Falklands veteran describes the fierce Battle of Two Sisters in 1982
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- Опубликовано: 25 дек 2022
- 2022 has marked the 40th anniversary of the Falklands conflict and Forces News has been speaking to veterans who were there.
In 1982, Ian Gardiner commanded X-Ray Company, 45 Commando Royal Marines, on the gruelling journey across the roughest terrain, leading his marines during the fierce night battle for Two Sisters, a 1,000-foot-high mountain, on the approach to Stanley in the Falklands.
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Hello Sir, you were the adjutant at Lympstone when I went through my training in 1979. As a young marine going through training the adjutants inspection was met with much trepidation, I remember you said: good turnout, made my day having spent days preparing for this inspection. I met you again at San Carlos in the Falklands. My commander needed to know were your troops were in case we were attacked. I met you and you gave me the positions. I remembered you at that time as the scary adjutant but you were brilliant and showed me the positions. Of all the officers I came across in my service, you always came to the front. I salute you sir. From marine Hearsey
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,
T
When I listened to this excellent commander of X-Ray company Ian Gardiner, I hear a man of humility & human decency & a leader whom men will follow. I went to the same school's as four Scots lads that fought in that conflict, one of them Gordon Cameron MacPherson of 45 commando Arbroath died on the successful taking of Two Sisters mountains, I believe Gordon was Zulu company. I think of that brave laddie often & the fallen of both sides. They all did their duty & they are loved. ♥
As an ex-Para I was ready to drop a (tongue-in-cheek of course) sarky comment here… but I just couldn’t. What a delightful and heroic fellow.
Thank you Ian Gardiner for giving a mention, to the forgotten ship of the Falklands war HMS Glamorgan. I served on her throughout the war . Respect to all fellow Falklands veteran's 🇫🇰
Thanks for your service and the sacrifices made by you and your shipmates.
You are not forgotten.
Those of us who were there never forgot your contribution…
Woah! You must have some stories there shipmate!
Respect. Glamorgan must always be remembered.
Much respect. 🫡🙏
Evan after these years, such quietly, calmy presented, with the dignity, and detail, that came from a leader of those men. To all, thank you. LEST WE FORGET.
Most impressive to listen to an intelligent and educated soldier, relating a difficult battle , with such humbleness.
Intelligent soldier 😂😂😂😂
That’s not ever possible, dream on cowboy
@@hudson7354 depends on which country you come from, to have that attitude.
Listening to him and this incredible story brought a tear to my eye. Me, a grown man, such bravery. Cheers
@@hudson7354moron.
@@hudson7354Would love to see your intelligence levels stuck in boggy mountainous terrain carrying 100lbs of equipment using nothing but a compass in the pitch black to locate the enemy. But you’re too much of a coward to serve your country so you’ll never know.
I was a squaddie at the time serving in West Belfast... I know a number of this audience will not like that. To hear this officers memories gives me a lump in my throat... Maybe silly but it does... Such is....
Respect to you Don. My brother was 9/12 Lancers in East Belfast at the time. The brave troops in Northern Ireland have my respect and admiration.
Not silly at all.
I’m from Belfast, the majority of us hail you boys as heros!
Thank you for your service you did a great job in keeping NI free from the oppression of IRA terror🇬🇧👍
@@ProfileP246 What a gracious and respectful comment. I am sure all veteran deeply appreciate this.
It’s funny how so many people are quick to forget the bombings of innocent people in pubs, nightclubs, and any other civilian place, so that one to two percent of the population can bully everyone else, just like Vietnam etc etc etc……………
I thank you for standing up for the innocent civilians who were not legitimate targets, and their attackers were not legitimate soldiers who were in uniform, or registered as soldiers of any legitimate government………,…
And the fact that the septics are still giving money “for the cause”, even though it’s supposedly a major felony in the US to support terrorist organisations and/or activities, yet they still do it……………
What a splendid chap, honest, modest, brave and a credit to the Royal Marines. I as an ex Royal Navy veteran who joined the RN in Sept 1981 but did not go to the Falklands until April 1983, salute you and the whole task force for a job well done. God bless you.
Never once spoke or boasted about his own personal achievements as the CO. Such a humble man and a shining example of bravery, leadership and humility.
What a wonderful boss to have
You put it perfectly...👏
He was a Royal Marine COMMANDOS, enough said.🇬🇧🇬🇧
I am not British, but watching this I had several thoughts (all good and offered here with respect).
1. When you see an old man in public, don't mess with him. He might be a veteran Royal Marine Commando who has a particular set of skills. Seeing the 1982 photo of Ian Gardiner, he looks like he would be a tough guy then, and I expect he may be underestimated today if seen in public by anyone who doesn't know his combat experience and hard earned skills.
