The Battle for the Falklands

The Battle for the Falklands
Average customer rating:

Readable, but a bit lacking

Gripping - if one sided

Eminently Readable Account

The politics and logistics of an avoidable war.

The definitive account of a war where many died for so few.

The Battle for the Falklands
Max Hastings & Simon Jenkins
Manufacturer: W. W. Norton & Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Military | History | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ARGENTINE FIGHT FOR THE FALKLANDS (Pen & Sword Military Classics)

The Falklands War 1982 (Essential Histories)

One Hundred Days: The Memoirs of the Falklands Battle Group Commander (Bluejacket Books Series)

Air War in the Falklands 1982 (Osprey Combat Aircraft 28)

Korean War

ASIN: 0393301982

Customer Reviews:

Readable, but a bit lacking.......2007-10-16

I was in college when the Falklands war broke out and never really understood what actually happened and why.

I bought "The Battle for the Falklands" as a way of finding out and whilst this book is easy to read and well written I found it lacked a certain personnel perspective. I researched other titles and ended up seeking out "9 battles to Stanley" by Nicholas Van De Bijl.

This told me more of what I wanted to know in terms of how hard both sides had actually fought and the reality of battle. It showed, in several cases, how close the British forces came to defeat and ultimately that victory was a result of superior training, ability and a certain amount of luck. Despite the rhetoric the Argentineans weren't a walk over and although this book only deals with the land base forces I think it is more realistic and informative.

It certainly helped me understand the sacrifices each side made and the futility of war.

Gripping - if one sided.......2006-09-24

A superb collection of the players and events leading up to the Falklands conflict. The comparisons between the infamous 1983 South Atlantic war and today's headlines are not accidental. Hastings and Jenkins lend a broad stage to the conflict and protray it well as it unfolded among the nations of the world. As the book unfolds, the challenges of an ill equipped force against an uncertain enemy and the politics of every move are made clear. One of the most telling lines was the reference to the revelation of the assault on Goose Green by the BBC prior to the actual attack, a revelation which cost the British and Argentinians additional lives and casualties.

Although there is some treatment of Argentina's perspective, this is largely a book about the UK effort. I was very impressed with the detail, honesty and flow of the work. And nary a mention of Prince Andrew!

Eminently Readable Account.......2004-01-13

The 1983 British bid to recapture the Falkland Islands is one of the most important and least studied military undertakings of recent history. Hastings' book has been around for a long time and it's probably the best known work about the short-lived campaign. It's well researched, well written, and well edited and the order of battle appendix is a nice addition too. The epic foot march across East Falkland (in artic conditions) by the Marines and Paras of the Commando Brigade is only one of a host of impressive accomplishments by British forces. This is a veritable cornucopia of "lessons learned" from infantry operations, to air defense conundrums, to fleet tactics, to logistical problem-solving, it's all in here. If you're a military professional, this is a must read. It's too bad there are not more titles available on this topic.

The politics and logistics of an avoidable war........2004-01-03

This has to be the most definitive account, from a British perspective, of a war that continues to invoke emotive reactions when discussed either side of the Atlantic. The narrative is perfectly balanced with the immediacy of the action described by Max hasting who was on the ground with the Task Force and the intrigue of the politics explained with unnerving clarity by Simon Jenkings. The book interwieves a stark narrative of the realities of battle with an enlightening view on the working of politicians and their influence on the start and ultimate outcome of war. While the book should appeal for those with a thirst for the factual, there is sufficient analysis of both the strategy of battle and the politics of war to satisfy most. I began reading this book looking for answers to how and why the war started, in this regard I feel the account fully satisfied my curiosity. What surprised me was the degree to which the descriptions of the strategy for naval warfare invoked images and scenarios that were as reminiscent of ancient history as they were relevant to contemporary conflicts. Descriptions of diplomatic efforts to forestall a war, the series of mis-communications that led ultimately to open conflict, the initial celebrations in suport of the Task Force and the ultimate subdued reaction to conclusion of war all make sobering reading. For detailed tactical accounts of naval battles this must be one of the best case studies since the Second World War. The ultimate question as to whether the war was justified or otherwise is analysed in conclusion although the authors err on the side of impartiality raising more questions than answers. A thoroughly recommended read.

