The Falkland Islands
A history of the 1982 conflict

Home page of the Falklands Conflict 1982

On the 2nd April 1982, Argentine forces under the command of Admiral Carlos Busser invaded the British territories of the Falkland Islands and South Georgia in the South Atlantic . It became clear within the first few days of the Argentine invasion that their recovery would entail a major military operation, one which would eventually need to be recorded in detail for the benefit of students of military history. It was also clear that the islands would not be reclaimed without the RAF playing a major role. Much of it now has almost myth-like status - the Vulcan 'Black Buck' raids, 1 Sqn Harriers flying from Hermes, Hercules flying 18-hour sorties from Ascension, a single Chinook doing the job of four, the tragic loss of life on Sir Galahad and Sir Tristram in Falkland Sound and the other warships as well as the land battles fought hand-to-hand between the opposing armies. A more complete introduction to Operation Corporate can be found here.

The 25th anniversary of the Falklands Campaign will be commemorated across 8,000 miles and four time zones, in London, Pangbourne and the Falkland Islands from 14 to 17 June 2007.

[ Background | Balance of Forces | Battles | Diary ]
[ Roll of Honour | Timeline | Virtual Islands ]

[ Home ]
[ Return to the RAF Site ]

© Crown Copyright 2004 and © Deltaweb International Ltd 2004