The Falkland Islands
A history of the 1982 conflict

Home page of the Falklands Conflict 1982

Welcome to the 20th Anniversary of Falklands Conflict website. On 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. Over the next 10 weeks, the story of the RAF's involvement, as well as that of the Royal Navy and Army will be told on these pages. 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 diary will run chronologically to correspond with the events of 20 years ago. There will be a daily summary of activity, as well as personal video testimonies from some of those personnel who took part, both in the South Atlantic and some of those co-ordinating the operation back in the UK. In addition, for the first time, there will be an interactive 'Battlefield Tour' of all the significant land battle locations, following the land advance as it progressed, from the early exchanges at Pebble Island and San Carlos, all the way through to Sapper Hill and Moody Brook, and all points between. You will be able to take a panoramic 360 degree 'walk' across the land, informed by text as you go.

This site is intended as a tribute to all combatants, reagrdless of nationality or service, and will build into a comprehensive account of the raids and battles that took place over the 10 weeks of the conflict, so please check back regularly to read the new pages.

Details of how the site will build can be found here.