Memories and comments on my time as an 18 year old sailor who saw action in the Falklands war of 1982. Written in 2012 to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the conflict.
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15th June 1982 - The first day of peace.
Argentine soldiers based around the Falklands were are transferred to British ships before processing and being sent home.
1100 Hands to action stations.
1150 Fallout from action stations.
1605 Ship in Falkland Sound.
1730 Ship anchored off Port Howard.
2000 Start the embarkation of 700 prisoners from West Falkland. Prisoners to be housed in the half deck, tanks deck and the LCMs [landing craft].
0030 Return to San Carlos Water and disembark prisoners to Canberra.
At 2100 on the 14th June the Argentinian force’s commander on the Falkland Islands signed the unconditional surrender of all Argentinian troops on both East and West Falkland. Altogether 17,000 men will be treated, fed and finally returned to Argentina.
HMS Intrepid took a major part in the clearing of the Falkland Islands. We became the management ship for the clean-up of West Falkland and parts of East Falkland. We provided help to the local civilian population in the form of repairs, food and medical help. After this operation was complete we sailed to Port Stanley to embark troops and equipment of 29 Commando Royal Artillery before finally heading home to the UK.
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14th June 1982 - The final day of conflict.
One of HMS Intrepid's bofors guns. These guns saw much action during the month of June 1982
0023 Hands to action stations, possible surface threat. HMS Minerva has picked up possible surface contact to her south west. May be a fast patrol boat sheltering close in land in our vicinity.
0120 Air contact 125 miles to the west.
0125 Aircraft 75 miles to the west.
0131 Aircraft 40 miles and closing.
0141 Raid just passed very close, second raid on its way.
0144 One enemy aircraft to the east, 20 miles. Raid that flew over us in now 20 miles to the south and opening CAP have been deployed from HMS Invincible.
0150 Contacts 40 miles to the east over Port Stanley. CAP believed to be at 45 miles.
0152 Contact 24 miles.
0153 Aircraft 18 miles and closing.
0157 Aircraft opening. One flew over us 10 miles to our stern. We have got good cloud cover tonight and they didn’t spot us, we are very lucky people.
0159 All aircraft opening. The ship will stay at action stations and proceed to the rendezvous, ETA 1 hour 15 minutes.
0340 Three inch rockets fired. Flash on the horizon which could be an exocet missile being launched or could be troops advancing ashore.
0350 One LCM [landing craft] out and four to be recovered.
0435 LCMs recovered. Now heading back to San Carlos Water. Report: HMS Penelope has been attacked by six aircraft, exocet was launched at her but the attack failed.
0500 Fallout from action stations.
1630 C130 aircraft in the area, CAP has been deployed.
1635 CAP are investigating contact. If found it will be brought to land at either Darwin or Port Stanley.
1645 C130 is probably heading for the mainland but there is still a possibility it is in the area.
1700 Aircraft in the vicinity.
1705 It is a CAP.
The Argentine forces are believed to have surrendered and are now negotiating the time of the formal surrender. They have been told to lay down their arms.
Happy day!
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13th June 1982
Stores and supplies are delivered to Intrepid by Chinnock helicopter
1100 Hands to action stations.
1130 Fallout from action stations.
1440 reports of aircraft expected in area at 1515.
1501 Hands to action stations.
1506 Raid closing to the south west, 50 miles at 40,000 feet.
1519 Aircraft has attacked troops ashore.
1540 Aircraft 90 miles to the west and opening.
1544 No aircraft now in the vicinity.
1545 Report from ashore: No casualties, one aircraft was seen trailing smoke probably splashed to the north west.
1505 Fallout from action stations.
1853 Hands to action stations.
1855 Contact to the north west.
1858 CAP are in the vicinity of aircraft. Now retreated to 70 miles.
1900 Two aircraft closing 58 miles, north east.
1902 Aircraft opening.
1922 Fallout from action stations.
2030 Commence passage to Bluff Cove.
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12th June 1982
HMS Glamorgan crew members inspect the damage after being hit by an Exocet missile fired from an improvised Argentine launcher set up on land on the Falklands. 14 crew members lost their lives.
