The Falklands War - Timeline

Day 61 of the Falklands War, June 1st 1982

During a television interview with the BBC, Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher is asked whether she sees a future role for Argentina on the Falkland islands; “I cannot, myself, see a role in anything relating to sovereignty, for the Argentines on the Falkland Islands. You saw what happened in Goose Green and Darwin, how our people have been treated. They'd never wanted to go to Argentine before, they'll be even less likely now. … It is after all a cardinal part of the United Nations Charter, that countries should come to selfGovernment and independence and I believe that we can do that with the Falkland Islands.”

Ambassador Henderson speaks to Judge Clark at the White House; “Clark said that he believed the President did understand the firmness of our position. Neither he nor Haig were wishing to undermine this. The President had told Clark, following his conversation with the Prime Minister, that he was particularly concerned by her remark that “we are going it alone.” This was not how the Americans saw it. “We are in it with you,” Judge Clark said. This was very much the President's conviction. But this did not prevent him from believing that considerable damage had already been done to the USA's relations with its Latin American neighbours, that the US should not neglect any chance of preventing further bloodshed and the humiliation of Argentina that could give a hostage to the future, and that in the long-term there had to be a settlement ...”

Intelligence indicates that Libya is supplying missiles to Argentina in military and civilian Boeing 707's transiting via Cape Verde/Las Palmas and Brazil; “Libya had emerged as a major supplier of arms to Argentina, with an air bridge between Tripoli and Recife, Brazil, using B707-320C aircraft of the Argentine Air Force and Aerolinas Argentinas, which allowed direct flights carrying substantial loads. Up to ten flights were made... Clearance was given to transit Moroccan airspace, much to British irritation.”

Henderson reports; “Haig has spoken to me in the light of the Prime Minister's talk with the President and my talk with Judge Clark. He says that there is no good in pursuing his ideas. It is a pity, but he understands.”

Ambassador Hutchinson in Montevideo is invited to speak to the Uruguayan Minister of Foreign Affairs, in company with the Argentine Ambassador, to see; “what could be done to achieve a cease-fire.”

Secretary Haig sends a message to Ambassador Henderson; “He did not expect a Resolution to come forward for another day or two. The Argentinians were still putting forward wholly unrealistic requirements for a cease-fire, asking for mutual withdrawal. But he hoped that we could again manoeuvre, as we had so successfully last week, to avoid a situation in which we and the Americans were isolated in the UN. It was, as usual, clear throughout this conversation that Haig has no confidence whatever in Mrs. Kirkpatrick, with whom he has just had another major row on this issue, and foresees more trouble from her. Haig thought we should be in a position to win militarily in the near future. The question was, how, after the garrison had surrendered, to bring the conflict to an end. I said it seemed clear that the Argentinians actually preferred military defeat to any diplomatic settlement. I also pointed out that their prospects of continuing with air attacks would be much diminished once we had recovered control of the Port Stanley airfield. Haig agreed but said the President would want to discuss with the Prime Minister, ways of trying to mend fences with Latin America and limit soviet opportunities to exploit the aftermath .. He said again that he did not think that independence could be a viable solution..”

MV Norland disembarks its troops first (1/7 Gurkha Rifles); “During Mass this afternoon firing broke out, accompanied by lots of cheering from the troops. Anya, who had been to Mass this morning, met us immediately afterwards to say that a Harrier had been shot down; she had watched the pilot eject and come down by parachute towards Eliza Cove. Shortly afterwards a Chinook took off to bring in the pilot, so we rushed down to the football field to watch it return. Quite a crowd had gathered, including an Argentine TV team, who were very excited at the prospect of filming the British aviator, as they put it. Their disappointment and embarrassment was extreme when an Argentine fighter pilot appeared at the back hatch of the Chinook in a not too happy frame of mind. It seems that once again they had shot down one of their own aircraft. Some little time beforehand the Harriers had brought down a C-130 Hercules just off Mangeary Point as it was coming to land at the airport; possibly the fighter shot down had been an escort.” 

