcast that there was a possibility of the ship going to Argentina due to the Falklands being invaded and as there were no RFAs (Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships) to back us up in the Mediterranean. At 22:15 we were told the ship was turning around and proceeding back to Gibraltar at top speed, to arrive by 03:30 to take on ammunition and refuel. On completion of this (2 days maybe) we are to proceed to the South Atlantic with the rest of the task force.

In retrospect, I’m convinced none of us onboard Yarmouth had been officially made aware of the build-up. But soon, news of the Port Stanley invasion was out there, and we all got to hear about the fall of the islands’ garrison. With this on our minds, we left Gibraltar on 5th April 1982, enroute to Naples.

Later this evening, I was at work in the MCO (Main Communications Office) standing over the receiving teleprinter when a FLASH signal came through from Cincfleet, Northwood, UK. We’d all been expecting this, but I watched, open-mouthed as the message revealed itself. The orders were clear and unambiguous:

… t u r n    a r o u n d    i m m e d i a t e l y …

… r e t u r n    t o    G i b r a l t a r …

… r e – a r m,   r e – f u e l,  t a k e   o n   s t o r e s …

… j o i n   t h e   H e r m e s   b a t t l e   g  r  o u p …

This was probably the most momentous radio signal ever received in the long history of F101. Clutching the printout, I raced up to the bridge, in search of the First Lieutenant. Even in the darkness, I quickly found him, and he knewwhat was coming. Peering at it glum-faced he cautioned, “Cardin, don’t say a word”.

I didn’t – but I knew for sure – HMS Yarmouth’s 1982 East Asian deployment was now dead and buried.

Tuesday 6th April (Back in Gibraltar)

The captain cleared the lower deck this morning to tell the ship’s company that our Far East deployment was cancelled. We are waiting for Invincible, Hermes and Fearless to arrive in the Gibraltar area, then we will probably accompany them down as far as Ascension Island. I heard that it would take two or three weeks for the whole task force to get to the Falklands. This is probably due to the RFA vessels being slower. Four civilian merchant ships have been requisitioned by the Ministry of Defence (Esk, Elk, Tamar, and Canberra). They are now loaded up with marines, SBS, SAS, etc. Argentina has been preparing for war, drafting troops to southern Argentina. We stocked with ammunition today and will be storing ship tomorrow.

Wednesday 7th April (Still in Gibraltar)

The Argentines have said they will negotiate over the islands, but they will not pull their troops out. Still not sure when we are sailing, probably tomorrow to join up with Fearless and a couple of RFAs.

By spring 1982 I’d seen a good chunk of the world. I’d matured a bit, could grow a thick beard, and had sprouted some early grey hairs. Into the bargain, I was also a fully trained Leading Radio Operator.

Having served six years, and travelled widely, I felt like I’d seen a lot, but not enough to convince me to sign up for the full 22 years. Six months before the Falklands was invaded, I’d decided to leave, had lodged my 18 months’ notice, and I now had a year left to complete.

 

HMS Yarmouth (F101) was an anti-submarine, Rothesay-class frigate, commissioned in 1960 and based in Rosyth dockyard, near Edinburgh, on the east coast of Scotland.

Thursday 8th April (Still in Gibraltar)

Britain have issued a statement saying a 200-mile limit has been imposed around the Falklands, and that any enemy warships found within the zone are likely to be fired upon. Press agents are embarked upon Fearless, Hermes, Invincible and RFAs.

A signal has been received telling us to sail at 16:00 today to join Fearless.

Just one question was on the lips of 95% of the crew. Where’s the Falklands? This has become cliched now, but we really were in the dark. We were surprised to discover it was a distant, forgotten outpost of the former British Empire. With a long string of successful post-war independence claims, and as the empire shrank back, UK governments had been trying to quietly offload it since the 1960s.  But could it be pulled off without upsetting the mega-patriotic locals? Awkward.

8th April to 9th May

The passage down to the South Atlantic was uneventful to start with. We sailed at an average speed of 20 knots toward Ascension Island. We arrived there on 16th April. The weather was really hot (close to 100 degrees Fahrenheit). Ascension Island is in the middle of the Atlantic, roughly on line with the River Amazon entrance in South America. We stayed in Ascension for two days and I got some good fishing in. We left there on 18th April. We slowed down a bit on orders from the Ministry of Defence as negotiations took place between Britain and Argentina with the US Secretary of State acting as a go-between. Haig peace bid failed, and hostilities flared up. The Argentine cruiser General Belgrano was torpedoed by the British submarine HMS Conqueror. 300+ lives were lost out of the 1,000 Argentinian crew members.

The torpedoing of the ARA Belgrano outside the Total Exclusion Zone (TEZ), with a loss of 320+ lives created a lot of concern onboard HMS Yarmouth, and in the UK Parliament.

There was no going back after this. We all knew it in our heart of hearts. But few of us breathed a word.

 

2nd May 1982 – no going back

A Peruvian vessel of peace*

Was a tentative ship, quickly sunk

Pressed souls who were sailing these seas

Would now sleep, entombed in their bunks

*truth…who speaks it…?

 

A couple of days later HMS Sheffield was hit by an Exocet missile fired from a Super Etendard fighter. A second missile passed down our starboard side at 1,000 yards as we proceeded to Sheffield’s aid. The Arrow also went to help. We tried to put out the fire, but it was too intense. A lot of unspent rocket fuel from the missile ignited. We took six survivors off.

20 were killed approximately, 30 injured.

While we were giving assistance, torpedoes were fired from a submarine in the area. We came out of that unscathed. The Sheffield was abandoned when there was a danger of the Sea Dart missile magazine exploding. It didn’t go up and she was left to drift. A couple of days later, we were told to tow her to the east to be picked up by the tug Salvageman, but the weather worsened, and she started taking in water through the holes in her side. She went on her side and we cut the towline.

Previous to all this, South Georgia was recaptured.

The Argentinians claimed that HMS Exeter was sunk (she was in Belize at the time of the claim). They also claimed that fighting went on for over a week in South Georgia. In reality, it was two days. One day for Grytviken and a further day for another settlement on the other side of South Georgia.

The United Nations, led by Secretary General Pérez de Cuéllar offered to find a solution, originally not wanted by Thatcher but later accepted. Argentinians are insisting on sovereignty. Britain want the Argentinians off the island as called for in the UN Charter Resolution 502. Talks are going ahead.

The Total Exclusion Zone was imposed on 30th April 1982

Monday 10th May (In Total Exclusion Zone)

We were towing HMS Sheffield out of the TEZ, but the weather deteriorated, and she sank this morning. She was still smouldering from the fire which had almost gutted her and peeled all the paint off from the bridge backwards.

We are now proceeding back to the main group.

The Daily Telegraph say the Argentinians have only four Exocet missiles left.

An Argentine fishing vessel captured by the Royal Navy was said to be spying (an Argentine naval officer was onboard. Was attacked by helicopters. Later it sank while under tow (Narwal).

    HMS Yarmouth’s (incomplete) Deck Plan, as I remember it.

To set the domestic scene, I was the Leading Hand of the Mess in charge of 3E deck space, close to the bow of the ship, and two decks beneath the 4.5-inch gun. This was the living quarters for about 12 of us, plus a detachment of 12 Royal Marines, desperate to get their hands on their weapons, to feel some firm ground beneath their boots, and to turn their boyhood dreams of neutralising enemy troops into reality. To their disgust, this opportunity failed to arrive. Now envisage 24 men – half of them trained to kill, half of them not – crammed together, sleeping in bunk beds, in a space smaller than a tennis court, but with metal bulkheads all around and a lid on top. As you can imagine, we got to know each other well, and things got pretty tense during the low points, especially between us and them; the RN and the RM.

Tuesday 11th May

Talks have been reported to have reached the crucial stage at the UN. Argentina still appear to want sovereignty very soon. Britain are not very optimistic about the talks succeeding.

HMS Alacrity went into Falkland Sound, between the two islands. She opened fire on an Argentine tanker with 4.5-inch ammunition. There was a large explosion. She was doing an NGS (Naval Gunfire Support) at the time. There are rumours that the troops will be landed this Sunday.

Fearless group (amphibious forces) is now halfway between here and Ascension.

