Roderick Thanks for sharing these images. They are sad memories but impossible not to see them. I am an Argentine conscript who was there in 1982. Greetings
+Antonio Reda: I understand how you must feel. Thank you for your kind message. I send my greetings to you and all your fellow veterans. We are all brothers in arms.
@@giauscaesar8047 Thank you for your question. The answer is, a lot of pressure. The Commando Logistic Regiment, depleted as it was, had to support two brigades instead of one. This subject is covered in Major General Ken Privratsky's book, "Logistics in the Falklands War". This is one of the best books written on the conflict and recommended reading.
What a great personal view of the Falklands war. A lot better than the edited version from the BBC. LCpl Cork, the uncle I was never to meet, lost his life at the battle of Goose Green with 2 Para. RIP, Tony. Great video. Thank you. 😢
Just watching this in 2022, I served with 32, 33 and primarily 59. I have the utmost respect for all involved in this conflict, my heart goes out to all my Brothers in arms. Toured in 91 for 128days, it was crap then, you guys rocked it. My heartfelt condolences to those brave SAPPERS who never came home. For the record, my port glass is charged and I will toast my Brothers. XXX 😪😪😪
Fantastic, what a find! Cpl Morgan was a trg sgt of mine in 86 at Chepstow, he still beat my BFT with his one leg. On marches on exercise he would take his false leg off and fill the stump with tea and pass it round. I could never forget him, such a great soh, kind wise nature and fantastic example of a human being for a wide eyed 16yo
Absolutely incredible footage! My grandpa ended up serving with several Falkland vets through his time in the military, he fought in Somalia, Panama and Desert Storm but always said those Brits we're some of the hardest men he ever met.
Sir, Thank you. I was crew of HMS Exeter in '82. We achieved the incredible, thanks to leaders such as yourself and Rear Admiral Balfour, who was then, Captain of HMS Exeter and D5 Squadron. Only those who were there, truly understand the difference that great leadership makes, inspiring men to readily enter, the jaws of death at a young age. We knew, that unless it was necessary, our leaders would not ask. When required to enter, we knew it was essential that we did. What is so sad, is that politicians, chose to make the task near impossible, with defence cuts. No political lessons appear to have been learned. The cuts to capacity, relentlessly continue. Semper Fidelis.
Thank you for serving on Exeter (D89) a Type 42 destroyer and thank you for your comments. I will never forget watching the destroyers and frigates scything through the South Atlantic waves, at times going completely under the water. The Falklands campaign was a naval campaign. It was the Royal Navy, Royal Fleet Auxiliary and the 40 STUFT ships that gained control of the sea, delivered the landing force to the shore, provided naval gunfire support and then logistics, helicopters and of course the awesome Harrier aircraft. Thank you again for your comments.
Great montage. My dad deployed from Bovington to the Falklands to operate the CET's. He has never spoken about his time there at all, even after I joined the Army. A great little insight into where he may have been and with whom.
You must be very proud of him Will. I asked for the CETs as soon as we were stood to. I was in 26 Armoured Engineer Squadron in the early 1970s and carried out the original Combat Engineer Tractor (CET) field trials, in Germany,. Your Dad, and all the other armoured engineers from Bovington were magnificent, just as I expected. Your Dad was a star.
What an incredible piece of film; both priceless and of enormous documentary importance to our national historical archive. Thankyou so much for sharing this, and for your leadership during the campaign to retake the Falkland Islands.
I was thirteen when this kicked off but it shaped my life and our country, I can't tell you how terribly frightful I was watching back home. And how extremely grateful I am for everyone who risked so much for these Islands and our Country. Thank You so much.