0755 HMS Glamorgan has been hit by an Exocet and is retiring to safer waters, her fires are coming under control and CAP are providing cover.
1100 Hands to action stations.
1130 Fallout from action stations.
1703 Hands to action stations.
1704 Super Etendard threat to the north west.
1800 Report, two CAP to the north west, one CAP to the south west, one to thhe south and one refuelling.
1816 CAP to Port Stanley to investigate two contacts.
1830 Fallout from action stations.
2249 Aircraft at 100 miles, possibly a Canbarra, be prepared to go to action stations.
2252 Aircraft now turning away 165 miles.
Today saw the beginning of the push on Port Stanley. Reports coming in from ashore speak of large Argentinian surrenders and “bloody battles”.
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11th June 1982
RFA Blue Rover in 1982
1100 Hands to action stations.
1157 Fallout from action stations.
1600 RFA Blue Rover birthed alongside. Intrepid refuelling with diesel, aviation fuel and air gas.
2100 Sail for the Fitzroy and Bluff Cover area.
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10th June 1982
Royal Navy Harriers (CAP aircraft) in 1982.
1100 Hands to action stations.
1150 Fallout from action stations.
1445 Hands to action stations.
1520 Fallout from action stations.
1716 Hands to action stations.
1717 Aircraft to the west, 90 miles.
1717 Three CAP in the vicinity.
1720 Aircraft to the west being covered by CAP and HMS Exeter’s missiles.
1722 CAP are mixing with hostiles 50 miles to the west.
1723 Enemy aircraft have turned tail.
1725 Aircraft 70 miles to the west.
1730 No hostile aircraft within 70 miles. CAP refuelling and repositioning.
1855 Fallout from action stations.
2130 Sail for Fitzroy and Bluff Cover to recover one of HMS Fearless’ L.C.M.s [landing craft].
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9th June 1982
1100 Hands to action stations.
1145 Fallout from action stations.
1315 Information indicates air threat in approximately 25 minutes.
1343 Hands to action stations.
1355 Contacts being investigated down to the north east by CAP.
1805 Hands to action stations.
1808 Aircraft to the north west, 25 miles.
1910 Possible enemy contact to the eat 40 miles.
1911 Aircraft to the south being investigated by CAP.
1912 CAP have proceeded to the south east at about 40 miles.
1915 CAP report no contact with enemy air raft.
1935 CAP still on station with a possible contact to the south.
1944 Fallout from action stations.
Reports have filtered through to the ship of up to 155 casualties on the L.S.L.s1 Sir Galahad and Sir Tristram. Up to 402 feared dead. Both ships had no cover whatsoever.
L.S.L. stands for Landing Ship Logistics, both Sir Galahad and Sir Tristram were designed to provide supporting roles to the Royal Navy and in particular amphibious operations. It was ships such as HMS Intrepid and Fearless who should perform the main “fighting” tasks. However, the demands in the Falklands conflict were such that both Sir Galahad and Sir Tristram, plus their sisters, were often involved in front line operations. As was the case when they were attacked at Bluff Cove.
The final death toll from this attack was 48 troops and seamen.