The definitive account of a war where many died for so few........2004-01-03

One Hundred Days: The Memoirs of the Falklands Battle Group Commander (Bluejacket Books Series)

Average customer rating:

A wonderful look at leadership and at combat
One Hundred Days: The Memoires of the Falklands Battle Group...
One Hundred Days -- And Still a Damn Near Run Thing
Exceptional war memoir!
Woodward/Courage 101

One Hundred Days: The Memoirs of the Falklands Battle Group Commander (Bluejacket Books Series)
Sandy Woodward , and Patrick Robinson
Manufacturer: US Naval Institute Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Similar Items:

The Battle for the Falklands
U.S.S. Seawolf
Kilo Class
The Falklands War 1982 (Essential Histories)
ARGENTINE FIGHT FOR THE FALKLANDS (Pen & Sword Military Classics)

ASIN: 1557506523

Customer Reviews:

A wonderful look at leadership and at combat.......2007-08-10

Woodward had done a masterful job, with his writing assistant, of describing the issues of command, the concern about sending others into combat where they may lose their life, the need to keep in mind what is central about a mission, and so many other thoughts about what leadership means. This book is a study of BOTH (1) management of a large task (be it war, be it a large company or nonprofit, be it of government) when dealing with an adversary compelled to fight you (be it the other side in a war, be it a company fighting you for market share, be it a Democrat or Republican that believes as you do not), and (2) of management of a military war where weapons are wielded by you and weapons are wielded or threatened against you. The real-life drama of uncertainty of events, of certainty of purpose, and of just what went on in this saga is of interest to very many readers. I have British friends, I have Argentian friends, and no matter which side you believe is right (both have their points) this is a good book about a mission one is given and how one needs to carry it out, and the thoughts and second-thoughts that must go through any leader's mind.

Read this as a book about leadership, and you will do fine. Read this as a book about war, and you will also do fine. Read this as a book about both, and you'll get even more out of it.

One Hundred Days: The Memoires of the Falklands Battle Group..........2007-03-10

The book was received in excellent condition. The story is well written and very interesting. Would recommend it highly.

One Hundred Days -- And Still a Damn Near Run Thing.......2007-02-17

As Wellington famously said of the Hundred Days Campaign culminating in the Battle of Waterloo, the Falklands Campaign was a also damn near run thing, according to the Battle Group Commander, Adm Sandy Woodward, in this excellent book. Writing in what can best be called a distinctly British style, Woodward takes the reader into the bridge of the Hermes, his command ship for the Falklands expedition. What we get is a brutally honest, technically detailed, and gripping narrative not only into how the British pulled off a decisive victory, but also the self-doubts and mentally taxing minutia of a Commander sending troops and sailors into harm's way. This book is especially valuable for its detailed description of how navies fight. This is no small task. For example, the reader learns how:

1. submarines track ships and the risks they run to track them and shoot them. The example of the sinking of the General Belgrano is first rate
2. how a routine matter such as cross-decking troops between ships bedevils commanders and can end in tragedy
3. ship's tactics for defending themselves against aircraft (this is particularly helpful. In the US military, we have become so accustomed to air and sea superiority that those who operate on the ground take it for granted. It's not! It must be gained and earned - if need be, the hard way.)
4. The inevitable tension that will arise between sea, air, and land commanders during the prosecution of an amphibious campaign. We get Woodward's side here, but he is brutally honest on when he was right and when he was wrong.
5. The role of destroyers, frigates, aircraft carriers, amphibs, and supply ships, and the risks they ran -- and still do -- to do their jobs.

This is one of the only books I know of that actually explains how modern navies fight, and it is thus indispensable to navy officers and to those who seek to learn more on control of the seas.

Exceptional war memoir!.......2005-07-23

This is an absolutely first-rate memoir by the man who led the British fleet to victory in the Falkland Islands War. Only 50 years-old when he was chosen to lead the battle group to recapture the islands in 1982 (hard to believe this gentleman is now 73!), Admiral Sir John F. "Sandy" Woodward was courageous and competent commander. That being the case, he is also refreshingly honest and humble as he tells his remarkable story.