I've seen your presentation and this video previously.Thank You for Mentioning the Harrier strip was completed and run by 11 Field Sqn, of which I was a member at the time. Its not often heard anywhere other than by yourself or by Chris Davies that we carried out this task. Your men are extremely brave, I know and served with several of them in various other RE units and Sapper establishments ! Respect
Completing the Harrier Strip and EFHE which became HMS Sheathbill Royal Naval Air Station Port San Carlos, was one of the most significant achievements of the campaign and as you rightly say has been mostly overlooked by historians and writers. The EFHE (fuel system) was built by 59 Independent Commando Squadron Royal Engineers and the strip by 11 Field Squadron Royal Engineers. 2 Troop 9 Parachute Squadron started the build but it was 11 Field Squadron that improved the design and completed the project. The strip was built with repair panels taken to repair the airfield at Stanley after the stores shipped down to build the Harrier strip sank to the bottom of the South Atlantic with the Atlantic Conveyor. When I met up with a senior Argentine Commando in Buenos Aires last September he told me they were only really worried twice. Once when 3 Commando Brigade landed in San Carlos and secondly when they realized the British had Harriers ashore in Port San Carols and were refueling them. This enabled the British to firmly establish air superiority over the Island and after that it was only a matter of time before the war was over. You and all of 11 Field Squadron Royal Engineers should be very proud of what you achieved. Please share this with all your fellow sappers of that most excellent squadron. Well done indeed, REspect.
You are absolutely right when you say the airstrip is rarely mentioned. It is an exploit that I was completely unaware of until I saw Brigadier Macdonald's presentation. The completion of the airstrip was clearly a turning point in the war, an outstanding achievement made all the more impressive when one learns that most of the materials necessary for it's construction were lost when the ship carrying them was sunk by enemy action. The way the entire task force was able to prevail the way it did in the face of so many setbacks and hardships and against very unfavourable odds is truly inspiring. You all have my deepest respect.
Get the violin out for the two argies who disliked the video. Well done Brigadier Macdonald! What you and your comrades achieved was simply phenomenal.
Thank you for that observation. You are quite right, many of those ships had wonderful names. I was pleased to be embarked on ship named "Fearless" ....
What a great piece of historical film, it should be in the national archives and the imperial war museum. I have watched it numerous times and I have just listened to one of your lectures. At the time, all we heard and saw was the marines and paras with a bit of the Navy. It was a massive team event that gelled together when needed, with all of our forces involved which ended with the correct result. I still think today, the Harrier is one of the best aircraft ever devised and flown, it is so pitiful the recent government have scrapped it, absolutely shameful.
Thank you so much for your most excellent comments. It was indeed a massive team effort involving all the British armed forces, but was, primarily, a naval operation. Again, your comments are appreciated.
Just watched this today, I was 10 or 11 at the time and I remember clearly my Dad saying we were at war, years later I met a guy who was in Mountain and Arctic Warfare Cadre and he talked to me about his time in the Falklands War, he actually took part in Raid on Top Malo House. Superb content, thank you so much for this.
Hi Roderick! Im argentinian, in 1982 my uncle was in Goose Green, he fought in the airstrip (the place that appears at minute 12:00). The body filmed was probably sergeant Sergio Garcia, killed on 28 may at morning. I want to ask you if you have a more extensive film or any picture from that place. For years I looked for footage or photos about that place, this is the first time i see it. My respects and gratitude for this material, it's awesome!
Panku, thank you for your comments. Hopefully, your uncle survived the conflict. If he did, please send him my best wishes. I have quite a few photos on my Facebook page. If you send me a friend request you will be able to see and download any of them that interest you. There is also a private Facebook group called, "The Falklands War of 1982". Here veterans of both side share pictures and ask questions of each other. You could apply to join that group if you like. As far as my film is concerned, I tried not to film dead soldiers. However, there were some circumstances where it was impossible not to, such as crossing the airfield at Goose Green. It makes it more personal when you know the names of those involved. Thank you again for your thoughtful and helpful comments.
@@RoderickMacdonald thank you for your answer! It would be wonderful to be your friend on Facebook, could you send me the link of your profile to send you the request? Fortunately my uncle is alive, I will give him your best wishes He originally was part of the section that fought on Darwin hill (the place that appears before the airstrip) but due to circumstances of the war he ended up being part of the section that fought at the airstrip. I understand how difficult it would have been to film those scenes, but they are things of war. Both sides were doing their duty, and they did it very well. I hope we can be in contact on Facebook, my best wishes Rod!
Loving your musical taste Roderick. I got here from your US Marines lecture - excellent too. Many thanks for taking the time and effort for this, and for that back then...