Still no mention for Yarmouth on BBC World Service. British Esk is on her way back today with mail onboard.

Ship that Alacrity fired at was reported by Britain to have sunk. Heard on World Service.

Britain and Argentina have both reported substantial progress in the UN talks. The British representative says the next couple of days could be decisive.

Argentina have announced that any British ship approaching the area of operations will be treated as hostile and will be dealt with accordingly.

Wednesday 12th May

The Times reported HMS Plymouth was fired at with Exocet as she proceeded to the aid of Sheffield. This was us really. Plymouth were bronzying in Ascension Island 3,000 miles away!

HMS Plymouth: First ship I ever served on, age 17 – for two and a half years – starting in November 1976. Highlight: A summer 1978 jaunt to Halifax, Nova Scotia, on down the US east coast; Boston, Bridgeport, Norfolk. Lowlight: On my first day, I was sent on an errand to the Master at Arms office to ask the burly, angry looking Chief Petty Officer who worked there for a “thick regulator for the showers”.

 

17:00 AIR RAID WARNING RED

HMS Brilliant shot down two out of three Skyhawks that were attacking the force. A further air raid got through and hit HMS Glasgow with a bomb which failed to explode but passed right through the ship (probably 1,000-pound bomb). One casualty suffering from shock. One of the engine intakes damaged beyond immediate repair. Glasgow Seadart reset at wrong moment, allowing the air raid access to hit Glasgow. We were at action stations for 45 minutes. A friendly helicopter ditched in the sea to the east of us with four crew onboard. All picked up by another helo. A further air raid occurred at approximately 18:30. Sea Harriers were sent up from Hermes to intercept two enemy aircraft, unidentified as yet. Air raid warning still red.

I was also the leading hand in charge of the Starboard Watch radio operators working in the MCO. This was beneath the Operations Room, located within the superstructure. The Ops Room was our nerve centre. I was told that Exocet missiles are designed to home in on the most substantial area of a targeted vessel, which made sense as this is often where these nerve centres are positioned. For us, a direct missile hit on the Ops Room would incapacitate the ship’s radar / electronic warfare systems, kill or severely injure everyone in the vicinity, and be likely to damage the MCO and bridge also. Unlucky us if a missile ever got through. Despite this dark prospect hanging heavy over us, all of the radio ops on Yarmouth remained an upbeat, happy-go-lucky, and privileged bunch.

19:15 AIR RAID WARNING YELLOW

Glasgow incident has been given a press blackout. Nothing heard about it from either Britain or Argentina on the world news. UN talks are said to be progressing by British, but no comment from Argentina. Daily Mail reports a diplomatic sell-out by Thatcher government, giving out a package of concessions to Argentina. Media fears that the three remaining Argentinian submarines will concentrate on the amphibious group (Fearless, Intrepid, RFA Sir classes, etc.) now that the Argentinians have extended their operations zone to cover the entire South Atlantic. Fearless group are now about 700 miles from the Total Exclusion Zone.

On the subject of Argentine submarines and the threat they carried, I became aware of a rumour at the time that one or more nuclear depth bombs were being secretly passed between UK ships during the Falklands conflict. On 20th May 1982, Labour politician Tam Dalyell MP appeared to refer to this in a vague manner in the UK Parliament. I think if true, highly sensitive information such as this being leaked and made public would have created uproar. UK mainstream perceptions of nuclear weapons were that they were non-tactical and a final option, only to be used as part of a MAD or Mutually Assured Destruction scenario. I could never know whether the task force was carrying concealed nuclear depth bombs / mortars, but Britain did possess them and with the benefit of hindsight, this rumour now appears to have been highly plausible.

Did the United Kingdom breach the 1967 Tlatelolco Treaty which embargoed all deployment and use of nuclear weapons within that zone? It seems possible, although this article denies it.

This section of a YouTube video has an interesting claim. President Mitterand’s psychoanalyst was Ali Magoudi.

 

British may withdraw from World Cup due to be held this June. Argentina are the holders.

Pope’s visit planned for early June may be cancelled as he cannot be seen visiting countries that are at war.

Prisoners taken in South Georgia are being repatriated via Ascension / Paraguay.

Thursday 13th May

A quiet day. No incidents reported. Mail should have arrived onboard but was held up by adverse weather, visibility being down to 200 yards. Should be onboard tomorrow. Hermes, Glamorgan detached for unspecified operations inshore but later cancelled. On the political front, no definite solution has been reached but the talks are said to be progressing but nearing the crucial stage.

Britain has reported minor damage to HMS Glasgow with no casualties.

Galtieri has said Argentine troops are both spiritually and militarily ready for Britain’s attack on the Falkland Islands.

Friday 14th May

The weather has improved now.

16:00 Mail has arrived onboard.

UN Secretary General has said the next two days will be decisive. He wants final answers from each country within the next 36 hours. Pym said there was no change in the situation.

Sea Harriers have made more bombing attacks on Port Stanley Airport.

Saturday 15th May

This morning, special forces, inserted on Pebble Island destroyed six Pucara, one Skyvan and three other unidentified A/C. Two minor British casualties. One Argentinian casualty. Glamorgan backed them up with an NGS.

Talks still going on. Both sides not optimistic.

Pebble Island was purchased for £400 in 1869. It recently came onto the market again. The sale of Carcass Island.

Sunday 16th May

Galtieri has said he will lose 40,000 troops on the Falklands and will fight, if necessary, for six years.

Argentine supply vessel attacked with Sea Harriers. All bombs missed but vessel was abandoned, and crew were seen in life-rafts. The Junta claimed that the life-rafts were machine gunned from a British warship.

We are taking on mortars tonight. (See here)

Port Stanley airstrip bombed again.

The story of the “Suppression of Enemy Air Defences” Black Buck missions flown by Royal Air Force Vulcan bombers during the Falklands war

Monday 17th May

Talks continuing. Nott has said British casualties are to be expected in the ensuing landing on the Falklands. Press are forecasting a British landing very soon.

European Economic Community (EEC) have put off decision about a further month’s sanctions against Argentina. Denmark, Italy, and Eire are expressing reservations.

Talks in New York now at crucial stage and decision should be made very soon. Argentina have drawn up their statement and decisions following talks. Final phase has now got underway. Thatcher has said this is the last chance for peace.

Tuesday 18th May

Speculation in press and on radio about imminent landing of British forces. Still awaiting Argentine detailed replies.

Wednesday 19th May

Thatcher seems to have turned down final Argentine proposals. War now seems imminent unless Pérez de Cuéllar can come up with something.

Sea King HC4 of No.846 NAS – embarked on HMS Hermes – crashed into the sea northeast of the islands, believed due to a bird strike, although this is now open to doubt. Of 30 men onboard, 18 men of the SAS, the aircrewman, a member of the Royal Signals and an RAF man were all lost. The two pilots survived.

 

Thursday 20th May

Landing should be in the early hours of tomorrow morning. UN Secretary General has forwarded final proposals to both countries. Thatcher has called emergency meeting of inner cabinet. Costa Méndez, an Argentine diplomat, has said the only obstacle to peace is the British Prime Minister’s intransigence.

We will be at action stations from 01:00 tomorrow morning, probably.

Newspapers received onboard are about 50 per cent fact, 25 per cent educated guesses and 25 per cent fabrication.

Two Harriers bombed Argentine key positions on the Falklands last night. Both returned safely to Hermes.

Apart from “Secret” and above, we saw the plain text of all sensitive confidential and restricted messages exchanged between ships, local commanders, and Cincfleet (Commander in Chief Fleet) in Northwood. All comms – whether sent via encrypted text, voice, morse code, semaphore or Aldis lamp – were handled through our Communications Department.

 

17:00 Thatcher has turned down the final Argentine proposals. Perez de Cuellar’s last-minute proposals also seem to have been discarded. There is a reported softening in the Argentine stance over the islands when they asked the United States for a contribution that may lead to a solution.

The main aim of the landing tomorrow is to secure a bridgehead and set up Rapier missile positions. Amphibious landings will take place, also helicopters will ferry troops across. We’ll be the first ship to enter the sound followed by Fearless and Intrepid. We are also down to do an NGS some time.

21:00 We’re not the first ship in now, HMS Ardent is.

