The Yompers

The Yompers
Author: Ian R. Gardiner
Publisher: Pen and Sword
Total Pages: 381
Release: 2012-04-19
Genre: Biography & Autobiography
ISBN: 1781599181

A British company commander details his experience serving in the Falklands War and reflects on the 1982 conflict. “Yomping” was the word Commandos used for carrying heavy loads on long marches. It caught the public’s imagination during this short but bitter campaign and epitomized the grim determination and professionalism of our troops… Called to action on April 2, 1982, the men of 45 Commando Royal Marines assembled from around the world to sail 8,000 miles to recover the Falkland Islands from Argentine invasion. Lacking helicopters and short of food, they “yomped” in appalling weather carrying overloaded rucksacks, across the roughest terrain. Yet for a month in mid-winter, they remained a cohesive fighting-fit body of men. They then fought and won the highly successful and fierce night battle for Two Sisters, a 1,000-foot-high mountain which was the key to the defensive positions around Stanley. More than just a first-hand story of that epic feat, this book is the first to be written by a company commander in the Falklands War. It offers a vivid description of the “yomp” and infantry fighting, and it also offers penetrating insights into the realities of war at higher levels. It is a unique combination of descriptive writing about frontline fighting and wider reflections on the Falklands War, and conflict in general. “This is the real thing, from someone who gave the orders and led from the front, from beginning to bitter end. His account is articulate, poignant and precise, even though thirty years have elapsed . . . highly recommended.” —Military History Monthly

Mountain Commandos at War in the Falklands

Mountain Commandos at War in the Falklands
Author: Rodney Boswell
Publisher: Pen and Sword Military
Total Pages: 364
Release: 2021-05-12
Genre: History
ISBN: 1526791633

A former Royal Marine provides a vividly detailed, firsthand account of Mountain Commando operations in the Falklands War. On June 8th, 1982, eight Royal Marines infiltrated Goat Ridge in East Falkland, a rocky hilltop surrounded by Argentine infantry. From their hiding place just meters away from the enemy, they gathered essential intelligence for a British assault that overwhelmed the Argentine defenses days later. This is just one example of the missions undertaken by the Royal Marines Mountain and Arctic Warfare Cadre during the Falklands War, all of which are described in graphic detail in Rod Boswell’s eyewitness account. Using his own recollections and those of his comrades, he describes their operations in the Falklands: the observation posts set up in the no man’s land between San Carlos and Port Stanley; the raid at Top Malo House; and the reconnaissance patrols they carried out close to the Argentine lines during the conflict. His first-hand account gives a fascinating insight into the operational skills of a small, specially trained unit and shows the important contribution it made to the success of the British advance. This chronicle also records the entire experience of the Falklands War from their point of view, from the long voyage south through the Atlantic to the landings, the advance, and the liberation of Stanley.

The Band That Went to War

The Band That Went to War
Author: Brian Short
Publisher: Pen and Sword Military
Total Pages: 320
Release: 2022-01-30
Genre: History
ISBN: 1399096419

A first-hand account of the Falklands War from the perspective of the Royal Marine Band Service members who fought in the conflict. The Royal Marines are renowned for their military skill and also for having one of the finest military bands in the world. These highly trained and talented musicians are equally at home parading at Buckingham Palace, playing at the Royal Albert Hall, or on the flight deck of an aircraft carrier in a foreign port. Why then when the Argentines invaded the Falklands in April 1982 did these superb musicians get involved in what became a serious and deadly military campaign? The answer is that, in addition to their musical expertise, the RM Band Service members are trained for military service and fully qualified in a multitude of military and medical skills, providing support to their comrades, the fighting commandos. The Band That Went to War is a graphic first-hand account of the Falklands War as it has never been told before. It describes the roles played by Royal Marine musicians in the conflict; unloading the wounded from helicopters, moving tons of stores and ammunition, burying their dead at sea and guarding and repatriating Argentine prisoners of war. These and other unseen tasks were achieved while still ready to provide morale boosting music to their commando brethren and other frontline troops. These men are not just musicians; they are Royal Marines. Praise for The Band That Went to War “I really enjoyed this account of how the Band of the Royal Marines were involved in the attempt to liberate the Falkland Islands back in 1982 . . . Brian Short’s excellent book is really entertaining.” —Books Monthly

Royal Marine Commando 1950–82

Royal Marine Commando 1950–82
Author: Will Fowler
Publisher: Osprey Publishing
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2009-04-21
Genre: History
ISBN: 9781846033728