2. Utmost respect for the Royal Marines who slogged those many miles in the cold, across open ground, to get to the assault point.
3. Utmost respect for the Royal Navy commander who stayed as long as possible to provide support, even at the risk to his ship and crew.
4. Salute to Ian Gardiner, the commander, who gave credit to the young Marines, subordinate officers, and the Sailors and the other commanders. Well said sir!
Couldnt put it better myself - thank you mate.
He’s a liar.
Forget about him, it’s a load of old cobblers.
@@hudson7354 Thanks for your thoughts Beta.
@@hudson7354 said the incel.
@@hudson7354 care to elaborate? genuinely curious.
I had not long been out of the navy and had served on the Glamorgan. My heart went into my mouth when it was reported that she had been hit with fatalities. There was a feeling that I had let them down and I should have been there. It never leaves you after being part of the 'forces club'.
My husband is also ex Royal Navy and hadn't been out that long when Falklands started ..he also felt he let them down..Now we both support PTSD Resolution for our ex Vets ..God Bless All who serve and have served..🇬🇧
“Survivor’s guilt”
We had a young sailor from Glamorgan when she visited Newcastle nsw Jamie ? always wondered what became of him and his mates the visit to Australia was in 1980 or 81
Similar when I left the RE, GW2 kicked off a couple months later and my last unit got sent straight out there.
Derek Grieve, you didn't let anyone down at all. You did your time, and I have no doubt had you still been serving, you would have done your bit with distinction. You could not have predicted this war.
What a man! When a commando says the conditions were hard that means it would be impossible for mere mortals.
Correct, and this from a former Royal Marine.
World wars... Men are capable of withstanding tons when out under the pressure.
Cpl Stephen R Prior 10/9/1954-28/5/1982
2 Para A coy Goose Green
Gone but not forgotten
Also his nephew
Daniel Stephen Prior
31/12/1983-18/3/2011
2 Para D coy Nahr-e-Saraj Afghanistan
Gone but never forgotten
I was at Two Sisters - in another fighting company in Four Five Commando. I was 19. It was a good nights work: the most frightening and exhilarating of my life.
Glamorgans gunnery was ferocious and tremendous- thank you to our Matelot Oppo's. Ian is right of course, the 66mm LAW was a tremendous 'bunker buster'.
Up the Royals. His Majesty's Finest.
Well in Royal, don't forget to thank the Percy Pongos ... Army Commandos OP teams from 148 Commando Bty that were calling in that ships fire 👍 .. read the book "Falklands Commando" by Hugh McManners, a Captain at the time in 148 bty...
@@StuHNomadBiker Hola mate. I do thank our army gunners all the time and have been thanked before for doing so on various forums. After all, Four Five had their own battery - 'our' battery - Major Jerry Akehurst was the FOO I seem to recall.
But on this occasion I was being specific to Ian's comments. He also give fulsome praise to the R A Gunners in his book, 'Yompers'.
All the Best,
'Up the Royals - H M Finest.'
Just started to watch a few Falklands videos with interviews of those who took part. All are very somber and humbling. Marines, guardsmen sailors, airmen and Paratroopers all holding back the tears at what they had witnessed. I was in the forces but never saw action. I was always disappointed at not being called on. Now I think thank god. Most of us look at WWII as a distant memory. But there has been much horrific conflict since and still we never seem to learn the lessons of the past. Thankyou Mr Gardiner for you and your mens service.
Greetings to a fellow Gardiner from South Africa. My grandfather, Ian Keith Gardiner, flew for the RAF In 208 fighter-reconnaissance squadron during WW2.
Very powerful but grim account of what our armed forces had to go through with and deal with out there all those years ago... complete respect to you all and merry Christmas 🎄☃️.
I could listen to him all day and night. What a humble man. And fair play to you guys on Glamorgan too. Equally as brave as the Royal Marines who took Two Sisters.
I’m ex RAF. Total respect for these guys. I personally know ex RMC’s, tough, intelligent and motivated fighting men.
A very good but short documentary by the OC of one company of Bootnecks from four-five Commando RM. I can totally relate to this as I was with the newly formed J Company and the lads from NP8901 led by Major Mike Norman, in four-two Commando attacking Mount Harriet before the move into Stanley. It is very true how bad the weather was and how constantly being wet was slightly demoralising , but we are Royals and always work best when outnumbered, the elements against us, and Yomped everywhere across the island to get too the main prize of Port Stanley.