It’s since been alleged by a former crew member of HMS Ardent that she may have been used as a distraction from the landings, positioned in open water in the middle of Falkland Sound.

“We were put in the middle of the Sound to draw the enemy aircraft to us, which was a successful ploy as they landed all the troops in San Carlos without casualty. Unfortunately, it was at the cost of HMS Ardent.”

 

12:38 AIR RAID WARNING RED

Friday 21st May – The landing is taking place in San Carlos Bay

Antrim and Argonaut have been damaged by bombs. Antrim has one UXB onboard. Argonaut has two UXB onboard. She has no propulsion at the moment. Broadsword and Brilliant have each shot down an enemy Skyhawk with Seawolf missiles.

13:55 Ardent has been hit badly. We are proceeding to render assistance. Too late for firefighting. They are abandoning ship. I was sent up top to help out. The back of the ship is ripped open like a tin can with flames and black smoke pouring out. All the blokes are on the superstructure dressed in survival suits and lifejackets. Two blokes are stuck behind the fire, right on the back end. Jumped into sea, both got lifejackets on but no suits. A Wessex helicopter is picking them up. Alongside the ship now. 168 survivors. 20 missing, 30 injured, some seriously. Bloke came on with his fingers missing off left hand, bandaged up roughly.

                                   I’ve just discovered who this guy was

 

Other bloke’s head covered in blood. Most of them suffering shock. It’s hard getting them to walk the right way. They’re all going down the stokers’ and seamen’s messes.

HMS Yarmouth rescues survivors from HMS Ardent

They will be transferred to SS Canberra. One of the blokes who was winched out of the sea later died, probably from the cold. All the after-repair party were killed and probably all the flight crew. The captain is with the survivors.

          The stricken HMS Ardent, seen from HMS Yarmouth

Three killed on Argonaut. Waves of Mirage and Skyhawks coming over, dropping retard bombs. We’re answering with 4.5-inch shells and Seacat plus small arms fire. We have put a couple off that were intent on hitting us.

Reports coming in of Pucaras and helicopters being shot down. The news tonight reported 17 enemy A/C shot down including four helicopters. A signal report came in saying 17 Mirage / Skyhawks shot down. Two Pucaras and some helicopters.

Argentina claim they lost one aircraft.

Saturday 22nd May

11:00 Quiet, no air attacks coming in. Fast patrol boat picked up, coming in to attack. Intercepted by Sea Harrier, beached and on fire.

Quiet again.

16:10 Wave of six Skyhawks coming in. All retreated when intercepted by Harriers.

16:30 Submarine reported by troops on the island. Plymouth has gone to have a look. Nothing found.

The KL7 encryption / decryption machine – a relic from the 1950s – was used by officers with clearance to encrypt / decrypt top secret messages. If anyone knew what was brewing, or what kamikaze missions HMS Yarmouth would be getting volunteered for, it was us. We’d often be collared in the passageways by crew members, wanting to know what the latest “buzzes” were. A few of us spilled the beans, others lied. Some of us put our forefinger to our nose and went, “Loose lips sink ships, kid”.

We also oversaw the HF (high frequency) comms gear, sending and receiving telegrams or setting up long distance phone calls between the crew and their families in the UK. This privilege was withdrawn for a couple of months during the heat of battle, but it kicked in thick and fast after the Argentine surrender. So it was always a good idea to play it cool and keep us fellas sweet. We could be very useful.

I’d say I’d earned these privileges after spending 22 weeks – including the long hot summer of 1976 – sweating like a pig in a classroom that doubled as a sauna, learning to touch-type and to send and receive Morse code at the now vanished HMS Mercury training base in Petersfield, Hampshire. Back then, this was by far the longest basic training for any Royal Navy branch. I’m still proud I made it through to the end without ever being back classed; a cruel fate which befell most of us.

 

Sunday 23rd May

03:00 Patrolling Falkland Sound. Picked up radar contact. Found to be MV Monsunen (Falklands cargo vessel, taken over by the Argentinians). HMS Brilliant’s Lynx helo has gone to have a look and was fired at. He is being told on Channel 16 to switch on his navigation lights and to stop, but he’s ignoring us.

We’re firing star shells to suss him out. He’s dodging in and out of coves and is difficult to find on radar.

05:15 Firing live ammunition at it. He has ignored repeated warnings to stop and switch on lights. Suspect he has been hit.

Arrived back at San Carlos Bay safely. Ambuscade Lynx hit an FPB (Fast Patrol Boat) – neutralised. Two Puma helos hit by Sea Harriers.

16:30 AIR RAID WARNING RED

Mirages and Skyhawks coming in. Broadsword’s Seawolf splashed a Skyhawk that was attacking Antelope. Wreckage crashed into Antelope’s main mast. First reports say one dead, two injured. They keep coming in for further attacks. Five Mirage shot down, one Skyhawk shot down, and one possible Mirage, two possible Skyhawks. No losses on our side reported as yet.

20:55 Getting dark now. Don’t foresee any more air raids tonight.

21:05 HANDS FALL OUT OF ACTION STATIONS

We’re RASing (Replenishment at Sea) tonight as we are down to only 20 per cent fuel remaining. Broadsword RASing also. We should be back in San Carlos before daylight.

The wreckage that hit Antelope dropped two UXB on her. After leaving harbour tonight there were loud explosions reported from her direction. Later on an even louder explosion. Probably Exocet magazine.

Monday 24th May

Heard this morning that bombs had exploded on Antelope, probably whilst being defused. Heavy casualties reported. We RASd last night. More fuel taken on. We’re back in the same position in San Carlos Bay today (Wreck Point).

10:30 AIR RAID WARNING RED

Overflown by Mirage / Skyhawks.

14:20 Being attacked by four Skyhawks (we splashed one with small arms 20mm fire). Rapier missiles seen firing as well. Hermes CAP (Combat Air Patrol) have shot down three out of four Mirages (the fourth one escaped to the west). All had jettisoned bombs on sight of the two Harriers. Rapiers claimed three today.

News reports seven Argentinian A/C shot down today so far. No more raids after these for the rest of the day. Don’t know whether any Argentinian A/C got back to the mainland. If none returned, then maybe they’ll realise they’re losing too many to make it worthwhile attacking us.

Tuesday 25th May (Argentina’s Armed Forces Day)

Raid forming up in the north.

12:37 One A/C splashed by HMS Coventry’s Sea Dart.

12:48 AIR RAID WARNING YELLOW

Assessed it was a reconnaissance A/C.

15:30 AIR RAID WARNING RED

Only seconds warning of this one. Our port side 20mm brought one down. A bomb missed us by 100 yards on the port side. Landed between us and Fearless.

15:42 AIR RAID WARNING RED

Possible Mirage picked up on radar.

. Gone down low. HMS Coventry attacked and has been hit.

Latest signals say she has turned over. Don’t know how many were killed yet. Survivors have been picked up by Broadsword.

Helos sent by Fearless to help. Broadsword hit by UXB.

Merchant vessel Atlantic Conveyor hit by two Exocet missiles in her port quarter (the accommodation end of the ship). She has been abandoned, is on fire and it is spreading fast. Don’t know number of casualties. She had 20 GR3 Harriers onboard that were due to be land-based soon. Don’t know if they’d been taken off previous to this attack or what.

Two Argentinian Super Etendards came in low, and each released a missile at approximately 23 miles range.

The reference to ‘20 GR3 Harriers onboard’ was false, possibly caused by the fog of war. On checking Wikipedia, it was 8 Fleet Air Arm Sea Harriers and 6 RAF Harrier GR3 jump jets, but all of these had been off-loaded in mid-May.

An old Scottish oppo of mine – Jock M – left us some months before the conflict broke out. He’d spent forever telling us how pissed off he was with the navy, how he wanted out and how he’d slammed his notice in some time ago. Civvy Street was beckoning, and he was proud to answer that call.

When he left us, we didn’t see him for dust. He’d joined another ship and then in April ‘82 turned up at HMS Nelson, the main shore base in Portsmouth. Here he would spend a week doing his leaving routine, throwing his kit back, and getting his exit chit stamped by each department before saying his goodbyes.

He’d said he was going to “drop ma troos an’ shew ma arrrrse” to the pigs (commissioned officers) in a colourful farewell flourish.