Picture: an Argentine C-130 reconnaissance aircraft is shot down as 5 Brigade commences its disembarkation at San Carlos.



Francis Pym advice Parsons; “Pérez de Cuéllar's five-point plan is certainly unacceptable as it stands. But I agree that without raising false hopes or misrepresenting our position you should give him a reasoned response... You should tell the Secretary-General that while other aspects of his plan give us difficulty we approve the emphasis on total Argentine withdrawal with a fixed period of time. We look forward to learning of the Argentine response.”

HMS Avenger bombards Argentine positions on Pebble Island.

HMS Alacrity bombards targets at Two Sisters, Moody Brook and Mount Longdon, with fire directed from the naval observation post on Mount Kent. 45 Commando, with no helicopters available due to the landing of 5 Brigade, continue its walk towards Mount Kent.

At Stanley, Governor Menendez issues an order to the Argentine force of occupation; The hour of the final battle has arrived., All our efforts, the hours of waiting, the cold, the tiredness, the vigilance, have come to an end. The adversary is getting ready to attack Stanley with the audacious and odious intention of conquering the capital of the ISLAS MALVINAS. Every man must fully understand what his duty is. The enemy will be destroyed by the decisive action of each one at his combat post. If each man with his rifle, his mortar, his machine-gun, or artillery piece fights with the valour and heroism which has already characterised us, Victory is certain. The gaze of all Argentina is on us; our parents, wives, fiancées and children, all our families have total confidence in us. In the supreme hour we have the duty not to defraud them. We have contracted a sacred responsibility before our comrades taken in action to convert their personal sacrifice into a page of glory for ARGENTINA, and we cannot allow their heroism to be in vain. Not only must we beat them, we must do it in such a way that their defeat is so crushing that they will never again have the impertinent idea of invading our land … TO ARMS! TO BATTLE!”

Peru offers the use of its Air Force for the evacuation of Argentine wounded from Stanley.

In New York, Parsons transmits Pym's points to the Secretary-General who is; “ .. disheartened by them.” Ros then tells Pérez de Cuéllar that Argentina is willing to accept his proposals provided; “... (1) .. the completion of the total British withdrawal, whatever its rhythm, would be within Y days (2) It is clearly understood that in no case would British forces remain alone on the Islands. The Blue Helmets should be on the Islands before the completion of withdrawal of Argentine forces. The withdrawal of Argentine forces from the areas occupied by them should correspond with a gradual takeover of control of those areas by Blue Helmets (3) The British forces shall abstain from widening their areas of occupation at the date of ceasefire. …..”

Parsons informs London; “... what this amounted to to was that a date would have to be agreed for the completion of total British withdrawal and that British forces would not be able to establish control over the whole of the Islands.. Pérez de Cuéllarr recognises that his current efforts have come to an end.”

The new French President of the Security Council calls a meeting for the 2nd so that the Secretary-General can present his report.

Ambassador Henderson in Washington considers the assistance provided by the United States; “I do not need to go into the details about the value of the intelligence cooperation which has been given, the full extent of which is well know to the JIC. So far as communications facilities are concerned, the Americans have made especially available satellite communication channels at considerable cost to their own operations, communications sets for our special forces on the Islands, secure speech facilities with the fleet and satellite weather information. So far as equipment is concerned, we have over the last month procured at least $120 million of US material made available at very short notice and frequently from stocks normally earmarked for US operational requirements. This equipment has included the latest air-to-air Side-winder missiles urgently required for use by the Harriers, the Vulcan phalanx anti-missile gun system for HMS Illustrious, 4700 tons of airstrip matting for the Port Stanley airport once it has been recaptured, conversion of the SS Stena inspector for use as a repair ship in the South Atlantic, Shrike missiles for use by the Vulcans, helicopter engines, submarine detection devices for use by the Sea King Helicopters, Temporary accommodation on a large scale for ascension Island for our forces, Stinger ground-to-air missiles (already used successfully against Argentine aircraft), as well as the usual array of weapons and ammunition...”

Day 63 of the Falklands War, June 3rd 1982

HMS Plymouth bombards Argentine positions at Port Howard. Two Harriers are lost following attacks on other Argentine military installations, although the pilots are recovered safely.