As the Admiral mentions in the epilogue, many will always regard the Falklands as having been "a pushover war - the mighty Brits crushing the ridiculous Args" (349). But as this book makes clear, it was anything but a cakewalk. The Argentinian sailors and pilots were brave and worthy oponents. The British fleet took heavy casualties: 6 ships sunk (2 destroyers, 2 frigates, 1 amphibious warfare vessel and the transport vessel Atlantic Conveyor with its precious cargo of 10 Wessex and 4 Chinook helicopters). Another 10 ships were badly damaged. Many of these were not sunk only because the Argentinian bombs reguarly failed to detonate. The British, of course, won decisively though, thanks to the professionalism and courage of the British forces. But it was an intense and bloody six weeks.

The campaign was also a turning point in the history of naval warfare. Although anti-ship missiles were first used to sink Syrian missile boats by the Israelis back in 1973, the destruction of HMS Sheffield by the French Exocet missiles fired from Super-Etendard fighter-bombers grabbed the attention of the world's militaries. Newsweek's subsequent cover-story on the incident read "Falklands Fallout: Are Big Ships Doomed?" Many wondered if large warships had been rendered obsolete by the effectiveness of anti-ship missiles. Indeed, the two British aircraft carriers in the South Atlantic were very vulnerable. If even one of them had been put out of commission by an Exocet, it is unlikely the Falklands could have been recaptured. It is very interesting to read about how the British struggled with some of their new high-tech weaponry such as the Sea Dart. It took some failed attempts in battle before the bugs got worked out and they got comfortable with the new system.

Admiral Woodward is an excellent writer. His descriptions of the battles are riveting, especially the moments of calamity such as when HMS Sheffield was crippled by Exocets. You really get a sense of the fear, anxiety and adrenaline. It's as exciting as any Tom Clancy novel without a doubt.

Woodward/Courage 101.......2004-07-21

Into the finest traditions of The Royal Navy ( and any other righteous, but self-anylizing, self-depricating, hero-by-fire war-tested veteran), we are allowed an inside view into a theater-of-war that we, who have never paid the price, secretley covet. Gallentry, selflessness, pride of country, pride of duty, discipline, all seem to be the lost arts of the past, but Woodward and others in this telling instruct us that, to this day,our young men and women rise to the occasion, as in the days of old. What is that extraordinary part of us that is able to trandsend all our own limitations and push beyond to victory, over our enemy and over ourselves? This book may help you to answer that question!

Battle for the Falklands (1) : Land Forces (Men-At-Arms Series, 133)

Average customer rating:

Good descriptions and interesting

Battle for the Falklands (1) : Land Forces (Men-At-Arms Series, 133)
Will Fowler
Manufacturer: Osprey Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Similar Items:

Argentine Forces in the Falklands (Men-at-Arms)
Battle for the Falklands (2) : Naval Forces (Men-At-Arms Series, 134)
Battle for the Falklands (3) : Air Forces (Men-At-Arms Series, 135)
Air War in the Falklands 1982 (Osprey Combat Aircraft 28)
The Royal Marines 1939-93 (Elite)

ASIN: 0850454824
Release Date: 1982-11-25

Book Description

On the night of 1–2 April 1982, the Argentinian Junta led by Gen. Leopoldo Galtieri made its move against the Falkland Islands. On 3 April British Prime Minister Mrs. Margaret Thatcher faced an appalled and furious House of Commons to announce that Argentine armed forces had landed on British sovereign territory; had captured the men of Royal Marine detachment NP8901; had run up the Argentine flag at Government House; and had declared the islands and their population to be Argentine. This absorbing text by William Fowler details the land forces that contested the Falklands War.

Customer Reviews:

Good descriptions and interesting.......2001-07-21

It's a good book to get information about the Falklands Campaign, orders of battle, detailed equipment, forces involved and good pictures and plates. It is an excellent research.

The problem is that it is almost completely focused on British Forces and their point of view (event about statistics. I think you must have it if you are interested in the last modern war fought between two Western countries for an old "colonial" adjustment...

Battle Atlas of the Falklands War 1982 by Land, Sea and Air

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Battle Atlas of the Falklands War 1982 by Land, Sea and Air
Gordon, Smith
Manufacturer: Lulu Enterprises, UK Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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The Battle for the Falklands
AMPHIBIOUS ASSAULT FALKLANDS: The Battle of San Carlos Water
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2 Para's Battle for Darwin Hill and Goose Green
The Official History of the Falklands, Vol 2: The 1982 Falklands War and it's Aftermath (Cabinet Office Series of Official Histories)