But he never got the chance. He was intercepted, with his escape route blocked by some anonymous, high-up busybody. He was kept in, and for good measure, drafted to the Atlantic Conveyor before it set sail for the South Atlantic.

See above for the events of 25th May 1982. Jock survived the Exocet attack, unlike twelve of his shipmates, abandoned ship, plunged into the deep, unholy chill of the South Atlantic, and had just minutes to survive and clamber into a life raft.

As we finally sailed into Rosyth in July, the first happy face we recognised in the massive, welcoming crowd was Jock M, jumping  about in a frenzy, and frantically waving his arms at us.

 

On the political side, the British Government won’t accept the ceasefire put forward by Ireland. The UN Security Council has adjourned its emergency meeting. Nott says Argentina have lost more than 50 fixed wing A/C and cannot go on with such losses.

Coventry incident has been reported on the World Service News (ship’s name not mentioned yet).

Two merchant supply ships were damaged and have UXBs onboard. No mention yet of the Atlantic Conveyor incident on the news.

Britain say three Argentinian A/C shot down today. Argentina say two British Harriers splashed over Port Stanley and Two Sea Kings over Port Darwin.

Pilot from A/C shot down by us ejected into bay and was picked up and is being held on the Fearless. Press blackout in force on the two ships hit until tomorrow.

Wednesday 26th May

Atlantic Conveyor and Coventry both mentioned on this morning’s news. Harrier A/C were safely taken off before the Exocet attack, but millions of pounds’ worth of equipment lost and still no mention of casualty numbers.

Couple of air raid reds during afternoon but both spurious.

Off-loading of equipment and stores goes on in the bay, using landing craft and helos.

16:10 Heads up west.

16:53 AIR RAID WARNING RED

Possible attacks from both east and west.

17:15 No further indication of attack. Two came in and jettisoned bombs south of us. Explosions on the hills.

18:00 News reports four dead on Atlantic Conveyor. 20 dead and 20 injured on Coventry.

Speculation that last air raid was a decoy to allow them to return their Super Etendards to the mainland.

Learnt that Atlantic Conveyor was hit by only one Exocet. The other missed, apparently.

Thursday 27th May

Nine were killed on Atlantic Conveyor (mostly civilians).

14:30 AIR RAID WARNING RED

Coming in low over the land. Sea Harriers intercepting.

Latest news says 12 men were killed on Atlantic Conveyor including the captain, who was last seen getting in a life-raft, which drifted towards the ship.

Advance has begun from the bridgehead, Thatcher stated in House of Commons today. Met with cheers from the Tory side of the house. News reports that Argentinian agents are scouring the world for a willing supplier of the French-built Exocets which have proved so effective. Price of the missile has been said to have increased from $200,000 to $1,000,000 per missile.

5,000 British troops are reported advancing.

15:26 HMS Argonaut on fire. No info in yet. Not the result of an air raid though.

16:10 AIR RAID WARNING RED  – from the west.

16:20 AIR RAID WARNING YELLOW

Argonaut fire may be the result of a welding accident. A lot of steam seen coming out (maybe steam drenching?)

18:00 Argonaut fire was a welding accident, easily controlled.

News: United States have reported they are providing Britain with Sidewinder missiles plus other arms.

Tonight, we shot down one Skyhawk, and another went over the hills leaking fuel (wouldn’t have made it back). One of our Seacats made a pilot eject. He was picked up in a boat by marines.

Rapiers on land claimed two, possibly three out of four Skyhawks who were bombing shoreside positions. Hospital buildings have three UXB. Came in through the roof over in Ajax  Bay. Four marines killed, 20 injured (some bombs must have exploded).

Friday 28th May

We did an early morning NGS today at Port Howard. Was successful. Arrow did one on Port Darwin. We’re doing one on Port Darwin tonight.

Quiet day so far. No air raids.

Port Darwin NGS cancelled as paras have captured Darwin and Goose Green (reported on world news – that’s how we first found out).

Argentines have claimed they have launched a counterattack and recaptured all lost ground. This is more propaganda. Three Harriers were sent in to bomb Darwin to help the final blow by the British troops. There were casualties on both sides, mainly Argentines. No definite numbers in yet but maybe over 80 Argentines dead and many injured / taken prisoner. The paras suffered a lot of casualties on their way there, mainly due to attacks by Pucara ground-attack A/C. Commanding Officer dead (Lt Col. H. Jones).

I was around the same age as HMS Yarmouth, the first Rothesay-class frigate ever brought into service, the final ship on which I served, and whose remains are now lying in broken, rusted pieces on the North Atlantic Ocean floor.

In June 1987, this tired, still floating, obsolete vessel met its end. It became target practice for HMS Manchester. MOD officials are a pragmatic bunch, eager to promote their seaborne killing machines as desirable vixens to be swooned over, but equally keen to put these ageing crones to the sword when their active days are through.

This was the fate of several Rothesay-class frigates whose time had come. Before the axe finally fell, another Falklands veteran, sister-ship HMS Plymouth – my very first sea posting – was the main attraction of the Birkenhead Warship Preservation Trust, just a mile away from my house.

And not long after Yarmouth’s fiery end, HMS Manchester gave up the ghost and was decommissioned in 2011. Which makes me feel pretty over the hill, tbh…

Saturday 29th May

Very quiet. One air raid so far (two contacts). One shot down by shoreside Rapier. Other one evaded. The pilot managed to eject from the damaged A/C.

MV British Wye was attacked by an Argentinian C130 Hercules today. She was miles away from the TEZ on her way to Ascension Island. The Hercules dropped bombs, but all missed. No casualties or damage reported. 1,300 POWs taken at Darwin and Goose Green today. Whole area is now under control of British troops. Before the surrender, the Argentines managed to move a number of aircraft from Goose Green landing strip to Port Stanley airfield. 120 civilians now being looked after by paratroopers.

Vulcans may bomb Port Stanley airstrip tomorrow night.

Sunday 30th May

Quiet.

16:26 AIR RAID WARNING RED

One explosion ashore. May have been a low-level attack as nothing held on radar.

The Falklands War was a very good example of how largely unseen conflicts could arise between nations, how they were prepared for and fought, often against a background of lacklustre international diplomacy and United Nations posturing.

Pre-21st century, engagements like this seemed to begin with a genuine, illegal incursion or a credible, mounting threat before being met with a response. Was this one foreseeable and avoidable? I think so.

The first casualty of war has always been the truth. To some extent, this was the case in 1982. When the Belgrano was sunk early on, we on the frontline were ‘mushroomed’, i.e. kept in the dark and fed on shit. It wasn’t until 21 years later that the following ‘truth’ emerged.

According to a newspaper quoting our own secret services – both of whom never lie – the ARA Belgrano, despite steaming for 14 hours on a westerly course, away from the task force and towards Argentina, had been instructed to attack RN ships the day before the sinking, targeting an aircraft carrier and thereby jeopardising the success of Operation Corporate. This ‘truth’ was later accepted by Argentina’s military fascists, some of whom were then busy writing books. Nobody knows to this day whether these honest as the day is long types received any reward for their helpful contribution in this regard. That’s where official secrets help the keeper. Tax paying citizens can never quite get at them in order to verify any public statements made.

The dead Belgrano naval conscripts still lying in the hulk, never wanted to be there, and probably a lot more than we never wanted them there.

And how times have changed. Gazing back on the Falklands from 2022 can be quaint and nostalgic in many respects and a throwback to more transparent, and less ruthless times. Post 9/11, the corpse of the truth gets pummelled beyond recognition before being hastily buried out of sight. In its place, so-called ‘wars’ have become large-scale, glorified, theatrical TV productions / corporate ventures, populated by multiple vested interests and big business diehards, all knocking each other out of the way to get at the financial and power spoils. See Halliburton, who’ve been the 21st Century’s unashamed trailblazers.

17:11 AIR RAID WARNING YELLOW

17:39 HMS Avenger attacked with two Exocet missiles. She said she shot one down with her 4.5-inch gun and the other one missed. The other one was seduced away by chaff. Skyhawks followed in, dropping bombs, but they missed. Apparently one Skyhawk crashed after dropping six bombs. Avenger picking up wreckage.