Without the Royal Navy taking the hits and losses of ships and lads for us, we would never of been able to achieve what we did without them, I have total respect for our Royal Navy and the lads whom are still lost at sea never too return home.
i have never been in the armed forces but as a 28 yr old civilian back in England i followed every move every triumph and every disaster. please don't think back home we weren't with you..we were. we prayed for our soldiers, our sailors and airmen out there. it had to be won after the enourmous cost and effort that went into this logistical nightmare of getting forces 8,000 miles to battle and as Mr.Gardiner says they walked 'YOMPED' 53 miles against in hospitable terrain to reach objectives. that's like Stoke on Trent to Liverpool with bergens on and mud ice etc. well Sir, i salute you and all the magnificent forces out there at the time. it had to be done and it was done. we don't rejoice at enemy dead..war is a sad thing we just thank you. Best wishes to all.
Respect to the royals and all British troops a group of people we can be proud of
Bravo Sir for your exemplary service, successful command of your troops, and for being so modest about your achievements in that war. A true leader indeed!
What a humble man, giving credit to all ranks involved in the operation. He went on to be a Brigadier in the RM.
I've recently finished the Yompers by Ian Gardiner & it's rather delightful hearing his voice in reality; well done.
Spot on, a phenomenal man and book
I was in the Falklands as a young Royal Marine with 42 Cdo RM and somehow ended up as a Sgt Maj. I have an oppo that I still meet in the Rugby Club a few times a year in Wales that was in X Coy. Once again this Royal Marine Company Commander showed absolute understated class in his assessment of this battle.
As a kid growing up here in the states during this time, I remember the media selling it like it was a cakewalk. But years later watching accounts like this on TV I learned otherwise. I applaud British forces for pulling off this campaign from the other end of the world (literally). The story of the bombers making the journey from the UK is the stuff of legends. These guys' epic march is another, and shows the toughness of British special forces units.
Man, that is some brutal infantry living. I've known those conditions in training, but never in theater. I am a Canadian veteran (infantry and SOF) living in the States and was out for dinner here once and there was an Argentinian in our party. I made the "mistake" of mentioning the Falklands and he went off on me about how they are the Malvinas. For the sake of everyone's evening, I conceded, but what I really wanted to say was "the thing about war is that the winners get to pick the names."
Para nosotros los Argentinos y para el Derecho Internacional...el nombre correcto es "Islas Malvinas...."
They were never the property of Argentina as Argentina didn't exist when the British occupied the islands.
A phenomenal account of bravery, determination, ingenuity, dark humour, and sheer willpower to not only win a decisive battle, but to preserve and cement the reputation of the Royal Marines as a leading fighting force on the world's stage.
What a fantastic story teller this man is. So much detail.
Thank you Ian Gardiner for your sacrifice, leadership, and devotion to duty. And thank you to your lads. Well done.
What a star this man is. The pride on his face and his humility speaks volumes.
A top man, no wonder his men fought for him, humble but determined.
All those lad's have my utmost respect!
Massive respect to the British army/marines, from the first major Battle ( goose green) to the final battle ( wireless ridge) they didn't lose anyone of them, despite being at many disadvantages, pure class.
Both those battles were fought by 2 Para, the only unit to fight 2 battle's and they were the first into Stanley, Everyman an Emperor 💪💪
I couldn`t imagine having to put up with treacherous conditions like what those lads had to endure and then fight a fierce action when you reach your objective. My complete and utter Respect to those young men. Listening to Ian, he comes across as a very capable Officer who his Men would trust without hesitation. These lads really are the highest caliber. God Bless them all.
Gods are fictional.
Blessings are worse less than nothing, in fact destructive.
@@MichaelKingsfordGray What a Happy little Ray of Sunshine you are.
@@MichaelKingsfordGray When you stare death in the face sonny you will pray.
@@stephensmith4480 I am known for it.
@@lestrem11 As an Army-trained marksman/sniper, I *have* stared death "in the face" on 3 occasions. I have NEVER prayed!
Prayed to Zeus? Athena? Buddha?
All gods are FICTIONAL!
Yet you remain an anonymous DELUSIONAL coward.
Grow up. I grew up at the age of 12, when I volunteered for the Army Cadets.
You cowered in your Great-Granny's basement!
What an eloquent gentleman. Bravo Sir.
SO Excited to watch this!
Happy Christmas to all the Troops
Thank You Forces News... Does not go unnoticed the rate of content you are pumping out on A daily basis, But the quality is sill Flawless as always!
But what i truly love is the Updates on Ukraine and how important that is , In our everyday lives and how it effect us all and why so much support is needed and how well you put that across is Amazing!