ASIN: 1847539505

Book Description

Battle Atlas of the Falklands War 1982 from the occupation of South Georgia and the Falklands Islands/Malvinas by the Argentines, the assembly and dispatch of the British Task Force, to the reconquest of the islands. Includes 48 maps, 51 photographs, and appendices listing British ships and aircraft and Argentine aircraft losses and British gallantry awards

One Hundred Days: The Memoirs of the Falklands Battle Group Commander

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One Hundred Days: The Memoirs of the Falklands Battle Group Commander
Sandy; Robinson, Patrick Woodward
Manufacturer: Naval Institute Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0002157233

Amphibious Assault Falklands: The Battle of San Carlos Water

Average customer rating:

A singularly credible account.
It takes Logistics to conduct the amphibious operations
Battle from the top
Buried in logistics -- where's the war?

Amphibious Assault Falklands: The Battle of San Carlos Water
Micheal Clapp , and Ewen Southby-Tailyour
Manufacturer: US Naval Institute Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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The Battle for the Falklands
The Falklands War 1982 (Essential Histories)
Battle Atlas of the Falklands War 1982 by Land, Sea and Air
One Hundred Days: The Memoirs of the Falklands Battle Group Commander (Bluejacket Books Series)
ARGENTINE FIGHT FOR THE FALKLANDS (Pen & Sword Military Classics)

ASIN: 1557500282

Customer Reviews:

A singularly credible account........2007-06-01

2007 sees the 25th anniversary of the Falklands War of 1982. In the UK at least, it seems as though everyone and each of our television channels is reliving that war in one way or another. Some authors and commentators are simply climbing onto the bandwagon with material which, to put it simply, is suspect. NOT SO!, with this book.

Michael Clapp was "Commodore Amphibious Warfare" during the Falklands War and co-author Ewen Southby-Tailyour was a serving Royal Marine Officer during that same conflict and whose knowledge of the waters of the Falklands was so invaluable before during and even after the landings. It was Southby-Tailyour who warned the officer in charge (Not!, the Commanding Officer I hasten to add) of the party of Welsh Guardsmen on board the "Sir Galahad" to get ashore before they were attacked and offered assistance to this end. That officer, incidentally, refused the request and the Sir Galahad was later attacked with great loss of life.

Those, then, are the credentials of the two men who have collaborated in the writing of this book. It is an important historic document.

The Captain of any ship is "Master" of that ship. He also commands all the ship's boats and is ultimately responsible for ensuring the safe embarkation and disembarkation of all on board. From ships lifeboats (even life-rafts) to assault craft, considerable training and expertise is required in getting passengers safely away and safely ashore. Never more so than when under fire from a belligerent enemy.

In early 1982, a hastily assembled Royal Navy Task Force was steaming towards the Falkland Islands which had been invaded by a foreign force. The British troops on board the various ships were tried and tested veterans of Northern Ireland but had no experience of what was to come. Worse still, apart from the Commandos, most had little or not experience in going to war by sea.

The responsibility for putting them safely ashore rested with their Royal Navy `chauffeurs' and that responsibility came down to Michael Clapp. In this book he reveals - with considerable honesty, the full story of the events that led to the resultant victory on land. In so doing he had to adopt old, forgotten methods in a bid to find common ground for all concerned. It upset some - but then nobody likes change foisted upon them, especially senior officers. Point is, it worked!

The reasons why San Carlos Water was chosen is fully explained and, with hindsight, is probably the one single factor - more than any other, that led to the eventual victory.

I can identify with a no-nonsense, straight-talking officer who cares not what feathers he may ruffle when given an important task. It says much for his style and the decisions he took that nobody - senior officer or below, has ever challenged his honesty or the importance of this book.

For those with an interest in the Falklands war of 1982, this is essential reading.

NM
(Retired British army major)

It takes Logistics to conduct the amphibious operations.......2002-04-25

1. I had read this book about two years ago and liked it great deal....Falkland war was a unique war in many respects. It was a war fought on doorsteps of adversary by a nation thousands of miles away. To regain a piece of land (or should I say an island) captured by not so weak enemy, whose logistics train was much much shorter was per-se a military operation, but in true sense it was first of all a major logistics exercise to make that military might reach that far from UK and then make that military might fight the battle. Operations actually were a much smaller part of the whole game.