@@RoderickMacdonald I just hope the lessons have been learned, not just from your experience but in the air too. From checking out the situation and the Argentinian side, they aren't going away. This is an existential issue for them, drummed into their school children. Fascism is alive and well.
really good to see this movie footage you took,its history captured on film,i was in school at the time 14 and was watching the news to see how things were going for us..all fingers crossed that we would win even though it seemed such a big ask to go that far and do it..so thank you rod for your efforts there it is appreciated for sure
What a precious piece of film. I passed the Cdo course as the war was taking place. I was on guard in Crownhill fort the day the OC returned. One of my first jobs when the men returned was to take the mine injured amputees to hospital in Plymouth every day for physio. Very humbling for a young man. So full of respect. Most of them went on to full careers. Pete Thorpe was SMI of the dive school, I remember one of them played football for the squadrons, and Baz Morgan continued as a diver. In 1983 in Canada, the divers were training with the Canadian Army divers. Baz asked one of the Canadians to pull his wet suit off. The fella didn’t know Baz was missing a foot. As the wetsuit came off, Baz screamed he’d pulled his foot off. For a split second the unfortunate Canadian was horrified! Good to see Smiler Milward on the film. As a young commando Pete Ellis was a hero of mine, my first Sgt Major. Years later he was my OC at EOD. Thanks for posting sir!
You make a very good point and thank you. Sadly I do not have the original 8mm film. Just after the conflict I gave them to the BBC who returned them. I should have given them to the Imperial War Museum in London who, now I know years later, would have very much liked to have had them. Thank you again for your wise comment.
Dear Roderick, thanks for responding. Yes, it is sad since there is not much original cinematography about the conflict, every time i find new footage, like yours, i hope it is safely stored. As the technology evolves there are new forms of storing and improving such valuable documents for the generations to come. Thanks so much for sharing it, regards from Argentina.
Very impressive images. Hopefully you have more tapes to upload. Ive been looking for new material given the fact that here in argentina there are not that many, and the ones that there exist have been seen since 82 over and over.
Just seen this and brought back so many memories from 38 years ago. Great to see yourself and other familiar faces. I trust you and your family are well in California despite these crazy and unprecedented times. .... stay safe and alert..... Best REgards, Bill Strachan
Thanks so much for your most kind comments Bill. All is well here in California, thank you. I hope you are safe and well and send you my very best wishes. REspect and REgards
Thanks Phil. The music by Ken McDonald is listed in the credits at the end of the video. His website is kenmcdonaldmusic.com/wordpress/ I am grateful to Ken for allowing me to use his music.
I remember WO2 Thorpe RE at Junior Leaders Regiment RE Dover in 1985 who is mentioned losing a foot during mine clearance operations and he could still run a BFT faster than most of us 16 year old junior leaders. REgards Sir .
How concerned was the task force about the possibility of a large scale Argentine counter offensive after the landings at San carlos? Did the British leadership make any plans or preparations for such a scenario?
Thank you for your question. We expected and had planned to beat off a counter-attacks, which is why all the infantry were dug in. The entire commando brigade headquarters was underground, camouflaged with its vehicles. As it turned out the only form of argentine counter attack was by air. This was very effective, sinking and damaging ships and delaying our breakout due to lack of supplies ashore.
@Roderick Macdonald That explains it. I have another question if you don't mind. I have always wondered why so many of the main British generals during the recent wars in the Middle east, did not actually serve in the Falklands. The likes of Nick Carter, Peter Wall etc? Or more to the point why the junior commanders who led troops in battle in the Falklands didn't go on to lead British forces prominently in Afghanistan and Iraq?
@@mojo199 Officers in the British military change their roles every two years or less. Who is in command at the time, when any unit or formation is deployed, is a matter of luck. Let's also not forget that the Falklands war was primarily a naval campaign with relatively few (compared to its size) British Army units present. If you want to learn more about British military command in Iraq and Afghanistan I would recommend a book by a fellow Royal Engineer, Major General Christopher Elliott. His excellent book is called, "High Command - British Military Leadership in the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars" published by Oxford University Press.