A Vulcan bomber Vulcan XM597 is diverted to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil as it is short of fuel. The aircraft is held at a military airport, and its missile removed by the Brazilian authorities.

Photo: Vulcan XM597 at Galeão Airport, Brazil



3 Para establish a patrol base 2km west of Mount Longdon and commence “aggressive” patrolling; “There were quite a number of Argentine burials at the cemetery today; Jeremy saw them as he passed by on his dumper. They must have been victims of yesterday’s action… Now only the officer’s graves get marked with a cross. Other ranks are put two or three to a grave. There may be some sort of mass grave as well for rapid burials. All graves are very shallow; just a couple of scoops with a digger and that’s all…. Lorries were coming down the road with the dead and wounded… It seems to be mainly conscripts left in town now. As we watched, half a dozen of them came from the dockyard carrying armfuls of crosses, heading towards the cemetery. This is hardly the way to inspire an army;.. Gen Menendez has told his troops to fight to the last man.”

Canada's Ambassador to Buenos Aires is asked to leave the country following alleged 'pro-British' remarks, while Argentina recalls its own Ambassador to France. In New Zealand, a business man and his wife contribute $NZ 1,000 for a supply of Dunbar Whisky to be sent to the troops in the Falklands, for; “immediate consumption.”

Secretary Haig sends an instruction to Jeanne Kirkpatrick in New York directing the Ambassador to work closely with Sir Anthony Parsons to see if the proposed Resolution can be made to work. If this is not possible, Kirkpatrick is instructed to join the UK in a veto. The French Ambassador is also instructed by his Government to stay in close contact with Sir Anthony Parsons. Japan confirms that its Ambassador will abstain.

Costa Mendez, at a meeting of the NAM, makes a speech in which he associates Argentina with Algeria, India, Cuba and Vietnam who had also needed to fight for their freedom. In a similar vein, he also talks of the South African peoples fight against apartheid. His speech is greeted with laughter by some African representatives who recall that Argentina has never previously supported their efforts against the Government of South Africa.

At the UN, deliberations continue over the Spanish/Panamanian draft-resolution; “Spain and Panama failed to line up nine votes for the draft Resolution .. The Americans, and to a lesser extent the French, made frenzied efforts to avoid a vote today, lest they had to veto with us. (Spain) finally agreed .. to postpone a vote until 2000z tomorrow (4 June). .. It was clear at the start of play today that we had six negative votes or abstentions (France, Guyana, Japan, Jordan, UK, US). ..

Guyana pressed hard, with some support from Jordan, for major changes to the draft in order to make the cease-fire conditional upon the commencement of Argentine withdrawal. Panama was not prepared to accept these amendments. .. 

This led Panama to propose a new operative paragraph which would have asked the parties to implement immediately SCR's 502 and 505 in all their parts. This was acceptable to the Africans and Panama undertook to sell it to Spain.”

Panama's suggested amendment is debated. Parsons asks for time to seek instructions but says that he would expect further, and substantial, amendments to be suggested by London; “De Pinies (Spain) said that there was no question of the Argentines and the Panamanians accepting the kind of amendments I was talking about. He saw no alternative to voting straight away. This led to frenzied efforts by the Americans to persuade the Argentines to discourage de Pinies from pressing for a vote (I dread to think what promises were made..). At the same time it became clear that both Zaire and Togo, in spite of their positions in the morning, were inclined to abstain on the revised draft. So de Pinies still had not got his nine votes and American and French efforts to postpone the vote met with success...”

A revised draft reads; “The Security Council: Reaffirming its Resolutions 502 (1982) and 505 (1982) and the need for implementation of all the parts thereof, (1) Requests the parties to the dispute to cease-fire immediately in the region of the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), (2) Requests the parties to initiate, simultaneously with the cease-fire, the implementation of Resolutions 502 (1982) and 505 (1982) in their entirety, (3) Authorizes the Secretary-General to use such means as he may deem necessary to verify the cease-fire, (4) Requests the Secretary-General to report to the Security Council on compliance with this Resolution within 72 hours.”