2. Commodore Michael Clapp, was Commander of Amphibious Task Force of Royal Navy. He was the man at the most happening part of the war. It was very easy for him to push all the shortcomings and problems under the carpet and brag about the successes, which were by no means small. The virtues of the Victor are generally remembered and the vices forgotten. One must however remember that the ones who do not learn from history (past lessons) soon themselves become history. Commodore Clapp has been forthright in his approach and has very systematically brought out the chaos and problems of such operations. In the fog of war confusion and chaos would reign, but a side that minimises it, generally fares better.

3. He has highlighted as to how the then strategic perspective of UK had resulted into cutting of forces. How a maritime nation had become land centric and was reducing its naval forces. In such circumstances, it received a jolt at Falklands, which was contrary to the perception prevailing at that time. This jolt forced an ill prepared nation to gather itself and brace up for war. What was achieved in such a short span was commendable, but Cmde Clapp has done an essential service by putting the preparations and the war in correct perspective. Highlighting the plus and the minus dispassionately. Britain won the war, but few set backs due to logistics problems would have turned the tables. When at war one must fight whole-heartedly, but an analysis in retrospect is always very important to learn from them and not to repeat the same mistakes next time. Cmde Clapp deserves praise for doing that essential task, though it might have been unpleasant to do so.

4. A must read for those having interest in maritime affairs in general and in amphibious operations in particular.

Battle from the top.......2000-08-14

I found the book "Amphibious Assault falklands" very interesting. It gives us the perspective of one of the leaders of the campain, and shows us all the considerations and planning before the assult. Together with the book "No picninc" I think this in one of the most informative books about the war, if you want to know the war from the top.

Buried in logistics -- where's the war?.......1999-01-11

If you are writing about the Falklands War, this would be an important source book for details on some aspects. But if you want to know about the war, pick another book. Michael Clapp was Commodore (permanent rank was Captain) of the amphibious assault force, the naval officer in overall command of getting the marines a soldiers ashore along with their supplies. His book, written with a colleague, is a numbing and intensive description of logistical matters liberally strewn with incomprehensible acronyms. Much muted complaining about bad communications and fuzzy organization. It's a wonder the Argentines lost! Events outside his immediate concern get little notice. Sinking of the Belgrano and its consequences merits a mere dismissal as left wing whining. There is no sense of humanity here at all. Still, one has to give credit for the enormous logistical task successfully completed at such a distance from home base. But it's easy to put down.

ARGENTINE FIGHT FOR THE FALKLANDS (Pen & Sword Military Classics)

Average customer rating:

Well written
A must read if you have any interest in this conflict...
The Falklands War from an Argentine Perspective?

ARGENTINE FIGHT FOR THE FALKLANDS (Pen & Sword Military Classics)
Martin Middlebrook
Manufacturer: Pen and Sword
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Military | History | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

The Battle for the Falklands
The Falklands War 1982 (Essential Histories)
One Hundred Days: The Memoirs of the Falklands Battle Group Commander (Bluejacket Books Series)
Land That Lost Its Heroes
Air War in the Falklands 1982 (Osprey Combat Aircraft 28)

ASIN: 0850529786

Book Description

This book provides new light on the way the Argentine forces were organized for war, the plans and reactions of the commanders, the sufferings of the soldiers and the shame and disillusionment of defeat. Martin Middlebrook has produced a genuine 'first' with this unique work.

Martin Middlebrook is the only British historian to have been granted open access to the Argentines who planned and fought the Falklands War. It ranks with Liddel Hart's The Other side of the Hill in analyzing and understanding the military thinking and strategies of Britain's sometime enemy, and is essential reading for all who wish to understand the workings of military minds.

The book provides new light on the way Argentine forces were organized for war, the plans and reactions of the commanders, the sufferings of the soldiers and the shame and disillusionment of defeat.

Customer Reviews:

Well written.......2007-08-15

A good book covering the angles from a different side - detailed in some areas but silent on others especially as a cross reference against the very British publications (eg Max Hastings etc).
A very good book on the individual stories and very well worth the read if nothing more than on the very different perspective from the Argentine side.