Great contribution to the archives of a forgotten political chapter that the forces got dragged into and as always are our only contribution we are always dumbfounded and in awe of. They never let us down on any level and the fact politico people can use them should be illegal. Lest we forget.
The 59 veterans are a close knit group who help each other. They communicate through Facebook. I don't know where your friend is in the world but if he is in UK, that is the best group to link up with. They communicate via FB Messenger. Good luck and please give him my best wishes. I live in California
@@RoderickMacdonald thanks for responding buddy ...im not on Facebook etc ...but I've been keeping him talking everyday and listen to some cracking memories he has ......i know I've never experienced horrors of the Falkland war etc but he's my friend and I'm not giving up on him
@@RoderickMacdonald I've just emailed the royal engineers website admin for help ...... it's crazy how he and probably many like him where trained to be efficient and lived a life of constant readiness and under constant emotional pressure in the military ....to then just get released and be expected to functional in civvy street like a everyday gentleman
@@RoderickMacdonald just to give you an update he has just told me he has accepted help from a local residential mental health unit . And I'm so happy I'm a bubbling mess 😂😂😂 thanks again for listening
They had, but weapons when moved and banged about in shipment and moving around during a long voyage can go off-zero. So they would check zero and then simply practice. Thanks for your comment.
@@RoderickMacdonald Would have been suitable probably if they were to somehow store the rifles some better way. Maybe just if each guy carried his own with him.
@@Usammityduzntafraidofanythin Good point and all of those things happened. You still need to check though and practice. Your life can depend on it. Thanks again for your comments.
The Americans said it could not be done. You guys did it anyway. Horrific weather, lack of supplies and equipment. Even basic essentials like food and water. Never forget what you achieved while the odds were against you all. Operation Granby was a walk in the park compared to what you guys went through. Then I look at a younger generation who went through Afghanistan and Iraq. All different conflicts but what it tells me is that we will always, as a nation, fight way above our weight. Regardless of which generation is involved. I do not buy into this concept that "youngsters today" can't fight and win. Every generation seems to prove that wrong. Which brings me hope and yet fear because politicians will exploit that. They will also leave the armed forces starved of the stuff they need so they can provide tax cuts to the wealthy or fund a crèche facility for hungry penguins in Namibia depending on who holds power at the time.
Roderick Thanks for sharing these images. They are sad memories but impossible not to see them. I am an Argentine conscript who was there in 1982. Greetings
+Antonio Reda: I understand how you must feel. Thank you for your kind message. I send my greetings to you and all your fellow veterans. We are all brothers in arms.
+Roderick Macdonald
Thanks to you. Eternal remembrance and tribute to all who gave their lives during and even after the conflict.. Take care
This is the way ..thankss
@@RoderickMacdonald How much pressure did the arrival of the 5th Infantry Brigade put on the logistical system ?
@@giauscaesar8047 Thank you for your question. The answer is, a lot of pressure. The Commando Logistic Regiment, depleted as it was, had to support two brigades instead of one. This subject is covered in Major General Ken Privratsky's book, "Logistics in the Falklands War". This is one of the best books written on the conflict and recommended reading.
My husband was with 59Commando Royal Engineers during the falklands . He doesn't say alot about it. Thank you for a little insight.😢
Thank you for your kind comment Marie. Please give my best wishes to your husband.
What a great personal view of the Falklands war. A lot better than the edited version from the BBC. LCpl Cork, the uncle I was never to meet, lost his life at the battle of Goose Green with 2 Para. RIP, Tony.
Great video. Thank you. 😢
Thanks for your comment, which is greatly appreciated.
Just watching this in 2022, I served with 32, 33 and primarily 59. I have the utmost respect for all involved in this conflict, my heart goes out to all my Brothers in arms. Toured in 91 for 128days, it was crap then, you guys rocked it.
My heartfelt condolences to those brave SAPPERS who never came home.
For the record, my port glass is charged and I will toast my Brothers. XXX 😪😪😪
Thank you for your kind comments. They are much appreciated.
Fantastic, what a find!
Cpl Morgan was a trg sgt of mine in 86 at Chepstow, he still beat my BFT with his one leg. On marches on exercise he would take his false leg off and fill the stump with tea and pass it round. I could never forget him, such a great soh, kind wise nature and fantastic example of a human being for a wide eyed 16yo
Thank you for your most excellent comment ........