Voting is deferred until the 4th. Parsons reports; “I believe that our best tactic is firmly to put forward all the amendments we need to make the latest draft acceptable to us, .. Spain, Panama and the Argentine friends will explode, and may insist on an immediate vote on a text designed to leave us in maximum isolation. If they succeed, we will have to face it, something we always anticipated, in the not unsatisfactory knowledge that we have now held out for over 60 days.”

Day 65 of the Falklands War, June 5th 1982

HMS Hydra takes 51 British casualties to Montevideo while ARA Bahia Paraiso embarks Argentine wounded from HMS Uganda. Argentina demands that Uruguay intern Britain's casualties under the Geneva Conventions. Uruguay refuses. Argentina also asks Brazil to intern the Vulcan bomber under the terms of the Rio Treaty.

In Brasilia, Britain presents a bout de papier condemning the Brazilian decision to retain the Vulcan bomber; threatening “serious consequences” for continuing friendly relations between the two countries.

A meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement deplores the military operations being carried out by the UK with US support and reaffirms; “solidarity with Argentina in its efforts to end an outdated colonial presence.”

From New York, pleas from Pérez de Cuéllar are sent to Margaret Thatcher and General Galtieri; “The armed conflict in the region of the Falkland islands threatens to enter into a new and extremely dangerous phase that is likely to result in heavy loss of life on both sides. This would gravely prejudice, for the foreseeable future, any prospect for a settlement of the underlying dispute... I feel it is my duty in this situation, in pursuance of the mandate entrusted to me by the Security Council, to appeal directly to Your Excellency and to President Galtieri, in the hope that a way can still be found to bring the fighting to a halt and to initiate negotiations towards a settlement of the crisis.”

The Secretary-General includes a 7 point plan.

US Ambassador Kirkpatrick notes; “Basically this proposal spells out the modes for implementing Resolution 502 which was the British resolution and one which they have repeatedly described as the only basis for peace. The proposal addresses the U.K. objection that the “Spanish” resolution provided no specific time frame for withdrawal of Argentine troops. It provides for removing all Argentine troops in 15 days and only makes a reference to British plans for “reducing” its forces. That is, it leaves the U.K. in control of the Islands, but it also provides for future negotiations. This gives the British everything they have said they wanted, but provides a fig leaf for Argentine pride (the fig leaf being, basically, the right to surrender and withdraw under U.N. auspices instead of British). … If the President can help Mrs. Thatcher decide to accept this, lives and the U.S. interests would be saved.”

Parsons comments; “I believe that this is another genuine last minute attempt by Pérez de Cuéllar to try to bring about Argentine withdrawal without further bloodshed. Obviously it has come too late ..”

Overnight in the Falklands, British and Argentine patrols clash near Two Sisters, leaving three Argentine dead. Further firefights result in nine Argentine deaths and one British Marine injured.

Royal Marines Capt. Rob Bell, a Spanish speaker, establishes contact via the civilian medical network with Captain Melbourne Hussey of the Argentine Navy. There is an agreement that the network will be monitored at specific times in order that information can be passed if it should prove necessary.

Type 42 HMS Cardiff after providing fire support for Royal Marines inland

Day 67 of the Falklands War, June 7th 1982

Argentine positions near Stanley are bombarded while Gurkha patrols mop up pockets of resistance behind British lines. A night-time bombardment by HMS Active and HMS Ambuscade targets Argentine positions near Fitzroy.

In a letter to Taoiseach Charles Haughey, the Irish Exporters Association inform their Government that the policy of opposition to EU trade sanctions against Argentina had caused a severe trade backlash in the UK. Following Zaire's support for the vetoed SC resolution, London decides not to finance military equipment for the Zairean contingent in Chad, amongst other punitive actions.

After a meeting with the Italian Prime Minister in Rome, President Reagan and Secretary Haig fly to the UK.