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8th June 1982
1100 Hands to action stations.
1120 Electronic warfare report aircraft down to the west.
1139 An air raid is believed to have taken place, but no reports yet.
1505 Nothing has appeared, we can all relax.
1702 Hands to action stations.
1703 Aircraft reported in the sound, HMS Exeter engaging.
1704 Two aircraft in the sound.
1705 CAP closing from 140o.
1710 No aircraft now in the area.
1717 HMS Plymouth has two holes below the water line, one in the funnel and fires which she is now dealing with.
1724 CAP are now in the area.
1726 Report: five aircraft involved in last attack, two were seen to be smoking badly, one was hit by a Sea Cat.
1730 Plymouth has requested oxygen for casualties. Surgical support team on standby.
1735 Plymouth is now anchored ahead of us with smoke pouring out of her.
1755 Plymouth reports fires out, but has a flooding problem due to fire fighting and a burst fire main.
1758 Two aircraft reported over Goose Green.
1759 Aircraft heading north west, probably looking for land forces.
1817 Fallout from action stations.
1903 Hands to action stations.
1907 Surgical support team required ashore.
1907 Helicopter on standby.
1940 Aircraft attacking troops ashore, also electronic warfare contact to the north east.
1943 CAP reporting having splashed four Mirage at Fitzroy.
1945 CAP closing on three aircraft to the west.
1946 CAP closing aircraft 24 miles to the south.
2045 Due to heavy casualties ashore the ship will not be sailing tonight as planned, we will instead be accommodating up to 300 casualties.
RFA Sir Galahad and Sir Tristram have been hit and badly damaged at Bluff Cove. Assistance has been sent though many lives are feared lost.
Today saw the heaviest fighting for the last few days with many casualties both on board and ashore. Final reports are awaited.
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7th June 1982
1100 Hands to action stations.
1201 Aircraft closing fast 100 miles.
1207 Two aircraft to the west, 50 miles.
1209 Two aircraft flying high 40 miles.
1210 HMS Exeter has fired her Sea Darts at a range of 32 miles.
1212 Exeter’s first missile is a direct hit and second missile now fired.
1218 RFA Sir Lancelot has birthed alongside to take on water.
1405 Fallout from action stations.
1920 Hands to action stations.
1921 Misidentification by CAP.
1930 Fallout from action stations.
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6th June 1982
0200 Arrived at Fitzroy and Bluff Cove and commenced the disembarkation of troops, 800 Scots Guards.
0345 Completion of the disembarkation of troops, heading back to San Carlos Water.
1045 Hands to action stations.
2030 Fallout from action stations.
A quiet day.
Report from ashore: Despite the very poor weather conditions our troops are pushing forward. Initially sending out probing patrol, which have found the Argentine positions deserted and equipment abandoned. It seems they have fallen back into Port Stanley. Artillery and ammunition are now being moved forward, slowly.
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5th June 1982
0832 Hands to action stations.
0833 HMS Exeter detected two aircraft at 160 miles as she was on her way into San Carlos to provide Sea Dart cover during embarkation of troops.
0845 Aircraft at 180 miles. Report: HMS Invincible deployed towards the Argentine coast and has placed CAP under Argentine radar cover to let them know we are around. Invincible then deployed to the south of the island in an attempt to intercept further raids on Port Stanley.
0853 Aircraft 248 miles, appear to be tracking towards Port Stanley.
0905 Aircraft lost on radar, CAP investigating.
0921 No sign of aircraft, possibly low cloud or landed on West Falkland.
1040 Moved to a new anchorage ready to embark 800 troops.
1045 Hands to action stations.
1643 Strength of raid unknown.
1650 One CAP closing from the west, one deployed from Invincible.
2045 Three Canberras closing 35 miles.
2050 Misidentification.
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4th June 1982
1045 Hands to action stations.
1906 Aircraft 45 miles to the north east.
1907 Aircraft 25 miles starboard bow.
1908 Aircraft 18 miles, five in number moving slowly.
1910 Aircraft 10 miles.
1912 Report: aircraft appear to be hostile but no sure.
1914 Aircraft opening to the east, 20 miles. One aircraft staying t 20 miles.
1920 Report: seems as if the aircraft were escorting something into Port Stanley. Chaff may have been used as a decoy.
2114 Aircraft closing from the west 135 miles.
2115 Aircraft bearing 240o, 48 miles and closing fast.
2120 Two contacts 26 miles.
2125 One aircraft in San Carlos Water, two over Port Stanley.
2130 One aircraft over flown our position, two making bombing raids on troops to the south.
2132 Hostiles over Port Stanley.
2135 Aircraft leaving Port Stanley, heading for mainland, 25 miles to the south.
2138 Aircraft 150 miles to the south heading towards mainland.
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3rd June 1982
Weather: foggy, light rain and over cast. At sea east of the islands.