Absolutely incredible footage! My grandpa ended up serving with several Falkland vets through his time in the military, he fought in Somalia, Panama and Desert Storm but always said those Brits we're some of the hardest men he ever met.
Thank you for your kind comments Rhodie ..........
Sir, Thank you. I was crew of HMS Exeter in '82. We achieved the incredible, thanks to leaders such as yourself and Rear Admiral Balfour, who was then, Captain of HMS Exeter and D5 Squadron. Only those who were there, truly understand the difference that great leadership makes, inspiring men to readily enter, the jaws of death at a young age. We knew, that unless it was necessary, our leaders would not ask. When required to enter, we knew it was essential that we did.
What is so sad, is that politicians, chose to make the task near impossible, with defence cuts. No political lessons appear to have been learned. The cuts to capacity, relentlessly continue. Semper Fidelis.
Thank you for serving on Exeter (D89) a Type 42 destroyer and thank you for your comments. I will never forget watching the destroyers and frigates scything through the South Atlantic waves, at times going completely under the water. The Falklands campaign was a naval campaign. It was the Royal Navy, Royal Fleet Auxiliary and the 40 STUFT ships that gained control of the sea, delivered the landing force to the shore, provided naval gunfire support and then logistics, helicopters and of course the awesome Harrier aircraft. Thank you again for your comments.
Great montage. My dad deployed from Bovington to the Falklands to operate the CET's. He has never spoken about his time there at all, even after I joined the Army. A great little insight into where he may have been and with whom.
You must be very proud of him Will. I asked for the CETs as soon as we were stood to. I was in 26 Armoured Engineer Squadron in the early 1970s and carried out the original Combat Engineer Tractor (CET) field trials, in Germany,. Your Dad, and all the other armoured engineers from Bovington were magnificent, just as I expected. Your Dad was a star.
What an incredible piece of film; both priceless and of enormous documentary importance to our national historical archive. Thankyou so much for sharing this, and for your leadership during the campaign to retake the Falkland Islands.
Thank you very much for your kind words which are greatly appreciated.
This should have far more views. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for your kind words. Rod
I was thirteen when this kicked off but it shaped my life and our country, I can't tell you how terribly frightful I was watching back home. And how extremely grateful I am for everyone who risked so much for these Islands and our Country. Thank You so much.
Thank you for your touching and kind words Roy.
I've seen your presentation and this video previously.Thank You for Mentioning the Harrier strip was completed and run by 11 Field Sqn, of which I was a member at the time. Its not often heard anywhere other than by yourself or by Chris Davies that we carried out this task. Your men are extremely brave, I know and served with several of them in various other RE units and Sapper establishments ! Respect
Completing the Harrier Strip and EFHE which became HMS Sheathbill Royal Naval Air Station Port San Carlos, was one of the most significant achievements of the campaign and as you rightly say has been mostly overlooked by historians and writers. The EFHE (fuel system) was built by 59 Independent Commando Squadron Royal Engineers and the strip by 11 Field Squadron Royal Engineers. 2 Troop 9 Parachute Squadron started the build but it was 11 Field Squadron that improved the design and completed the project. The strip was built with repair panels taken to repair the airfield at Stanley after the stores shipped down to build the Harrier strip sank to the bottom of the South Atlantic with the Atlantic Conveyor. When I met up with a senior Argentine Commando in Buenos Aires last September he told me they were only really worried twice. Once when 3 Commando Brigade landed in San Carlos and secondly when they realized the British had Harriers ashore in Port San Carols and were refueling them. This enabled the British to firmly establish air superiority over the Island and after that it was only a matter of time before the war was over. You and all of 11 Field Squadron Royal Engineers should be very proud of what you achieved. Please share this with all your fellow sappers of that most excellent squadron. Well done indeed, REspect.
Roderick Macdonald Thank you
You are absolutely right when you say the airstrip is rarely mentioned. It is an exploit that I was completely unaware of until I saw Brigadier Macdonald's presentation. The completion of the airstrip was clearly a turning point in the war, an outstanding achievement made all the more impressive when one learns that most of the materials necessary for it's construction were lost when the ship carrying them was sunk by enemy action.