To get people who don't fully understand , Why X Y & Z is needed and Aim & training . I'm No expect on the subject matter but this channel & the SITREPS truly give you the info & to the point on what you need to know because its needed and i love how much content has ramped up.
We are so lucky to have a Christmas at home with the family and warm , And not in a trench on freezing ground with a wind chill on in a city with no power no hot water or hot food , Putting on layers to stay warm , And there is not 1 person in that country that does not have a family member dead or MIA WIA , We are so truly lucky and yesterday at the Christmas Table with my family we took a second of silence but also talked about how truly lucky we are
I just love how forces news brings all this info to the public ,, I don't comment often on here .. Just thank you happy Christmas to all the Forces.. And Thank You again @ForcesNews The Content is Teir1 as always! So excited to watch this Mini Doc.. I love them, Much Love James
EDIT: That was Amazing, I Love when @ForcesNews does these ,the history BUT its So the Warriors who were lost are never ever forgotten. The more they are talked about there memory will never die, We owe so much to so Few
I can scarcely believe it's been over forty years since this conflict. Anyway, thanks for sharing, Mr. Gardiner; your book, "The Yompers", remains on the bookshelf of this American.
My dad was on hms broadsword. It was horrible sitting at home waiting for news. Full respect to anyone risking their lives for their country, and thoughts to all those who got the worst news.
A work colleague, with whom I worked with fir 2 years until he retired, was also on Broadsword. I started my basic at Raleigh a few months after the Falklands and my first posting was a short stint on Broadsword!
@@andrewrixon2347 she is/was a good ship. Incredibly fast. I hope life is good for you 🙏🏻
Here in Texas I remember following the reports from the Falklands daily. Riveting.
“With the Queen’s enemies at the point of a bayonet.”
Mad respect for these men.
What an amazing Man. I could listen to him all day. I'm deeply humbled at what these blokes went through. "Per Mare Per Terram".
Thank you all for your service,
Every day is poppy day
Love from
Great Britain
This story moved me greatly, what a man this is. I've always had respect for the Scots and it's my eternal hope that we remain as a Union for we are unquestionably so better together than apart. Bless always those of the British Armed Forces. 👍💂🇬🇧
Did you see at the end when it asks that if you've been affected badly by this story, please contact so and so. Some foreigners must've phoned surely!
Bless ' em all,the Rambo films don't do it justice.I do not feel ashamed to be a Brit and I hope others take the time to listen to what this gentleman and others like him have to say.
Tremendously tough men. Yomping all that way knowing there is a fire fight at the end of it when you could be killed. Beyond belief ultimate respect.
Massive respect to everyone who was out there, i was so grateful to be able to pay my respects in person in January this year at the memorial in Port Stanley. Brave men all.
In 1986 HMS Glamorgan was sold to the the Navy of my country, the Chilean Navy, and was renamed Almirante Latorre. The destroyer served for 12 years until late 1998. Almirante Latorre was the third ship of that name, named in honor of a great Chilean sailor Admiral Juan José Francisco Latorre Benavente, Hero of the War of the Pacific and who captured the Peruvian monitor Huascar in the Combate de Angamos in October 1879, ship, the Huascar, which continues as a museum ship at our naval base in Talcahuano. Greetings to the United Kingdom, and may Chile and Great Britain remain allies for centuries to come.
Thank you all for your service
I take my hat off to all our armed forces 👏👏👏
I was only a kid when this kicked of. Amazing man
Well done and God Bless those Marines and Sailors.
Its good to get a insight by the men who were there, brave men all of them.
Thank you for sharing. God bless you all each and everyone. Robert model maker OTW. ❤
Utmost respect to you and all who went with you. Thank you.
Very well portrayed and very thoughtfull words, Thank You for Yours and your Mens courage and recollections.
I remember watching it all happening on TV. I was in Gowerton Comp at the time. I think the Falklands persuaded a lot of my schoolmates to join the forces. One fellow joined the RAF regiment and was in Berlin when the wall came down.
My CO at 40. People like Brig Gardiner were the reason I joined up as an 18 year old lad in 1985.
Did my 22. Saw some stuff. But I still look with awe at the lads down south.
I'm not ashamed to say the tears fell watching this amazing leader of men, do humble, so eloquent about the loss.
Cheers Boss. Per Mare Per Terram. And a toast to the matelots who never came home. Not forgotten lads. Never forgotten.
Gracious thanks. You epitomize laconic erudite humble excellence
What an absolutely marvellous gentleman, his memories so clear......................................
I salute you Sir ,your men and I thank you for your service.
Wow... what an honest and forthright account of the battle for two sister's
Thankyou to every soldier and sailor involved our debt of gratitude is immense
An incredible orator and British hero.