Monday 31st May

After Avenger incident, Argentinians claimed that two Super Etendard fighters, armed with Exocet missiles seriously damaged a British aircraft carrier (Invincible). This could be seen as a bit desperate on the part of the Junta after the loss of Darwin and Goose Green settlements. They may be trying to keep their public happy, which is looking increasingly doubtful. According to some reports, the Argentine people feel they may be on the verge of defeat. Sometimes, they may be able to get other news apart from Junta versions.

Argentina’s papers carry huge headlines, “AIRCRAFT CARRIER INVINCIBLE BLAZING”, amongst others. This must be the most blatant piece of propaganda yet. Most likely to counter effect the bad news about Goose Green and Darwin. Invincible is still all right and in perfect working order. I can’t see Galtieri lasting long if the eventual attack on Port Stanley is successful.

British frigates and destroyers again bombarded the Port Stanley airstrip. The heaviest one yet. Seen by the media as a softening up prior to a British attack. Argentina say they are prepared.

Latest Argentinian communique says they bombed San Carlos last night. They didn’t.

Pope is visiting Britain and has said everyone should pray for peace.

Point of interest: During the Exocet attack on us a few weeks ago, the day Sheffield was hit, a white dove was seen to land on our flight deck. A signal received today from Avenger, who was unsuccessfully attacked yesterday reported a white dove landing on the fo’c’s’le when the missile was sighted.

A QUIET DAY OTHERWISE.

Tuesday 1st June

British Ambassador has given his answers to the latest UN proposals.

Argentina think a British attack on Port Stanley is imminent. They say they are ready with 7,000 troops, well dug in, with rockets and mortars.

Defence Ministry in London announced that 250 Argentinian troops had been killed in the fighting so far. There are also reports that a section of Argentinian troops put up a white flag. When British troops moved into the open, they were shot.

Hospital ship Bahia Paraiso has picked up 170 Argentinian wounded from Port Stanley.

Quiet day so far, apart from this morning at 8 o’clock when we went to action stations. Skyhawks, Mirage and a Hercules were reported. CAP went to intercept and shot down the Hercules plane. No more attacks throughout day.

Attack on Port Stanley seems more imminent, maybe in the next few days. We leave San Carlos Bay tonight for a 2/3-day break to get stores and fuel onboard. We may be either joining the Hermes group, safe from most of the attacks, out in the TEZ, or we may proceed to the Tug Repair and Logistics Area for some essential repairs. Troops are now in control of high ground (Mount Kent).

This book mixes my own objective, historical diary observations and my contemporary opinions with the media reporting of the time. The contrasts are often stark. 40 years ago, Whitehall’s influence over the free media was seen to hold some limited sway. For example, if UK ships were hit, it couldn’t be reported immediately due to operational constraints. Now, as social media has largely swept away the old lurches to secrecy, and as foreign media owners have taken control of much of the UK press, it’s become a landscape where media organisations – post phone hacking, post failed Levenson – have felt at liberty to become active, irrepressible manipulators of factual content themselves.

And we, as readers, viewers, listeners, servicemen, citizens, taxpayers and veterans have seriously drawn the short straw when hoping for honesty, integrity or balanced, objective reporting.

Wednesday 2nd June (Out in the TEZ)

News reports of thousands of gallons of Napalm found in Goose Green, as confirmed in a signal which came in yesterday. It was found in crudely made 220kg containers, ready for use, and fused. Napalm sticks to the skin and burns. The British finds are hotly denied by Argentina. They say the British claims are totally false. 50 tanks were found. Plus instructions for use on a secret document. Big stink about it on the news.

Two high ranking Argentinian military officials are visiting New York to have talks with the Secretary General of the UN.

News reports that Port Stanley is now under fire from ground forces on high land around the area and also under bombardment from ships. Thatcher has said there can still be an honourable withdrawal by Argentinian forces to save more bloodshed. Spain and Panama have called for a ceasefire. The British Ambassador to the US says any ceasefire would be inconsistent with Article 502 of the UN charter which calls for Argentinian forces to leave the Falklands.

Two air raids today that didn’t materialise.

Thursday 3rd June

Attempts being made to ground base GR3 Harriers on new San Carlos airstrip.  Argentine air force commander has said that the battle for Port Stanley will not be the ultimate battle in the conflict and also said he is optimistic about the outcome of the conflict.

Thatcher has said a withdrawal of Argentinian forces would not be a humiliation but a restoration of international law.

A Vulcan bomber on an undisclosed mission was intercepted in Brazilian airspace by two fighters. It was reported that it missed its R/V with a refuelling tanker, and it was low on fuel so had to pull into nearest airport. It was escorted into Rio de Janeiro.

British Harriers have been dropping leaflets saying that it’s not worth fighting for Port Stanley. It’s a ploy to persuade them to surrender without further loss of life.

Most of us would appreciate – 40 years on – how the whole landscape of military conflict has shifted alarmingly. Back then, although we voluntarily fought, I and many of my colleagues were openly reluctant to be risking our lives 7,882 miles away. Not for the British Empire, not for Margaret Thatcher, not for her political party, and not for the Falkland islanders. On both sides, over 900 young servicemen and three female islanders ended up dead, many through friendly fire. It was foreseeable, avoidable, and so regrettable.

Fast forward to 2022 and what was in 1982 a small UK constituency of sceptics and doubters will have mushroomed into a far larger one – and for good reason – in the wake of Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Syria, the multiple lies, the burgeoning arms trade, the decades long failure of peacekeeping, and the desperate fight or flight of stricken populations.

Friday 4th June

Possible air raid on British troops. Didn’t occur. Held four contacts (possible Canberra aircraft) which turned back. Argentinians may be supplying the west island from Rio Grande airport on the mainland.

Invincible and Brilliant have gone to have a look and shoot down any A/C which are found to be moving in supplies.

USA have denied they were putting pressure on Britain for a ceasefire. UN Security Council meet again soon to try and find a solution acceptable to both countries.

There is a possibility of Argentinian terrorist attacks on bases and stores depots at home.

We’re still in the repair area, going back to join Hermes group at midnight, tonight. Vulcan bomber that landed at Rio is being detained at the request of Argentina.

England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland are going to the World Cup after all. Good news at last.

Saturday 5th June

USA abstained on the vote for a ceasefire. Britain expected them to veto it.

Sunday 6th June

We’re doing an NGS this morning.

03:10 Surprise, surprise – HANDS TO EMERGENCY STATIONS. FIRE IN THE BOILER ROOM UPTAKES. Everyone’s gone up to the flight deck in case we have to abandon ship. I’ve got to stay down in the office. We were expecting action stations, not this.

03:25 It wasn’t a fire but a distorted door in the funnel which was letting smoke out through the ship. Damage control parties sussing it out.

03:30 Hands to action stations for NGS. Proceeding to the gunline, close in to the coast (two miles offshore). We may come under fire from enemy shore batteries on the coast.

06:00 NGS complete.

06:05 AIR RAID WARNING RED

SURFACE WARNING RED  (Two surface contacts).

06:34 HMS Cardiff is launching her Lynx to go and investigate and get visual identification.

06:50 Units are possibly friendly – closing to two miles to certify this.

07:05 Contacts established as friendly landing craft.

Today, over East Falkland, there was a friendly fire incident involving HMS Cardiff and a 5th Brigade Gazelle helicopter

                        Report of the Board of Enquiry

Monday 7th June

NOTHING.

Tuesday 8th June

02:00 Doing an NGS near Port Stanley again. Hands are at action stations.

03:30 Coming under fire from shore batteries. Close explosion starboard side. We’re moving away to put a bit more range between us and them.

03:40 All blokes on the upper deck have been moved down below for safety reasons. They said there was an explosion 100 yards away on the port side.

05:30 NGS completed. We’re now safely on our way back to the Hermes group out in the TEZ.

Galtieri has turned down the latest UN peace initiative calling for unconditional withdrawal of Argentine troops.

17:00 (Approx)

HMS Plymouth has been hit. She is on fire. Not sure what she was hit by, where, or if there were any casualties.

A US merchant vessel has been attacked 800 miles north of the Falklands. It was attacked by an unidentified aircraft and is listing heavily, heading for the nearest port.

19:30 Four Mirage^* came in to attack San Carlos Bay. One LCU tank carrier hit by bomb. Two Sea Harriers intercepted them on the way out. Leader shot down two Mirage. Second Harrier shot down third Mirage and the fourth Mirage collided into the debris or lost control and crashed into sea. Pilot managed to eject, and his chute was seen to open.

