The Falklands War - 30 Years On

THE IMPERIAL War Museum at Salford Quays is hosting special Falklands tours and talks of the forgotten stories, to coincide with the Falklands Anniversary. Robert Midgley writes about the history of the conflict.

Today marks the 30th anniversary of the invasion of the Falklands in 1982. Thirty years ago Argentine forces invaded the Falklands along with other British Territories in the South Atlantic including South Georgia were invaded on the 2nd of April.

Under Margaret Thatcher’s Government, a British task force of more than one hundred ships, including civilian transportation vessels, were sent out from Britain, 8000 miles away from the Falklands on the 5th of April.

On the 25th of April South Georgia was recaptured by British forces. On the 2nd of May the Argentine cruiser General Belgrano was sunk by HMS Conqueror which remains controversial over the legality of the hit, whether it was within territorial waters or not.

British troops began landing at San Carlos Bay on the 21st of May which lead to the recapture of Goose Green later that week. Argentine forces eventually surrendered on June 14th when the Falkland’s capital, Stanley was recaptured.

255 British servicemen died during the conflict. Argentine death number is estimated around 650 lives.

Tours will commence at the Imperial War Museum between the 16-27th of April (not including weekends), everyday at 2.15PM.