When Ian Gardner humbly pays homage to the sacrifices that the Royal navy made in support of his and other Falkland land operations is the most poignant part of the video. He is an honourable man.
What an extraordinarily articulate, dignified, humble account.
A very big thank you.❤️🇬🇧
Thank you for sharing!
Thank you Ian for your very moving and heartfelt thank´s to my ship HMS Glamorgan. We would have stayed all night and into the next morning if asked to,to support you. Per mare per terram.
🫡🙏
And that's why we do "wet and dry" routine in basic trg especially in the middle of winter!...aaargh! It takes some getting used to I'll say that lol
What a man, and a warrior
Very well described. Least we forget.
That was great. You know I was a soldier once and when I look at those men they look so much like a soldier should look like. I am so proud of those guys and others who did the fighting there.
A very articulate Scotsman and a Royal Marine Commando, to think of what Nicoliar Sturgeon has done to Scotland boils my blood.
You Brits certainly had "the right stuff" in 1982.
Much respect and admiration for what the British Forces accomplished under such challenging conditions...
These guys stepped up to the plate when it mattered Amazing deat of endurance in the conditions.The brutality of having to leave your comrades behind whrn injured must have been a hard but necessary action
Very moving, thanks and God bless
What a man, what a voice
Such eloquence and humility. Thank you for your leadership, and thank you to your troop of Marines, the those other troops and to the Sailors on HMS Glamorgan for their collective selfless conviction and extraordinary endeavour to win this strategic battle. There is little doubt that the history of our country would have taken a weaker and less secure course if it was not for the bravery and professionalism of our armed forces who succeeded in the Falklands.
Those guys did a magnificent job. A mate of mine was a Royal Marine who was there. He had just completed his training and was flown to Ascension Island to meet up with his group. He later joined the Police and we often worked together. He was very relaxed. I would say he was obviously overconfident, but he certainly had a presence.
Very inspiring. An officer has to have a bank of credibility with his commander built with months or years of 100% commitment and dependability. Then when the time comes to give him bad news, he won’t bat an eye and simply adapt the plan to the circumstances.
I've watched alot of videos on the Falklands Campaign but this is the first time I've seen this one. Best wishes from Northern Ireland.
We were carrying on average over 120 pounds with bergen, belt order, weapons and ammo, we stopped off for a break along a barbed wire perimeter fence and a few of us rested our bergens on the wire which gave way and we ended up on our back's with our arms and legs flailing away trying to get up, we all needed help to stand back up, after that we were called turtles.
Thank you for sharing. Best wishes and a Happy New year. Cheers from Milwaukee to our cousins across the pond 🇬🇧
Ohhh boo bo you love your liccle friend
@@hudson7354 your English needs some work.
Condor Troop, 59 Independent Commando Squadron, RE were attached to 45 Commando and landed with them at Red beach. A section was attached to each RM Company and completed the yomp and the attack on the Two Sisters.
Sapper Chris Jones was killed on that assault.
Two other members of the Troop suffered anti personnel mine injuries.
A great man. Thanks for the insights.
Thank you
Wonderful leadership. “ stay humble or be humbled” personified
Love the typical british understatement.They done their job.Brilliant.
To organize the task force, get it to Falklands, get it ashore and then get it into position was an amazing feat. Then you had the discipline, courage and skill of the troops who fought and won the battles with limited numbers, ammunition, supplies and cover was remarkable. Any Falklands vet will tell you that enough of the Argentinians were tough enough fighters to make it a serious war.
Hard to imagine the hardship unless you are a soldier...
Right place at the right time is essential for success.
When commanders mess up lives are lost.
The Navy was brilliant as the Air Force was.
This War was justified for a very rare reason.
Well done to all.
VOLVEREMOS.
Really makes you feel like you were there with them.
👏👏👏Millions salute you and the many others............SIR!!!
Total respect to all we will never forget QS
Thanks Mr.Ian Gardiner for your detailed description and your service.
Lieutenant Andy Shaw from Yankee Company 45 COMMANDO would later condemn the Argentinian defenders on Two Sisters for defecating in their positions, perhaps forgetting that the Afrika Korps had done the same thing in the North African Campaign when pinned down for several days by Allied softening up bombardments, except the German soldiers had brought with them pigs to eat the mess and to butcher and eat the pigs when supplies failed to arrive. (Source: Battles of Mount Harriet and Two Sisters Mountain/Conservapedia: The Trustworthy Encyclopedia)
Slogging across Rannoch Moor eh..? Yep, soul destroying heartache. Thank you Ian for a good and interesting story. 👍
Humble man.
Respect. (rtd 42)