 | A Westland Sea King takes off after transporting troops from San Carlos to Darwin, 28 May 1982. |
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| A Short History of the Falklands Conflict | On 2 April 1982, Argentinian forces invaded the British overseas territory of the Falkland Islands. This marked the start of a 74-day undeclared war between Britain and Argentina.
Sovereignty over the islands had been contested by Argentina since 1833. Most Falkland Islanders were of British descent and opposed the Argentinian claim. Argentinian President Leopoldo Galtieri decided to take control of the islands by force.
The islands lay 8,000 miles from mainland Britain. British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher authorised a military operation to retake them. Codenamed Corporate, it was the first since the Second World War in which all branches of the British armed forces deployed at the same time.
Within days, a British task force had set sail for the South Atlantic. 127 warships, submarines and requisitioned merchant ships took part.
On 30 April, the Task Force imposed a 200-mile Total Exclusion Zone around the Falklands. This prohibited all aircraft and ships of any nationality from entering. On 2 May, the Royal Navy submarine HMS Conqueror sank the Argentinian cruiser General Belgrano, resulting in the loss of over 300 lives.
Two days later, the destroyer HMS Sheffield was struck by an AM39 Exocet missile fired from an Argentinian fighter aircraft. Twenty were killed in the explosion and resulting fire, which destroyed the ship.
In total, seven British ships were lost and others were seriously damaged during the conflict. The attacks on RFA Sir Galahad, RFA Sir Tristram and SS Atlantic Conveyor were particularly devastating.
From 21 May onwards the Task Force landed 4,000 troops unopposed at San Carlos and Ajax Bay in East Falkland. They faced a numerically superior but largely conscripted Argentinian army. Lack of cover and air superiority forced the British to attack Argentinian positions by night.
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 | After the bombing of RFA Sir Galahad, 9 June 1982. |
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| On 29 May, British troops took the settlement of Goose Green. 2nd Battalion, Parachute Regiment fought fiercely. Its commander, Lieutenant-Colonel Herbert ‘H’ Jones, was killed during the battle.
Colonel Jones was one of two soldiers to receive a posthumous award of the Victoria Cross for gallantry during the conflict. The other, Sergeant Ian McKay, was killed on 12 June during the Battle of Mount Longdon. His medal is on display in the Lord Ashcroft Gallery at IWM London.
British troops faced an advance of 56 miles across East Falkland to the islands’ capital, Port Stanley. They encountered difficult terrain, enemy minefields and hostile weather. Half had to complete the march on foot. The helicopters supposed to transport them had been lost onboard the SS Atlantic Conveyor which sank on 28 May.
One of the most famous images from the conflict was taken by Royal Marines photographer Petty Officer Peter Holdgate. It shows Corporal Peter Robinson ‘yomping’ to Port Stanley with a Union flag fixed to his radio antenna.
Media coverage of the war popularised the term ‘yomp’. This is Royal Marines slang meaning a long-distance march carrying full kit.
After fierce fighting in the mountains around Port Stanley, Argentinian forces surrendered on 14 June. British troops arrived in Port Stanley the same day to an enthusiastic welcome from the islanders. Over 11,000 Argentinian troops were disarmed and repatriated to Argentina.
In total, 907 lives were lost during the conflict: 649 Argentinian, 255 British and three Falkland Islanders. Today, the islands remain British overseas territories. The dispute with Argentina is still unresolved.
IWM is marking 40 years since the Falklands conflict with new exhibits at IWM London and IWM North, and brand-new digital content.
Click here to find out more. |
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 | | | CHANGE TO
OPENING TIMES | We are pleased to announce that all of our five branches are now open daily.
Please check our website for individual branch opening hours.
We look forward to welcoming you to one of our branches soon. | |
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| Free Family Activities at IWM this Easter Holiday | There's lots for families to discover across our branches between 4-18 April.
Please check our website for dates and details of events taking place.
All activities are free with general admission and recommended for families with children aged 7+. |
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 | CBBC's Ben Shires |
| Get a taste for how important chocolate was during the Second World War with CBBC's Ben Shires in a brand new interactive live show.
Immerse yourself in our collections through a guided family mission with a special chocolate-themed edition of Story Seekers.
Meet and learn from our veterans and eyewitnesses in We Were There. Hear personal stories, recollections and nostalgic tales from those who have seen conflict.
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