The way the entire task force was able to prevail the way it did in the face of so many setbacks and hardships and against very unfavourable odds is truly inspiring. You all have my deepest respect.
Thank You Rob, your comments are appreciated. We always did try to do our job to the best of our abilitys and beyond.
Thank you from an old duff budgie member (11sqn )
Get the violin out for the two argies who disliked the video. Well done Brigadier Macdonald! What you and your comrades achieved was simply phenomenal.
Your comments are greatly appreciated. Thank you ......
Royal Navy ships have such great names.
Thank you for that observation. You are quite right, many of those ships had wonderful names. I was pleased to be embarked on ship named "Fearless" ....
Rod - thank you for your efforts in putting this together - it is an important piece of work. Well done.👍
Thank you Norman. Your kind comments are very much appreciated. Roderick
Thanks for this I was one of the two CET commanders attached to 59 a talkie who was with 26 in Hohne where you was a troopy in 73
Thanks Kevin. What a great job you guys did flying the flag for the armored engineers. I was so proud of you all .........
What a great piece of historical film, it should be in the national archives and the imperial war museum. I have watched it numerous times and I have just listened to one of your lectures. At the time, all we heard and saw was the marines and paras with a bit of the Navy. It was a massive team event that gelled together when needed, with all of our forces involved which ended with the correct result. I still think today, the Harrier is one of the best aircraft ever devised and flown, it is so pitiful the recent government have scrapped it, absolutely shameful.
Thank you so much for your most excellent comments. It was indeed a massive team effort involving all the British armed forces, but was, primarily, a naval operation. Again, your comments are appreciated.
Just watched this today, I was 10 or 11 at the time and I remember clearly my Dad saying we were at war, years later I met a guy who was in Mountain and Arctic Warfare Cadre and he talked to me about his time in the Falklands War, he actually took part in Raid on Top Malo House. Superb content, thank you so much for this.
Excellent footage, many thanks for posting this.
Hi Roderick! Im argentinian, in 1982 my uncle was in Goose Green, he fought in the airstrip (the place that appears at minute 12:00). The body filmed was probably sergeant Sergio Garcia, killed on 28 may at morning. I want to ask you if you have a more extensive film or any picture from that place. For years I looked for footage or photos about that place, this is the first time i see it. My respects and gratitude for this material, it's awesome!
Panku, thank you for your comments. Hopefully, your uncle survived the conflict. If he did, please send him my best wishes. I have quite a few photos on my Facebook page. If you send me a friend request you will be able to see and download any of them that interest you. There is also a private Facebook group called, "The Falklands War of 1982". Here veterans of both side share pictures and ask questions of each other. You could apply to join that group if you like. As far as my film is concerned, I tried not to film dead soldiers. However, there were some circumstances where it was impossible not to, such as crossing the airfield at Goose Green. It makes it more personal when you know the names of those involved. Thank you again for your thoughtful and helpful comments.
@@RoderickMacdonald thank you for your answer! It would be wonderful to be your friend on Facebook, could you send me the link of your profile to send you the request? Fortunately my uncle is alive, I will give him your best wishes He originally was part of the section that fought on Darwin hill (the place that appears before the airstrip) but due to circumstances of the war he ended up being part of the section that fought at the airstrip. I understand how difficult it would have been to film those scenes, but they are things of war. Both sides were doing their duty, and they did it very well. I hope we can be in contact on Facebook, my best wishes Rod!
@@pankuborsato7854 Here you go: facebook.com/roderick.macdonald.96/
Loving your musical taste Roderick. I got here from your US Marines lecture - excellent too. Many thanks for taking the time and effort for this, and for that back then...
Thank you for your kind comments JHC. They are very much appreciated.
@@RoderickMacdonald I just hope the lessons have been learned, not just from your experience but in the air too. From checking out the situation and the Argentinian side, they aren't going away. This is an existential issue for them, drummed into their school children. Fascism is alive and well.
Cant believe I haven't found this before. Excellent thank you.