A must read if you have any interest in this conflict..........2007-05-10

I have never read one of Mr Middlebrook's books before, but I am now searching for other titles by him. Because this was one of those books that I had a hard time putting down. Up front let me say that my nationalty is British and I can remember the Falklands War like it was yesterday. However despite having read numerous accounts of the British Victory very little has been said from the perspective of the soldiers who wore the Argentine Unform. This book changes all that, and thru what where obviously some pretty intense interviews as you read this book you start to get a feeling and even an understanding of the passions and emotions of the young soldiers facing the Brits. In the western press we hear about the superiority of the British War machine during the conflict; however the Argentines did put up a spirited if ineffective defence of the Falklands. Another thing that I thought was very interesting about this book is that we get to see how and why misinformation was distributed in the fog of war. I suppose the difference between the British and Argentine governments is that we laid open the books after the conflict to the public versus the Argentines who outright lied to preserve face. Then there are the issues of the foot soldiers on the Argentine side who despite facing what is arguable the best trained army in the world, displayed uncommon gallantry far and above what the pro British press has previously reported. About the only thing I wish Mr Middlebrook had fleshed out a little more is politcs of the Argentines on the mainland.

The Falklands War from an Argentine Perspective?.......2005-08-24

For those of you looking for something different to Sir Lawrence Freedman's official history, or Max Hastings 'Falklands War', try Martin Middlebrook's 'The Argentine Fight for the Falklands'. I bought it thinking it was another Argentine perspective. But for Falklands analysts it is still worth having in the library. Pages 131-132 alone are worth the price. Two British frigates were very nearly sunk by an Argentine submarine. Why they survived makes interesting reading and is very useful for capability analysis today.

The Falklands War (Twentieth Century Wars)

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The Falklands War (Twentieth Century Wars)
D. George Boyce
Manufacturer: Palgrave Macmillan
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Book Description

This book traces the interaction of war and diplomacy and analyzes why the Falklands conflict of 1982 engaged the British and Argentine people in a deeply personal way. It also examines the interpretation of the war in Britain, revealing how the war--a successful one--was seen by its critics as an example of "Thatcher's Britain." This "small war" exemplified what one historian calls "the myriad faces of war" and had--and has--resonances larger than its size.

Average customer rating:

Get over it Juan, you lost !
A Mighty Close Run Thing
A good picture

Nine Battles to Stanley
Nick Van der Bijl
Manufacturer: Pen and Sword
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Forward Into Hell
3 PARA - MOUNT LONGDON - THE BLOODIEST BATTLE (Elite Operations)
5th Infantry Brigade in the Falklands War
2 Para's Battle for Darwin Hill and Goose Green
Goose Green (Cassell Military Paperbacks)

ASIN: 0850526191

Book Description

The 1982 campaign in the Falklands continues to fascinate a wide audience, both in Great Britain and beyond. Nick van der Bijl describes in detail all the major actions of the campaign and, unlike some European writers, has interviewed Argentine participants and reveals a number of key factors that were not apparent to the British at the time.

Customer Reviews:

Get over it Juan, you lost !.......2005-02-28

It was a close run thing yes; the British retook the Falklands on Argentina's doorstep, 8000 miles from the UK, with a fraction of the manpower employed by the Argentinians. There was never any doubt that the Argentinians could fight, but they met a more highly trained and tougher force in the British.
Democracy 1, Fascism Nil.

