War at Sea

War at Sea is a new series of one-off specials where each issue delves deep into a particular subject; from aircraft carriers, warships, submarines, navies and naval battles. Every edition you can be assured of 100 pages of interesting and informative reading, accompanied by outstanding photography.

THE FALKLANDS WAR • BRITISH SOVEREIGNTY OVER THE ISLANDS RE-ESTABLISHED

THE Falkland Islands War at Sea

The Political Conflict • THE ARGENTINE invasion of the Falklands commenced at 4.30am on 2nd April 1982 as Commandos from the Special Forces unit Buzo Tactico, spearheaded the junta’s operation to seize the islands. The capture of UK sovereign territory changed the national mood in Britain as the country stood united in anger at the South American aggression.

Galtieri’s Gamble • THE arrival of Argentine scrap dealers at South Georgia had sounded alarm bells in Downing Street. Diplomatic efforts to resolve the situation with Buenos Aires were now a priority. The junta claimed it was all a misunderstanding and London initially accepted the junta’s explanation, that the group were innocent workers simply dismantling old iron whaling buildings as part of an agreed contract.

Operation Rosario • ARGENTINA erupted into celebration on 2 April 1982, as the junta relished in the jubilation of their military success in seizing the Falkland Islands. The public danced in the streets and flew national flags from taxis and buildings as a wave of national excitement swept across the country. Buenos Aires had not fought a war for more than 100 years. Morale was high and the economic problems were forgotten, at the least for the short-term.

Britain prepares for WAR • THE ROYAL NAVY was now on a war footing. Days before the Argentine invasion at a crisis meeting in Downing Street, Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher asked what military response could be generated if the Argentines did invade. The Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Sir Henry Leach, advised them that ‘Britain could and should send a task force if the islands are invaded’. The day before the invasion Admiral Sir Henry Leach attended another meeting at which Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher asked how long it would take to respond. He replied that the fleet would be ready within days and the aircraft carriers HMS Hermes and HMS Invincible would head the force.

BRITAIN strikes BACK • THE BRITISH military was now on the move, bound for the Falklands. Argentina had accused the UK of colonial rule, taken their claim to the United Nations and invaded the Falklands. Now as Argentine troops massed on the islands, they had renamed Las Malvinas and did not expect the UK to respond. Now a major force was heading to remove them – Britain was about to strike back.

THE BATTLE FOR SAN CARLOS • THE BRITISH Task Force was now poised in the South Atlantic as commanders finalised their plans to launch the planned amphibious assault and remove the Argentines from the islands. The junta’s air force continued to be a major threat and as the battle group assembled it would create a major target opportunity for the enemy.