Adrian, thank you for your kind comments.
really good to see this movie footage you took,its history captured on film,i was in school at the time 14 and was watching the news to see how things were going for us..all fingers crossed that we would win even though it seemed such a big ask to go that far and do it..so thank you rod for your efforts there it is appreciated for sure
What a precious piece of film. I passed the Cdo course as the war was taking place. I was on guard in Crownhill fort the day the OC returned. One of my first jobs when the men returned was to take the mine injured amputees to hospital in Plymouth every day for physio. Very humbling for a young man. So full of respect. Most of them went on to full careers. Pete Thorpe was SMI of the dive school, I remember one of them played football for the squadrons, and Baz Morgan continued as a diver. In 1983 in Canada, the divers were training with the Canadian Army divers. Baz asked one of the Canadians to pull his wet suit off. The fella didn’t know Baz was missing a foot. As the wetsuit came off, Baz screamed he’d pulled his foot off. For a split second the unfortunate Canadian was horrified! Good to see Smiler Milward on the film. As a young commando Pete Ellis was a hero of mine, my first Sgt Major. Years later he was my OC at EOD. Thanks for posting sir!
Thank you for your very kind comments and thank you too for your service in 59 and beyond.
Roderick, i hope you still have the original 8mm footage with you and well preserved. It is of a huge historical value. Keep it safe.
You make a very good point and thank you. Sadly I do not have the original 8mm film. Just after the conflict I gave them to the BBC who returned them. I should have given them to the Imperial War Museum in London who, now I know years later, would have very much liked to have had them. Thank you again for your wise comment.
Dear Roderick, thanks for responding. Yes, it is sad since there is not much original cinematography about the conflict, every time i find new footage, like yours, i hope it is safely stored. As the technology evolves there are new forms of storing and improving such valuable documents for the generations to come. Thanks so much for sharing it, regards from Argentina.
Very impressive images. Hopefully you have more tapes to upload. Ive been looking for new material given the fact that here in argentina there are not that many, and the ones that there exist have been seen since 82 over and over.
Just seen this and brought back so many memories from 38 years ago. Great to see yourself and other familiar faces. I trust you and your family are well in California despite these crazy and unprecedented times. .... stay safe and alert..... Best REgards, Bill Strachan
Thanks so much for your most kind comments Bill. All is well here in California, thank you. I hope you are safe and well and send you my very best wishes. REspect and REgards
Me on the rope at Port San Carlos
unique historic candid unforgettable insights : my deepest respects
I have a friend who was in 59, he used to tell me about how difficult it was to board the landing crafts from the ships.
Fascinating footage. Thanks for sharing.
Great video, thanks for sharing,
Thank you for your kind comments, they are appreciated ........
Brilliant 🇬🇧🏴
Thank you John. Much appreciated .........
Very interesting, thanks for uploading (list of the music artists please?)
Thanks Phil. The music by Ken McDonald is listed in the credits at the end of the video. His website is kenmcdonaldmusic.com/wordpress/ I am grateful to Ken for allowing me to use his music.
@@RoderickMacdonald thanks, i seemed to miss that, i cant find this music on spotify to add to my library ...... the music really suits your footage
@@philhadfield8464 thanks. You can contact Ken through his website and ask him how you can download his music. Good luck and thank you
Amazing video thank you for sharing. My upmost Respect to you
Thank you for your comment Julie. It is much appreciated. Rod
I remember WO2 Thorpe RE at Junior Leaders Regiment RE Dover in 1985 who is mentioned losing a foot during mine clearance operations and he could still run a BFT faster than most of us 16 year old junior leaders. REgards Sir .
Thanks Chris for your wonderful comment on Pete Thorpe, a very special person.
@@RoderickMacdonald You are welcome sir. REgards
How concerned was the task force about the possibility of a large scale Argentine counter offensive after the landings at San carlos? Did the British leadership make any plans or preparations for such a scenario?
Thank you for your question. We expected and had planned to beat off a counter-attacks, which is why all the infantry were dug in. The entire commando brigade headquarters was underground, camouflaged with its vehicles. As it turned out the only form of argentine counter attack was by air. This was very effective, sinking and damaging ships and delaying our breakout due to lack of supplies ashore.
