WIREDGOV

Falklands conflict this week 1982: 28 May - 3 June

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE News Release (109/2007) issued by The Government News Network on 25 May 2007

28 May
* 2 Para battle for Goose Green and Darwin. This was the first major battle of the conflict. 2 Para were split into three rifles companies (A, B and D). The terrain was unfamiliar and was to be covered at night, and at speed, to take advantage of the darkness while it lasted.

The attack began at 0200Z when HMS Arrow moved to the southern end of Grantham Sound providing naval gunfire support. Firing 120 rounds she seriously weakened the enemy's initial resistance.

In the face of heavy resistance 'B' Company led by Major John Crosland, supported by 'D' Company led by Major Phil Neame managed to clear enemy positions. In so doing D Company lost three men.

The main HQ regimental aid post and defence platoon move to the north of Darwin where they can co-ordinate the evacuation of casualties and prisoners and organise the re-supply of ammunition.

HMS Arrow leaves for San Carlos Water for its own safety and weather does not allow Harrier Strikes, so the only fire support is from the three guns of 8 Battery Royal Artillery.

'A' Company were struggling to gain a foothold on Darwin Hill. With darkness coming to an end, the advantage was bound to switch to the defenders. Lt Col H Jones joins the Company and recognises the need to press forward.

'B' Company was unable to assist as they were coming across strong opposition from the ridge north-east of Boca House, taking casualties including one killed.

A small group of 15 men from 'A' Company including the Battalion Adjutant, Captain Wood, made an assault. They were forced back by intense machine gun fire that killed three, including Captain Wood.

It was at this point that Lt Col H Jones decided to take the initiative. With some members of his Tactical HQ he moved into a small gully, from where he could see an enemy position close by. Armed with a sub-machine gun he charged towards the nearest enemy trench but was exposed to enemy fire from the trenches. Having been shot once he picked himself up and carried on firing but as he closed on his target, he was hit again. At 1030Z his loss was transmitted back to base - 'Sunray's down!' He died before he could be evacuated. He was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross. His citation reads, his 'devastating display of courage ... completely undermined' the Argentine 'will to resist,' allowing for the momentum of the attack' to be regained rapidly.

There were many more hours of fighting left to be done. 'A' Company attacks with 66mm anti-tank rockets scoring a direct hit on the Argentine trench from where Colonel 'H' Jones had been killed. Soon white flags began to appear and the ceasefire was ordered.

The battle for Darwin Ridge had cost 2 Para six dead and eleven wounded. Two Scout helicopters bringing in ammunition and intending to return with casualties, including Jones, were caught by two Argentinean Air Force Pucaras. One was shot down, killing the pilot, Lt Richard Nunn and severely wounding the observer, Bill Belcher.

Bill Belcher was a Sergeant flying as part of the two-man crew of a Scout helicopter as an Observer supporting 2 Para in the battle to capture Goose Green piloted by, Lieutenant Richard Nunn. Lt Nunn was killed at Goose Green and was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.

29 May
* At 1642Z, HQ 3 Commando Brigade signal log recorded: The Union Jack has just been raised over Goose Green Settlement'. One hundred and twelve civilians who had been held captive in the community centre since 1 May were released unharmed.
* Atlantic Conveyor sinks under tow.

30 May
* The leading elements of 42 Commando are flown forward to Mount Kent and arrive below the summit in the middle of a fierce battle between Argentine Special Forces and British Special Forces with casualties on both sides. Once the situation was under control 42 Commando take the summit of Mount Kent.
* Argentine air attacks resumed on Task Force but Exocets missed.
* Two Argentine Sky Hawks shot down.

31 May
* Mountain and Arctic Warfare troops attack Argentine Special Forces at Top Malo House.
* UN Secretary General presents new peace plan.
* 45 Commando reach Teal Inlet.
* 3 Para reach Douglas Settlement.

1 June
* RAF Vulcan 'Black Buck 5' attacks radar installations at Stanley airport.
* 5 Brigade begins disembarking at San Carlos to move along the southern axis starting at Camilla Creek House and then on to March Ridge, Fitzroy, Bluff Cove and Mount Challenger where they will link up with 3 Commando Brigade.
* Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship, Sir Percivale arrives at Teal Inlet where 3 Commando Brigade forward base is established.
* 42 and 45 Commandos and 3 Para commence patrolling programme in mountains around Stanley.

2 June
* 2 Para fly to Bluff Cove.
* Surrender leaflets dropped on Stanley.
* Scots Guards taken by landing craft from HMS Intrepid in hazardous seven hour journey to Fitzroy.

3 June
* RAF Vulcan 'Black Buck 6' raid on Stanley airfield.
* Versailles summit opens
* Reagan five point plan given to Britain.

Roll of Honour

LT JA BARRY
LCPL GD BINGLEY MM
LCPL A CORK
2LT C DENT
PTE SJ DIXON
PTE MW FLETCHER
CPL D HARDMAN
PTE M HOLMAN-SMITH
SGT IN HUNT
PTE S ILLINGSWORTH
LT COL H JONES VC OBE
PTE T MECHAN
CPL M MELIA 59 Cdo Sqn RE
LT RJ NUNN DFC 3 Cdo Bde Air Sqn RM
CPL SR PRIOR
LCPL NR SMITH
CPL PS SULLIVAN
CAPT DA WOOD

NOTE TO EDITORS:

Imagery is available from the Imperial War Museum website and from http://www.mod.uk/defenceinternet/defencenews

The majority of historical details for this diary are taken from, 'The Official History of the Falklands Campaign' by Sir Lawrence Freedman, Professor of War Studies at King's College, London.

Please note that 'Falklands Conflict This Week 1982', is not designed to replicate official histories, it is purely representative of some of the key events that took place during the Falklands Campaign. It would prove impossible to include the detail of all that occurred during one week in one press release.

Further information on the 25th Anniversary of the Falklands Conflict is available from the online Falklands 25 Media Centre, http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/FactSheets/Falklands25MediaCentre.htm. The Media Centre includes information on sourcing veterans, images and visiting the Falkland Islands.