In 1982, two countries went to war over a group of isolated islands of little strategic value in the South Atlantic. One country had played a significant role in the economic development of the other and both had a keen interest in rugby union, polo and football. Neither had a major disagreement until 1982 when both went to war over nationalism. One side sailed nearly 8,000 miles from the early European summer, across the equator to the early Antarctic winter and, accompanied by triumph and tragedy, drove their enemy into a situation whereby surrender was the only option, before asking, in that matchless sense of military humour, ‘Where’s the transport home?’ The welcome by the people of Great Britain was almost Victorian and will not be forgotten. The welcome to the abandoned men of the losing side was frosty. The war, in the early southern hemisphere winter, was probably unique in that there were no atrocities, the rules of warfare were followed and there has been no lasting dispute between the protagonists, apart from the occasional diplomatic foray to divert attention from domestic affairs.
A large number of informative and analytical books have been written about those four months of hostility, and this one is another. The book began its life as part of the Pen & Sword Battleground series but has since strayed into an account of the contest between the two armies. Although warfare has changed since 1982 from conventional front lines to asymmetric operation, in which there are no front lines, I have included quotes from a variety of sources to illustrate that the activity, incidents and emotions experienced by the combatants were no different before the Falklands or since. I have included contemporary maps and diagrams to add flavour to the text, together with as many photographs as possible that have not been seen before.
As always, I must thank several people. Over the years, I have collected all sorts of memorabilia, not a small percentage either deposited on my desk or sent through the mail, often anonymously, with the comment: ‘Thought you might like this.’ To these colleagues and donors, I am grateful for their consideration; some are Argentine. As always, there are enough stories, accounts and views to fill several volumes, however I hope that those who have provided me with information will understand that space is limited. I must thank Major Chris Baxter RM, who has allowed me to use several photographs from the 1st Raiding Squadron, Royal Marines archives. He commanded this unit of small boat coxswains during the campaign. To Bobby Gainher, who undertook the editing entirely by e-mail, which was a new experience for me. To John Noble, who undertook the complexities of the indexing. To Brigadier Henry Wilson of Pen & Sword Books Ltd, for his support and encouragement. To the staff of Pen & Sword Books, and others involved in the production of this book. And finally to the authors and publishers of the works from which I have quoted in order to provide a balanced account of the Falklands War.
Most importantly, to my wife, Penny, who spent many lonely hours while I worked at this project and then was kind enough to proofread the text. She is one of the often forgotten army of family and friends who uncomplainingly experienced the highs and lows of the spring and summer of 1982, and whose role is rarely mentioned. Penny has been incredibly supportive of this and other projects.
Nick van der Bijl
Somerset