April 2nd 1982: Argentina invades the Falkland Islands
Today is the 26th anniversary of the invasion of the Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic by Argentinian forces.
The invasion came as a surprise to the British government who had only just announced plans to scrap the only Royal Naval vessel in the area. After token resistance by the small contingent of Royal Marines stationed on the islands the capital, Port Stanley, was taken by the Argentines. Mrs Thatcher, British PM at the time, soon sent a military ‘Task Force’ to recapture the islands. the objective was duly achieved with the loss of 255 British lives and around 800 Argentines. Despite their defeat Argentina still claims sovereignty over the islands and, with British forces stretched by their commitments in Iraq and Afghanistan, tension in the area is once again on the rise.
These links will provide some useful insights into the conflict:
25th Anniversary commemorative site
Interviews with men from all sides who fought in the conflict
History pages from the website of the South Atlantic Medal Association