@Roderick Macdonald That explains it. I have another question if you don't mind. I have always wondered why so many of the main British generals during the recent wars in the Middle east, did not actually serve in the Falklands. The likes of Nick Carter, Peter Wall etc? Or more to the point why the junior commanders who led troops in battle in the Falklands didn't go on to lead British forces prominently in Afghanistan and Iraq?
@@mojo199 Officers in the British military change their roles every two years or less. Who is in command at the time, when any unit or formation is deployed, is a matter of luck. Let's also not forget that the Falklands war was primarily a naval campaign with relatively few (compared to its size) British Army units present. If you want to learn more about British military command in Iraq and Afghanistan I would recommend a book by a fellow Royal Engineer, Major General Christopher Elliott. His excellent book is called, "High Command - British Military Leadership in the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars" published by Oxford University Press.
Proud of our armed forces.
What a fantastic touch of pure class ferrying the Argentinians pows home on British ships
Great contribution to the archives of a forgotten political chapter that the forces got dragged into and as always are our only contribution we are always dumbfounded and in awe of. They never let us down on any level and the fact politico people can use them should be illegal. Lest we forget.
Hey chaps !.... I have a friend who is battling his own demons and was in 59 commando and don't know how to help him
The 59 veterans are a close knit group who help each other. They communicate through Facebook. I don't know where your friend is in the world but if he is in UK, that is the best group to link up with. They communicate via FB Messenger. Good luck and please give him my best wishes. I live in California
@@RoderickMacdonald thanks for responding buddy ...im not on Facebook etc ...but I've been keeping him talking everyday and listen to some cracking memories he has ......i know I've never experienced horrors of the Falkland war etc but he's my friend and I'm not giving up on him
@@RoderickMacdonald he's in the UK
@@RoderickMacdonald I've just emailed the royal engineers website admin for help ...... it's crazy how he and probably many like him where trained to be efficient and lived a life of constant readiness and under constant emotional pressure in the military ....to then just get released and be expected to functional in civvy street like a everyday gentleman
@@RoderickMacdonald just to give you an update he has just told me he has accepted help from a local residential mental health unit . And I'm so happy I'm a bubbling mess 😂😂😂 thanks again for listening
I'm amazed that they couldn't zero their weapons before embarkation
They had, but weapons when moved and banged about in shipment and moving around during a long voyage can go off-zero. So they would check zero and then simply practice. Thanks for your comment.
@@RoderickMacdonald Would have been suitable probably if they were to somehow store the rifles some better way. Maybe just if each guy carried his own with him.
@@Usammityduzntafraidofanythin Good point and all of those things happened. You still need to check though and practice. Your life can depend on it. Thanks again for your comments.
@@RoderickMacdonald Alright, thanks for the engagement man, no problem.
The music :☺️😄
The footage 💀
We have the best armed forces in the world💪💥
Is that the 59 lads making sure they qualified for their parachute pay whilst en route to the south Atlantic.😂😂😂
Glad you enjoyed the video.
@ I did sir it was great.
The Americans said it could not be done. You guys did it anyway. Horrific weather, lack of supplies and equipment. Even basic essentials like food and water. Never forget what you achieved while the odds were against you all.
Operation Granby was a walk in the park compared to what you guys went through.
Then I look at a younger generation who went through Afghanistan and Iraq.
All different conflicts but what it tells me is that we will always, as a nation, fight way above our weight. Regardless of which generation is involved. I do not buy into this concept that "youngsters today" can't fight and win. Every generation seems to prove that wrong. Which brings me hope and yet fear because politicians will exploit that.
They will also leave the armed forces starved of the stuff they need so they can provide tax cuts to the wealthy or fund a crèche facility for hungry penguins in Namibia depending on who holds power at the time.
Thank you for your generous and constructive comment
Malvinas argentinas y no soy argentino .al final los británicos se tendrán qe ir de territorios qe no son suyos
Gracias por comentar. Usted tiene derecho a su opinión
Can anyone tell me the first song..
It is Ken McDonald, Curious Dilemmas from his album, also called, Curious Dilemmas. I have listed all the songs at the end of the film.