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 Atlantic winter was only a few weeks away. Extended lines of communications, no guarantee of 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 taskforce 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.

We will start our tour where the Argentinean invasion began, looking at the landing beaches, the airfields and Port Stanley. The tour will include San Carlos Water, where some 4000 British troops landed on 21st May 1982 and where the fleet was relentlessly attacked by Argentinean aircraft. We follow the route of 2 PARA and study the battle of Goose Green, where Lt. Colonel 'H' Jones, the commanding officer lost his life and gained a posthumous Victoria Cross. 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 and we discuss the role of the Royal Navy and the RAF in the campaign.

The final battles were bitter as the Argentineans fought on bravely and we take the opportunity to pay our respects at British and Argentinean cemeteries and memorials on the island.

We enjoy the spectacular landscape and shoreline, the wildlife and the magnificent isolation that makes visiting these islands a unique experience. On our last day we visit Volunteer Point, one of the largest king penguin colonies in the world and there will be a free day for you to explore at your leisure.

You will be accompanied by Hugh Bicheno who will draw on his experience of the campaign and his research for his book,
Razor's Edge: The Unofficial History of the Falklands War. Hugh has explored the battlefields in great detail and with him you will visit the landings, the battlefield of Darwin/Goose Green and the site of the Sir Galahad disaster and the battle hills around Stanley: Two Sisters, Longdon, Harriet, Tumbledown and Wireless Ridge.

ITINERARY
Day 1 (Sunday): Depart RAF Brize Norton for flight to the Falklands.
Day 2: Arrive Mount Pleasant and transfer to our hotel.
Day 3: AM: Pembroke Peninsula – Argentine landing beaches, Airfield, Canopus guns, Exocet site.
PM: Visit the museum, walk back past Government House, Cathedral and Monuments.
Day 4: Study the landings , San Carlos, Blue and Green beaches.
Day 5: AM: Darwin Ridge/ Goose Green; 2nd Para.
PM: Return to Stanley via Argentine cemetery and the scene of the Sir Galahad disaster.
Day 6: AM: Two Sisters – drive to the back of the northern ridge, walk along to the saddle and look down on 45 Commando's line of attack from Murrell Bridge.
PM: Longden (3 Para) and Wireless Ridge (2 Para)
Day 7: AM: Mount Harriett; from the main road climb 42 Commando's line of attack.
PM: Tumbledown; follow 2 Scots Guards line of attack from west to east.
Day 8: Expedition to King Penguin rookery. Volunteer Point.
Day 9: Free day for your own exploration.
Day 10: Depart Mount Pleasant for return flight to the UK
Day 11: Arrive RAF Brize Norton.

THE TOUR WILL BE DEPARTING FROM RAF BRIZE NORTON. THE FLIGHT SCHEDULES ARE CONFIRMED 3 MONTHS PRIOR TO DEPARTURE.

As this is an anniversary tour high deposits are being requested.
Staged payments will therefore be due:
£1000 by 31st December 2011,
£1000 by 1st June 2012
and the balance by 18th August 2012.