*These were later identified as Argentine Skyhawks.

HMS Plymouth had five casualties, one serious. Not clear how badly she was hit. Two A/C were shot down in the raid (one by Plymouth’s Seacat). Bluff Cove and Fitzroy settlements captured by British troops. These are very close to the main garrison at Port Stanley.

RFA Sir Galahad and RFA Sir Tristram (landing craft carriers) were bombed today. British casualties were said to be heavier than at first thought.

There was a detachment of Welsh Guards onboard Sir Galahad which was hit by bombs and had a lot of ammunition onboard.

Argentines have said a British frigate was sunk (HMS Plymouth was damaged). More propaganda?

Wednesday 9th June

No statement released yet about casualties on RFA Sir Galahad or RFA Sir Tristram. We’ve got an NGS tonight at Mount Harriet.

A QUIET DAY.

Being politically and personally opposed to Margaret Thatcher at the time of the conflict – right through to her fall from power – one way to justify my service in the Falklands to family and friends was the purely incidental part I played in opposing Nixon and Kissinger’s deadly Operation Condor and Dirty War in Argentina and elsewhere across South and Central America, of which Galtieri was a major proponent. To her shame, Thatcher had never taken the USA to task on this – so was complicit  – and had very close ties to fascist war criminal Pinochet’s Chile. More fool me for joining the UK armed forces aged 16, you could say. And I couldn’t begin to argue with that. How naïve of me!

As a serviceman or veteran, the sooner you arrive at the safe conclusion that you’ve been conned, the quicker you’ll find yourself in position to minimise any potential damage accruing to your own mental health. The longer you struggle under the delusion that you were valued, prized or indispensable, the greater the potential will be for realisation to hit at some point in the future and for this carefully crafted house of deceitful cards to come crashing down around you.

Thursday 10th June

NGS completed. Many enemy casualties reported. Equipment on fire. Attack on Port Stanley is planned for tonight 11th / 12thJune. Much air activity reported near Argentinian coastline. Probably pilots training.

A QUIET DAY AGAIN.

Friday 11th June

We have an NGS along with four other ships tonight. Probably the most dangerous mission yet assigned to us.

We will be backing up 42 Commando as they attack Argentinian positions on Mt Harriet.

Tonight, three Falkland Islands civilians were killed by the ‘friendly fire’ of this bombardment. Nobody seems to know which of the five ships caused these deaths. The part I played in this and all the other bombardments was the setting up and testing of the radio circuits needed for our ship to communicate with shore-based Army spotters and thereby guide the ship’s 4.5 inch shellfire onto enemy positions.

The people killed were apparently together at the same location; Susan Whitley, 30, Doreen Bonner, 36, and Mary Goodwin, 82.

Saturday 12th June

With HMS Glamorgan and HMS Avenger on gunline.

02:01 Troops have started the advance on Port Stanley.

02:19 Shoreside fighting has commenced with first contact being made.

02:30 Troops working their way through booby traps.

02:40 Some prisoners taken.

02:45 Assault is going well with objectives being taken early.

02:51 Hand to hand fighting is taking place. One friendly casualty so far.

03:06 We have been firing for a while and have reports that our shells have taken out a 120mm gun position.

03:10 The ship is under fire from enemy positions on the coast.

03:12 Firing seems to be effective. No more enemy activity at present. Many enemy dead reported.

03:20 Advance continuing. Four 120mm guns captured, along with ammunition.

03:25 Troops have asked for continuous fire to back up advance of second sub-unit (Scots Guards).

03:30 Second major sub-unit now crossing start-line and heading towards their objective.

04:15 Ships here may come under a hostile air attack soon.

04:20 Second sub-unit have contact with the enemy.

04:21 Second sub-unit attacking with mortar fire.

04:45 Friendly CAP on station for the air raid from the west

05:07 First sub-unit (45 Commando marines) have secured their objective (Mount Harriet). Second sub-unit (3 Para) moving up hill on their objective.

05:25 45 Commando have taken and secured their position. 3 Para moving into second objective but being pinned down by sniper fire.

06:00 Clearing up last pockets of resistance now.

06:03 Enemy helicopters reported landing and dropping off troops behind our lines. More NGS requested.

06:07 NGS not now required. Don’t know what’s happening with the helicopters.

06:15 We’re leaving the area now.

06:36 POSSIBLE EXOCET ATTACK. CHAFF FIRED.

06:38 Contact coming towards us (fast). Probable Exocet. Everyone on the floor (kiss your arse goodbye?)

06:40 Glamorgan appears to have been hit by an Exocet. She is hit aft. She fired a Seacat at the missile but missed it. Still waiting for a report from the Glamorgan.

06:42 We are closing in on Glamorgan to give assistance. Avenger is also coming.

07:05 Glamorgan has a major fire aft. She said she doesn’t need any assistance at present. We’re half a mile away, ready to move in if required. She’s still got propulsion (doing 15 knots).

07:30 Proceeding back to Hermes group with Glamorgan in company. They will send out Harrier A/C to cover us as we are more vulnerable at this speed.

08:00 Nothing on the news about the successful advance on Port Stanley or the Glamorgan incident.

12:00 Casualties from Glamorgan: 12 dead, 16 injured, (one seriously, both legs amputated). The injuries are bad again. Flight crew and cooks suffered the most. Eye injuries, broken arms and legs, smoke inhalation, cuts, and shock. Glamorgan’s Wessex helicopter was disintegrated. The missile went in through the flight deck (unusual for an Exocet).

20:00 News is out about the British advance. No news about Glamorgan yet.

23:00 Still no news on Glamorgan.

Sunday 13th June

00:01 No news on Glamorgan.

Argentines say they sank a frigate last night. Ministry of Defence have said nothing yet. Pope has finished his visit to Argentina. Told them all to pray for peace. NGS tonight again.

I believe the hidden, unstated purpose behind this conflict was the strategic interests of both sides. When Thatcher finally realised in early 1981 that sovereignty could not be ceded this time around and the islands couldn’t be leased back to Argentina for 99 years, her immediate priority switched to that of being re-elected at all costs – including ours – in May 1983, via the available military means that remained post defence cuts.

Between the early 1970s and today, I’ve felt justified in my deep mistrust of politicians like Thatcher, authority figures, press and media. Firstly as a schoolboy, then as a sailor, latterly as a civilian employee, and now in my semi-retirement. What started initially as a gap in trust has become a gulf. We are where we are, and as the situation has deteriorated, I can’t say I’ve mellowed with age.

So who can we trust? My misgivings have grown over time, as the lies have become more brazen, as UK journalists now face being locked up, as more young forces men, women and civilians lose their lives so cheaply and as professed democratic values have become sacrificial lambs to the slaughter. So I’ve spent a lot of time over the last 40 years enlightening myself on world leaders’ and central and local governments’ ongoing abuses of position, status and power.

It’s got to be said, open access to the internet – which is now under serious threat – has changed the game.As the web has developed, despite the growing censorship, locating information and ensuring your views get heard have become a lot easier. For me, it’s been fascinating, educational, frustrating, depressing at times, but it’s also been highly productive, and never time wasted.

John Nott made a statement on HMS Glamorgan and the Fitzroy bombings on Sunday night 13th June.

Monday 14th June

01:59 Troops have started advancing.

02:00 Commenced firing for this morning’s NGS. We’re on our own at the moment, waiting for three others to arrive later on. We’re firing in support of the Scots Guards. Troops are going well, meeting no opposition at present. Earlier on, Cardiff splashed one A/C. Shore-based Rapiers claimed another one. The remainder of the air raids opened out to the west.

02:20 Leading elements are pushing forward. Spotter reports that first objective should be no problem.

03:40 Two objectives taken already. Scots Guards now attacking Tumbledown Hill. But they’re being pinned down by sniper-fire at present. Enemy are taking cover behind rocks on the higher ground. Spotter has directed our fire further up the hill, pushing the enemy upwards. Very effective firing reported.

06:00 We’ve got to leave now as it will be light soon. Don’t know whether they’ve secured Tumbledown Hill.