1950 180 miles east of Port Stanley.
After one peaceful day at sea we are ordered back to San Carlos Water to embark troops that we will land south of Port Stanley at Fitzroy and Bluff Cove sometime in the next two to three days. This is to prepare for the final assault on Port Stanley.
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2nd June 1982
Hospital ship Uganda (far side) refuels at sea during the Falklands War.
1620 Hands to action stations.
1623 Three inch rockets fired.
1625 Reports of missile being fired.
1631 CAP investigating electronic warfare report.
1640 False alarm.
1725 Hands to action stations.
1726 Three inch rockets fired.
1727 Racket1 to the west, possible attack.
1732 Misidentification by electronic warfare.
1733 Thee hospital ship Uganda has same radar racket as enemy aircraft.
Maybe now we can have a rest.
“Racket” is the name given to the blip that appears on the radar screen. Each object, vessel and aircraft makes a different racket..
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1st June 1982
0810 Hands to action stations (false alarm).
1050 Hands to action stations.
1340 Enemy aircraft 65 miles to the north, CAP investigating.
1345 Be prepared for attack.
1355 Hercules confirmed, though not sure of its role in the area.
1400 Possible aircraft contact to the south.
1401 Hercules was being used for in-flight refuelling.
1520 Hercules was splashed by Sidewinder missiles and cannon.
2027 Aircraft detected by CAP 30 miles and closing.
2028 Aircraft reported moving very fast and opening.
2030 Aircraft 30 miles north east, speed 750 knots.
2031 Aircraft possibly heading towards main task force.
2048 Lost contact with aircraft on radar.
2200 HMS Intrepid sails a 48 hour rest. We will pick up LCVPs2 and move to TRALA3 area. Where we will restore and re-fuel and be out of range of aircraft.
The Hercules has been a work horse of air forces for many years. In the 1982 Falklands conflict both British and Argentine forces made use of them for a range of transportation needs.
LCVPs, Landing Craft Vehicle and Personnel, were our four smaller landing craft capable of carrying four tons of men and equipment.
TRALA stands for Tug, repair and logistics area. This was a safer area of the sea, some 200 miles away from the islands, where the merchant ships were being kept, when not needed. The area was protected at the time by HMS Glamorgan.
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31st May 1982
A CAP (Harrier) lands on HMS Intrepid's flight deck for refueling.
0455 Re-entered San Carlos Water.
0650 Anchored.
0822 Hands to action stations.
0833 Aircraft have dropped their bombs to the south and are now opening. A hit and run raid which failed.
0845 Fallout from action stations.
2010 Action stations.
2015 Aircraft 40 miles and opening, however the CAP lookouts have seen two aircraft low on starboard side.
2020 Aircraft six miles on starboard side.
2032 No sign of aircraft.
2110 Fallout from action stations.
2150 Intrepid sails from minesweeping duties around the islands and in the Sound.
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30th May 1982
1625 Hands to action stations.
1627 An aircraft has been detected in our vicinity by the task force.
1636 Fallout from action stations.
1645 Hands to action stations.
1646 Three inch chaff rockets fired.
1733 Hands to action stations.
1735 Intrepid and Brilliant fire there three inch chaff rockets.
1738 Super Etenard threat, aircraft 22 miles and closing.
1748 Aircraft believed to be heading from the main task force.
1800 Fallout from action stations.
2220 Three inch rockets fired from Intrepid, Super Etenard threat.
2232 Ships company is relaxed into defence watches1
2320 Message from the Captain – HMS Exeter has splashed a Super Etenard which was in company with two A4s. She also splashed the Exocet missile, which the Super Etenard had fired, with the third Sea Dart she had fired.
Defence watches were a level below action stations. Here the ship's company was split into two watches each covering six hours on watch and six hours off watch.
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