A Mighty Close Run Thing.......2003-04-17

This work investigates the British post-war myths that have grown unchallenged. The Spanish-speaking author was an intelligence officer in 3 Commando Brigade (Royal Marines) and heard 3 Commando Brigade's commander and the 3 Para battalion commander conferring by radio on the night of June 11/12 1982. THERE WAS A TREMENDOUS TEMPTATION TO WITHDRAW 3 PARA FROM MONTE LONGDON; most of the opposition coming from the 7th Infantry Regiment platoon of First Lieutenant Raul Castaneda. The Argentine platoon is recorded by the author of having 'gained a reputation for reckless courage', and forcing a temporary British withdrawal. Two platoons from 3 Para had to withdraw and leave casualties behind when it came under accurate fire from the 7th Infantry Platoon.
Van der Bijl was fortunate in being able to interview most of the Argentine regimental commanders involved in the battles of the land war. Lieutenant-Colonel Omar Gimenez said his 7th Infantry Regiment on Wireless Ridge had been overwhelmed by superior firepower. Van der Bijl also met the Commanding Officer of the 4th Infantry Regiment whose name is Diego Soria. The Argentine colonel said he and his B Company commander discussed the possibility of breaking out from Monte Harriet after the counterattack by his regiment had failed. Van der Bijl was also fortunate in being given the war diaries of the Argentine Special Forces - on one occasion the 3 Para Patrols Platoon ambushed several Army Commandos from Compania de Comandos 601 but they had not counted on the courage of the Argentine Commandos at close quarter. The Argentines charged headlong into the ambush and were able to route the Paras on this occasion! The most controversial clash occured in the early morning of Malvinas Day (June 10). During a fierce action two Argentine Commandos were killed. Major Aldo Rico from Compania de Comandos 602 was reported as having said that the battle was fought on the centre of Murrell River, and he claimed at least four Royal Marines were killed.
The author tells for the first time the true story of the Malvinas Land War, as seen through the eyes of both the British professional soldiers and the Argentine conscripts and regulars. According to Nick van der Bijl the Argentines fought well. During the attack on Cerro Dos Hermanas (Two Sisters) the 4th Regiment platoon of Second Lieutenant Marcelo Llambias-Pravaz with limited night visibility devices (2 night vision goggles) blocked 45 Commando's X-Ray Company for three hours before caving in! On the eastern end of Two Sisters the 6th Regiment platoon of Second Lieutenant Aldo Franco engaged in holding 45 Commando's Yankee Company off along the eastern ridge. The Argentine platoon conducted a spectacularly successful delaying action employing the standard leap frog tactics; one section on the ground holding the Royal Marines off, one section setting up the next fall back position and one section in movement and caused the proposed attack on Mount Tumbledown by the 45 Commando battalion commander to be aborted! And the author found that it took 42 Commando's L Company (on Monte Harriet) nearly SIX HOURS TO ADVANCE 600 METRES. The Argentine platoon which had held them up was commanded by Second Lieutenant Eugenio Bruny who was wounded and was later decorated.
It was reported in the United States that the British Artillery gave the British infantry their advantage over the Argentines. In the final count the British relied on anti-tank rocket launchers in close quarter combat.
But then the whole thing would have been different if the 2nd, 14th and 17th Airborne Infantry Regiments (from the Argentine Army 4th Airborne Brigade) had been parachuted across Wickham Heights, the Venezuelan government reportedly offering a brigade of their own parachute troops to help in Malvinas!!!

A good picture.......2000-08-14

I found this book, although expensive, a good general review of the war. Having read approx 20 books on the subject, there were still some unknown points. However, there were a few faults! One of the main ones is that Argentine relatives were never refused permission to visit the graves of their relatives. By stating this, it made the Islanders look inhuman and uncaring, which they were not!

Average customer rating:

An exhaustive, critical, and carefully presented survey

Not Mentioned in Despatches
Spencer Fitz-Gibbon
Manufacturer: Lutterworth Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
ASIN: 0718830164

Book Description

A feat of arms and gallantry probably unsurpassed in the glorious history of the British Army' was the description by the Chief of Defence Staff of the decisive victory at Goose Green in 1982 during the Falklands War. How true a picture does this statement give? Spencer Fitz-Gibbon's detailed examination explodes some of the myths surrounding the battle and the part played in it by Colonel H. Jones, V.C. The book explains how the system of tactical command known as 'restrictive control' nearly led to defeat rather than victory, and that it was the death of Colonel Jones and the resulting switch to the alternative 'directive command' style that enabled the British to win the day. This fascinating and important book - required reading for anyone with a serious interest in warfare, organisation studies, and management generally, as well as those concerned about history becomes distorted - shows how important lessons have been ignored as a result of inaccurate reporting and unquestioning glorification of the British performance. The Author: Spencer Fitz-Gibbon's book grew out of his Ph.D. thesis 'Tactics, Command and Military Culture: A Study of 2 Para at Darwin-Goose Green'. He has published many articles on military theory and tactics.

Customer Reviews:

An exhaustive, critical, and carefully presented survey.......2003-02-10

Meticulously researched and deftly written by military expert and historian Spencer Fitz-Gibbon, Not Mentioned In Despatches...: The History And Mythology Of The Battle Of Goose Green is an informed and informative analysis of the decisive British victory at Goose Green over the Argentinean forces in the 1982 "Falklands War". Examining incorrect beliefs that have been distorted to the proportion of myth, as well as presenting the specific dynamics of the battle itself in minute detail as it actually unfolded, Not Mentioned In Despatches... is an exhaustive, critical, and carefully presented survey and analysis taking the reader beneath the surface of what has been said in previous military histories and commentaries, in order to better understand what really happened.

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