07:30 Hands fall out of action stations. We should be okay now. On our way back to Carrier Battle Group. We should have another NGS tonight. They’ll probably send us in as much as possible as they’ve got big supplies of MK6 ammunition. Hopefully, they’ll keep us away from the Exocet danger area.

13:00 News: Peru may have been supplying Argentina with Exocet missiles. The missiles were sent to Peru from Aerospatiale in France before the conflict started.

14:00 News about the Glamorgan is out. Nine known to have been killed. Four missing, presumed dead (these four must have been in the area of the impact) and 15 injured. Troops have been continuing the advance throughout the day.

15:35 Heard on NGS radio circuit: “Paras will soon be marching into Port Stanley and an enemy surrender looks imminent”.

15:55 Heard on NGS radio circuit: “WHITE FLAGS FLYING OVER STANLEY”. The news of a ceasefire was heard on the news tonight. Thatcher announced to the House of Commons that the surrender was being negotiated. Argentines are looking for an honourable way out of the conflict. Total British killed reported as 250. Total Argentines killed reported as 750 (approx).

21:35 An English-speaking Argentine came up on the NGS net. He said, “EVEN THOUGH YOU THINK YOU HAVE WON THIS WAR OVER THE MALVINAS, SOME DAY WE ARE GOING TO RETURN AND KICK THE BRITISH OUT, EVEN THOUGH YOU THINK IT IS OVER”.

23:00 BBC World Service news report that a ceasefire is now in force. But the Argentinians have not surrendered yet. Menendez, the Argentine commander on the Falklands, is on his way to Argentina to have talks with Galtieri.

For the UK, which is umbilically connected to the United States, across a 40-year sweep of time, geopolitical changes have ebbed and flowed around a large number of far-reaching, western military campaigns. I’ve felt my own perspectives shifting, but there’s been one, steady constant which persists to this day; the recruiting sergeant sells dreams but delivers nightmares. Impressionable young people, targeted and drawn from working and middle class families, continue to perish on a lie.

In the Falklands in 1982, what did hundreds of UK soldiers, sailors, an airman and three civilians die for?

With £17 million of UK taxpayer funds invested in its defence annually, the Falkland Islands has become a maintained, fortress economy which is now seeking to embrace fossil fuels and as such is openly flouting the dominant, global ‘sustainability’ drive. Can 1982’s loss of hundreds of young lives have been a worthwhile sacrifice given the subsequent, screeching about turn and the lurch from natural sheep farming to unnatural gas and oil? Does the Falkland Islands’ government’s frantic pursuit of dirty fossil fuels continue to maintain its population’s interests as ‘paramount’? Or does it render them reduced in value or defunct? I hope this book provides plenty of pause for thought.

The BBC links I’ve included are from a time before it dawned upon millions of us – a huge national audience, hungry for objectivity – that the UK’s national broadcaster, post Savile, is no longer performing, has ‘taken the blue pill’, and seems to be the willing, hugely influential propaganda arm of a powerful global consensus and UK establishment that will always come together and appeal to patriotism, before softening us up for the next military venture.

In the media of the past – unlike with today’s undebated SARS-2 / COVID-19 fear project – there’s been broad, generally balanced coverage and discussion of the pros and cons of political and military issues across UK newspapers and media, even as the newspapers’ sales and audience figures have plummeted.

Despite the tasteless flag waving and nationalism of both the UK and Argentine administrations pre- and post-conflict,it eventually became clear – but too late – thatthere were 907absolute imperativesfor saying, “never again”, and for avoiding bloody conflicts like this in the future. But it seems very few lessons were ever learned.

With 20-22 hindsight, it looks like the Falklands conflict may have been manipulated into position by political opportunists on both sides, gambling with their careers. Whereas we servicemen dutifully lined up as ready, obedient pawns on both sides, gambling with our lives.

In the final section, I’m going to link to various, cross-party UK governments’ long running desire to cede sovereignty where I’ll enlarge upon this potential betrayal in much more detail.

Unlike another Royal Navy Falklands veteran who’s no longer able to, I’ve sweated in the creation of this eBook.

Tuesday 15th June

01:10 Heard from the troops at Stanley (over the NGS circuit) “The surrender has been signed”.

We are now in Berkeley Sound (North of Port Stanley) for an NGS as we still might be required. The weather is deteriorating. Getting quite rough now. We are not required for the NGS tonight.

17:00 Reports say that 15,000 enemy troops are being taken prisoner. This is much more than was estimated. The surrender should cover the whole South Atlantic, in the Falklands as well as at sea. Contrary to popular belief, the Argentinians were found to be well supplied. Arrangements are being made to evacuate them.

We have been told to proceed to South Georgia to meet up with the Endurance, then proceed to the island of South Tule to evacuate 80 Argentinian soldiers and 30 Argentinian scientists (civilians). They have been on the island since 1976 (the scientists) and have ignored diplomatic pressure. We have been told to use minimum force if we have to to remove them. We should arrive there on or around the 20th June. The RFA Olmeda is also with us and has an extra three months supplies for us in case we get stuck in the pack ice which surrounds the area. The Argentines on the island are reported to have either a Chinook helicopter or a C130 Hercules for ferrying supplies in and out.

The weather is very rough now. Our detachment from the main group has been delayed until the weather improves. Hopefully then we can get some mail onboard.

Wednesday 16th June

There is rioting in Buenos Aires. The Argentine public seem to be unhappy about the way Galtieri has handled the conflict and they are calling for a new government. They also want the troops back on the Falklands and fighting again, according to the news reports. Galtieri has said he will not give up fighting for the Malvinas.

Reports of Argentinian stocks of dum-dum bullets found. They explode on contact.

Argentinian police used tear gas and batons to control the rioting crowds in Buenos Aires.

Task force Commander is pressing Galtieri for an answer to his request for an end to military action. He has said a lot of Argentinians are suffering various illnesses associated with the bad weather and we are unable to look after them properly whilst still under threat from the remainder of the Argentinian armed forces.

We have R/V’d with HMS Brilliant, and we now have mail and newspapers onboard.

Thursday 17th June

The weather has improved a great deal and we are on our way to South Georgia in company with Olmeda. Endurance has already sailed for South Thule. We should arrive at South Georgia on the 18th June. More mail for us on HMS Dumbarton Castle.

The Argentine Junta and top-ranking military officials are said to be divided over whether to end hostilities or resume negotiations. 12 out of 14 were for negotiations. Galtieri is reported to have absolved himself of any responsibility for the surrender and the ex-Falklands based commander Menendez is receiving the blame. 5,000 Argentine troops are now onboard the cruise-liner Canberra for repatriation via Uruguay. Argentine Junta won’t allow them back in through Argentine ports.

HMS Glamorgan has left for home.

Welsh Guards who survived the bombing attack on RFA Sir Galahad have arrived back in the UK from Montevideo.

HMS Arrow has left for home.

19:30 News just came in that Galtieri is to be removed from his position as president and overall commander of the armed forces. A General Nikolaites (sp) is said to be taking over temporarily. He is said to be a hard-liner against hostilities being ceased. But he might only be in power whilst the reshuffle is taking place.

Canberra and Norland are going straight into Argentina rather than via Uruguay as this will get the injured back in quicker. Argentina using some of their own ships as well.

Friday 18th June

Latest Junta communique says Argentina will only end hostilities when all British troops are pulled out, the blockade is ended, and EEC sanctions are finished.

The first load of Argentine prisoners are on their way home direct to Argentina. Britain are retaining 1,000 senior officers and commanders until the guarantee of the cessation of hostilities is received.

We stopped off at South Georgia today. A very impressive sight. Mountainous. A few small icebergs here and there.

A sympathetic New York Times article from today claims that right-wing dictator, US ally and Dirty War collaborator General Galtieri ‘resigned’ and wasn’t forced out.

Saturday 19th June

Now on our way to South Thule. Weather okay.

HMS Plymouth has left for home.

Endurance landed troops on the island of South Thule. Argentines issued a communique saying that this was in direct contradiction of the UN calling for an end to hostilities in the South Atlantic. They say that helicopters flew in firing machine guns. UK Ministry of Defence haven’t released any statement.

HMS Glasgow arrived back in Portsmouth today.

Sunday 20th June

Still on our way to South Thule. Should arrive there today sometime. 12:00 At South Thule, ready to do NGS if required. It’s snowing upstairs.

