The Argentinean invasion of the Falkland Islands in April 1982 provoked shock and outrage. Such an attack had seemed inconceivable and although many people in the United Kingdom knew little of the Falklands or where they lay, there was an immediate determination that the islands be liberated. With the failure of diplomacy, the only option was military action – a daunting task. The Falklands lie 8000 miles from the UK, and the fierce South Atlantic winter was only a few weeks away. Extended lines of communication, no guaranteed air superiority, and Armed Forces that had all but lost their ability to operate outside the NATO area – not surprising, that many thought it an impossible task. But the consequences of merely accepting the invasion were unthinkable. The hastily assembled task force was at sea within days of the invasion, and in just over two months, the islands had been recaptured and its people liberated. An astonishing story of both political and military resolve – against all odds.

On this tour, we will south fly to the Falklands via the Ascension Islands. We begin our tour at San Carlos Water, where some 4000 British troops landed on 21st May 1982, and where the fleet was attacked relentlessly by Argentinean aircraft. We follow the route of 2 PARA and study the Battle of Goose Green, where Lt Col ‘H’ Jones, the Commanding Officer, lost his life and gained a posthumous Victoria Cross. We fly by Britten Norman Islander to Pebble Island, where the SAS conducted a daring raid to destroy Argentinean aircraft on the ground. Across the range of hills that protect Port Stanley, we follow in the footsteps of the Guards, Gurkhas, Paratroops and Commandos, accompanied by their Artillery, Engineer, and Logistic support. The final battles were bitter, and the Argentineans fought bravely. To quote 3 Commando Brigade Commander, Brigadier Thompson, the war was ‘no picnic’.

During the tour, we take the opportunity to pay our respects at both British and Argentinean cemeteries and memorials on the islands. We enjoy the spectacular landscape and shoreline, the wildlife, and the magnificent isolation that makes these islands such a unique experience. We spend our last day on an optional visit to Volunteer Point , one of the largest king penguin colonies in the world. The will also be time for sightseeing in Port Stanley, the Islands’ Capital.

You will be accompanied on this tour by Dr Graham Dunlop, who served for 32 years with the Royal Marines, commanding 40 Commando RM and the Special Boat Service.

ITINERARY
Day 1 (Sunday): Depart RAF Brize Norton on MOD civilian charter flight to Mount Pleasant Airport, Falklands, via Ascension Island. The flight, including stopover, takes approximately 20 hours.
Day 2: Arrive at Mount Pleasant, met by your tour guide, Dr Graham Dunlop. Travel by 4x4 vehicle to [Darwin House] for overnight stay. Introductory lecture and dinner.
Day 3: Visit San Carlos Water (Bomb Alley) where the Argentinean Air Force attacked the British fleet, sinking HMS Ardent and damaging other warships. Visit the three Landing Beaches: Green Beach (3 PARA and 42 Cdo); Blue Beach (40 Cdo and 3 Bde HQ); and Red Beach (2 PARA and 45 Cdo). Visit the British and Argentine cemeteries. Follow the 2 PARA advance on Goose Green, visiting the battlefield where the Commanding Officer, Lt Col ‘H’ Jones VC was killed leading his battalion. Return to [Darwin House] for overnight stay.
Day 4: Fly to Pebble Island. Tour the airstrip, scene of the SAS raid that destroyed Argentinean aircraft prior to the main landings. Also visit the memorials to HMS Coventry and the Argentine Lear Jet. Enjoy the marvellous wildlife and, in particular, the penguin colonies, sea lions, and birds. Overnight at the [Pebble Island Lodge].
Day 5: Fly to Mount Pleasant Airport. Visit Fitzroy and Bluff Cove, where the landing ships Sir Tristram and Sir Galahad were attacked by Argentinean aircraft. Drive to Port Stanley, followed by short orientation tour of the town. 5 nights in the [Malvina House Hotel]. Prior to dinner, an orientation lecture on the final battles around Stanley.
Day 6: The first phase of the Battle for Stanley – the night attacks against the Argentinean outer defences. The 42 Cdo attack on Mount Harriet and Goat Ridge, and the two phase attack by 45 Cdo on Two Sisters.
Day 7: The final battles of the Falklands War. Mount Longdon, a fierce battle in which 3 PARA suffered 23 killed, the highest loss for a single unit, including Sgt McKay VC. Tumbledown Mountain, attacked by 2nd Bn SCOTS GUARDS, and Wireless Ridge, captured by 2 PARA.
Day 8: The liberation of Stanley. A walking tour of the town, including a visit to Government House, where the original small Royal Marine Detachment was under siege, the Falklands Islands Museum, the historic church, and the memorials.
Day 9: Optional tour to Volunteer Point - home to king, gentoo and Magellanic penguins – Free time in Stanley.
Day 10: Depart for Brize Norton, via Ascension.
Day 11 (Wednesday): Arrive Brize Norton.