One of the most prestigious and versatile units of the British armed forces, the Royal Marine Commandos were a specialized fighting force, serving in many theaters, including the Korean War (1950-1953), the Malayan Emergency (1947-1960), East Africa, Cyprus, Suez, Northern Ireland and the Faulklands, and performing a number of roles from counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency to conventional combined arms fighting. During the period covered in this account, conscription to the Royal Marines came to an end and the unit became a professional and dedicated force. The author provides a detailed look at the service life of a Royal Marine Commando in a time of great change, exploring the developments that took place in recruitment, training, equipment, weaponry, dress and tactical deployment in the post-World War II period. The elite nature of the Royal Marines is maintained by the toughness of the Commando entry course at Lympstone in Devon - where successful entrants are awarded the distinctive green Commando beret. One major aspect of the course is that squads should work together, supporting the weakest members - a key ethos that is explored in this fascinating story.

March to the South Atlantic

March to the South Atlantic
Author: Nick Vaux
Publisher: Pen & Sword
Total Pages: 261
Release: 2007
Genre: History
ISBN: 9781844156276

Describes what going to war with 42 Commando was like and includes authentic details of danger, frustration, fatigue, courage and endurance that are just some of the emotions experienced during those fateful weeks and months of 1982.

Across an Angry Sea

Across an Angry Sea
Author: Cedric Delves
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Total Pages: 404
Release: 2019-01-01
Genre: History
ISBN: 1787381811

In early summer 1982--winter in the South Atlantic--Argentina's military junta invades the Falklands. Within days, a British Royal Navy Task Force is assembled and dispatched. This is the story of D Squadron, 22 SAS, commanded by Cedric Delves. The relentless tempo of events defies belief. Raging seas, inhospitable glaciers, hurricane-force winds, helicopter crashes, raids behind enemy lines--the Squadron prevailed against them all, but the cost was high. Eight died and more were wounded or captured. Holding fast to their humanity, D Squadron's fighters were there at the start and end of the Falklands War, the first to raise a Union Jack over Government House in Stanley. Across an Angry Sea is a chronicle of daring, skill and steadfastness among a tight-knit band of brothers; of going awry, learning fast, fighting hard, and winning through.

Falklands Commando

Falklands Commando
Author: Hugh McManners
Publisher: Collins
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2002
Genre: Falkland Islands War, 1982
ISBN: 9780007141753

Hugh McManners was among the first of the British Special Forces to land on the Falkland Islands and here, in this gripping narrative, is his first-hand account of this most famous of modern British military operations. This new edition includes a revised introduction, along with new photography and notes on the combat. Author Biography Editorâe(tm)s Note on new edition Contents List of maps & diagrams Acknowledgements New Introduction (2002) Original Introduction (1984) Chapter 1 âe" The Calm Before the Storm Chapter 2 âe" Preparation and departure Chapter 3 âe" At sea Chapter 4 âe" Planners and hoaxers Chapter 5 âe" Ascension Island Chapter 6 âe" Our war begins Chapter 7 âe" Fanning Head Chapter 8 âe" HMS Intrepid in âe~Bomb Alleyâe(tm) Chapter 9 âe" The Fox Bay raid Chapter 10 âe" Survival Chapter 11 âe" Operations Brewers Arms Chapter 12 âe" Beagle Ridge Chapter 13 âe" Waiting to go home Chapter 14 âe" Home Epilogue (written for 2002) Chronology Glossary Index

5th Infantry Brigade in the Falklands

5th Infantry Brigade in the Falklands
Author: David Aldea
Publisher: Pen and Sword
Total Pages: 317
Release: 2003-09-19
Genre: History
ISBN: 1783379685

For many people it was 3 Commando Brigade, commanded by Major General Julian Thompson, and made up of Royal Marines and Para's that recaptured the Falklands. Yet 5th Infantry Brigade played a key and until now little acknowledged role in this extraordinary saga. Cobbled together in haste (having been stripped of its assets to bring 3 Commando Brigade up to strength), it comprised principally of two Guards battalions (2nd Scots and 1st Welsh) and the Gurkhas. Many felt it was inadequately trained when it sailed from Southampton on the QE 2 and this view was given substance by early disasters such as the tragedy at Bluff Cove. Yet by the end, its contribution, of which Tumbledown is the best known, could not be denied. Why then was its commander (Brigadier Tony Wilson) so conspicuously ignored when the medals and decorations were handed out?