12:25 Ten personnel coming down towards our landing party, waving white flag. Looks like they’ve surrendered on South Thule. The island is being searched for anyone else. Ship closing to one mile. Hands back to defence watches.

Monday 21st June

01:00 Argentines still undecided about a new president.

The Argentine Air Force say they will split from the Junta if a civilian or their commander Lami Doso is not chosen. Britain have issued statement about South Thule being recaptured and 11 scientists found.

14:00 We’re leaving the area now to head back for the Falklands. The prisoners will be moved onboard here and offloaded when we reach the Falklands.

Tuesday 22nd June

05:00 Still no announcement yet of a new Argentine president. Argentine Air Force still threatening to leave the Junta if the Army’s nominee is approved.

On our way back to the Falklands via South Georgia. On arrival at Grytviken (S. Georgia) we will take on the prisoners and Olmeda will proceed back to the UK.

19:00 The Argentine military Junta has collapsed. The Air Force and the Navy broke away and the Army is planning to run the political side on its own. A General Bignone is taking over, and he has said Argentina will have a democracy by 1984. The three services will only operate together in military affairs.20:00 We are still on our way to South Georgia (about 120 miles southeast).

Wednesday 23rd June

11:00 Back at South Georgia. Picking up prisoners. 11 prisoners are in one of the dining halls.

Thursday 24th June

On our way back to the Falklands.

16:00 Still proceeding back. ETA 25th at approx. 15:00.

Three British journalists held in Argentina are to be released on bail. Argentina are reported to have said they were going to invade the Falklands this month but took advantage of the scrap merchants landing on South Georgia first.

Friday 25th June

ETA at Port Stanley is now 12:00.

12:15 Arrived Port Stanley, prisoners dropped off ashore. Mail taken onboard.

18:00 Detached again to join up with the Hermes group.

Saturday 26th June

Back with the Hermes group in the TEZ. More mail and newspapers taken onboard.

23:00 Possible Super Etendard detected heading east.

AIR RAID WARNING YELLOW

Sunday 27th June

A/C must have turned around but don’t know any info as yet.

08:00 Nothing further on any A/C received.

21:11 Possible Hercules sighted near Argentine coast, heading east. There has been increased Argentine air activity throughout today, though reason unclear. Maybe a possible special forces drop over the Falklands?

Monday 28th June

16:00 Reports from Buenos Aires say that Argentina are now ready to accept a full end to hostilities and the Argentines are going to accept Resolution 502. News comes from a Buenos Aires newspaper.

17:00 Our captain has been recommended for a DSC after HMS Yarmouth’s courageous actions in San Carlos water and the Ardent incident. Hermes and Broadsword are going back on the 3^rd or 4^th July. No mention of Yarmouth going back yet. Fearless and Intrepid are on their way back.

Tuesday 29th June

12:00 The Argentine foreign ministry say they have no knowledge of any message being sent to the UN. An Argentine newspaper said a message had been sent to the UN saying Argentina will now comply with Resolution 502.

Wednesday 30th June

Nothing much happening. Still with Hermes group

Thursday 1st July

We’ve been detached to meet with British Enterprise III who has a major engine defect and no power. Either us or the tug Typhoon will be towing her south. Argentina have sworn in a new president, ex-General Bignone (for an interim period).Friday 2nd July to Sunday 4th July

QUIET. NOT MUCH HAPPENING. More mail onboard.

Monday 5th July

Signal received telling us to proceed back to Ascension Island / UK on the 7th July. Reckon we’ll be escorting the MV St Edmund. Argentina have still not said whether hostilities in the South Atlantic are over.

Tuesday 6th July

90th day at sea today.

Wednesday 7th July

15:00 We’re not turning north and are on our way back to UK via Ascension Island. We should be at Ascension Island by 17th July. Then it will take us till 30th July to get back to Rosyth.

Thursday 8th July to Saturday 10th July

Quiet. Still on our way back with Exeter and Cardiff.

Sunday 11th July

We’ve been told we may get back in Rosyth on the morning of the 28th July.

Monday 12th July

Still heading toward Ascension. ETA now 16th July in the evening. 96th day at sea.

THE END

And finally…

Some questions.

How did the Falklands conflict come about?

Why did we put our trust in the flag-waving and tub-thumping of a UK government that in 1981 quietly wanted the islands’ sovereignty ceded to a military-led nation led by a far-right Junta that had spent many years ‘disappearing’ and torturing thousands of its own citizens?

16 links to further reading, viewing, and listening:

1.  Wikipedia’s history of the  Falklands sovereignty dispute. The context is poor, with no mention of Argentina’s long involvement in President Richard Nixon’s and Secretary of State Henry Kissinger’s Operation Condor and “Dirty War”
2. In the lead up to the invasion, why did Thatcher seek to decommission HMS Endurance against the wishes of Lord Carrington, Admiral Sir Henry Leach and the Falkland Islanders? Why was the Prime Minister privately pro-Argentine future sovereignty and trade and publicly against granting full British citizenship to the islanders? In the months leading up to the conflict, what kind of signal did this appeasement send to the Argentine Junta? That any subsequent Argentine invasion would be uncontested?
3. Leopoldo Galtieri was among The United States’ closest friends in illegal torture and kidnap. Post-invasion, the United States shows loyalty to its backyard buddies and pressurises Britain into thinking twice about sending a task force
4. Immediately prior to the Falklands Conflict, with future trade deals in mind, Lord Chalfont and Nicholas Ridley held negiotiations behind the scenes with fascist Argentina, discussing future sovereignty and seeking closer ties to the Argentine mainland. Concerns were raised by Falkland islanders over a potential loss of sovereignty
5. Short excerpt from Falkland Islands Hansard Debate – 3rd December 1968, revealing very early concerns on the then Labour government’s direction of travel
6. June 1981. Lord Buxton of Alsa – On Mrs Thatcher’s ‘horrifying prospect’; a package of defence cuts and the planned withdrawal and decommissioning of British survey vessel HMS Endurance, the UK’s only presence in the Antarctic. “Our long-term interest in the resources of the South Atlantic will be placed in serious jeopardy”
7. Excellent, detailed timeline to invasion of the Falkland Islands 1982. By Russell Phillips

• Operation Algeciras – Rarely discussed by UK government and media – who were embarrassed – this failed, clandestine attack on UK ships in Gibraltar was conceived, ordered and directly managed by Argentine Admiral Jorge Anaya
• Lord Chalfont obituary – By the Falkland Islands Association

• Nicholas Ridley’s involvement in secret negotiations with Argentina – Fortress Falklands was deemed unfeasible on the grounds of cost. More evidence that the incoming Thatcher government wanted rid of these islands
• Lord Carrington’s resignation letter – Written on 6th April 1982. From a time when a sense of honour amongst UK cabinet ministers still existed
• The British Nationality (Falklands) Act 1983 – Separate legislation that gave the Falkland Islanders full British Citizenship in 1983. This would never have arrived without the conflict, the 907 avoidable deaths and the return of a Conservative government.
• The Shackleton Reports. From 1976. From 1982. Spot the difference. In 1976, the islands were self-sustaining. By 1982 they’d become “Fortress Falklands”, with no say over their own foreign policy, and requiring heavy, hand over fist investment into the future by hard-pressed UK taxpayers.
• Who was behind the 1979 Defence Review and the wide-ranging defence cuts? Step forward, Mrs Margaret Thatcher. Valuable trade links and future co-operation with Argentina were always placed well ahead of the wishes of the Falkland Islanders. This activity was a far cry from the Thatcher government’s claim that “The British government regards the right of the islanders to self-determination as paramount”
• The future of warfare: Technomancers – Human Augmentation #1. The USA.
• The future of warfare: The Dawn of a New Paradigm – Human Augmentation #2. The UK. Note how these speculative, sci-fi style departures from reality are justified by the “bogey man” claim that our enemies (none specified) are likely to be doing this already, so we need to do it first. Yes, that old chestnut.
• Fortress Falklands #1
• Fortress Falklands #2
• Fortress Falklands #3
• Fortress Falklands #4

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Return to Bomb Alley 1982 – The Falklands Deception, by Paul Cardin

Amazon link

http://paulcardin.substack.com

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