Day 69 of the Falklands War, June 9th 1982

In an interview with NBC, Prime Minister Thatcher is asked about the chances of a political settlement. She responds; “We've been trying for a political negotiated settlement for 8 weeks. For 8 weeks the Argentines could have withdrawn at any time. They haven't withdrawn. It is now beyond a negotiated settlement.”

French President Mitterand, at a press conference, says that although he felt solidarity with Britain; “This war must not turn into a war of revenge. There are limits to this conflict which I fully intend to make known at the right time, which will not be long.”

The Madrid daily, Ya, quotes President Galtieri; “Argentina will not accept a return to the status of 1 April in the Malvinas.. but is willing to withdraw her forces at the same pace as the British, leaving a UN Administrator to govern the Islands.”

Newspapers in Buenos Aires headline a, “serious British setback at Fitzroy Settlement,” and talk of, “British losses in landing attempt.” La Nacion claims that a frigate has been sunk and three other Royal Navy vessels, “destroyed,” and that President Galtieri is saying that Argentina; “is prepared to continue the war for as many months and years as necessary.”

Foreign Secretary Pym instructs Ambassadors and missions around the world. “Please deliver as soon as possible the following message from me - Quote - I am very concerned to ensure that, once Argentine forces have been obliged to leave the Falklands, all military action by Argentina against us in the South Atlantic must stop. We want the next period to be one of rehabilitation and reconstruction and not one of continuing bitterness and hostility. I hope that this would also be the Argentine mood, and presumably they will be concerned for the return of their prisoners of war.... We do not want a situation where we have regained the Falkland Islands but Argentina refuses to give up the fighting against us. There may be a need to maintain economic measures until Argentina agrees to cease all hostilities in the South Atlantic.”

HMS Yarmouth bombards the Moody Brooks area. Michael Rose, commanding 22 SAS Regiment, establishes a radio link with Argentine officers in Stanley in an attempt to persuade Menendez to surrender. “Shopped briefly at the West Store. The Bahia Paraiso is due in again shortly, to evacuate more wounded and with members of the International Red Cross on board. Argentine medical staff are buying huge quantities of new sheets, brooms and disinfectant. A great cover-up exercise is about to take place.”

Photo: a Gurkha of 1st Battalion, 7th Gurkhas Rifles mans a 7.62 mm machine gun on an anti-aircraft mounting as defence against Argentine air attack.



Photo: A Rapier FSB 1 surface to air missile battery operator defending task force ships in San Carlos Water keeps watch for Argentine aircraft

Day 71 of the Falklands War, June 11th 1982

In Paris, the French Ministry of Foreign affairs suggests that it might be possible for the British to come to an arrangement with the Argentines without driving them off the last square metre of the Islands.The French argue that relations between Europe and Latin America could be poisoned for years if Britain did not seize the right moment to begin working towards a solution.

The battle for Port Stanley commences. Argentine positions to the west of Stanley are attacked. 3 Islanders are killed in a naval bombardment of Stanley. Argentina's military command post inside Stanley police station is also attacked. RAF Harriers bomb Argentine positions at Two Sisters, Mount Harriet, Mount Longdon, Mount Tumbledown and Moody Brook Barracks.

Map: Mountains surrounding Stanley

Photo: 42 Commando, Royal Marines, moves off Mount Harriet during the mountain battles
 


Drawing: Mount Harriet, 42 Commando



A member of Pérez de Cuéllar's staff flies to Buenos Aires with a mission to contact the Cardinal accompanying the Pope in order to give him a full briefing of the Secretary-General's proposals of 5 June. Parsons reports; “This is tiresome. It is naive to suggest that De Soto will not be in contact with Ros in Buenos Aires and if his mission becomes public it will arouse expectations...”

In Lima, the Peruvian Foreign Minister, Dr. Arias, tells the British Ambassador that Costa Mendez had telephoned him to say that the Argentines would withdraw if only, “some suitable formula could be found.”

PM Thatcher speaks to the House of Commons with regard to the British dead. “It is a traditional and well understood practice, and one which provides equal treatment for all, that Service men who are killed in action on land abroad are buried in the first instance quickly and with all possible reverence close to where they fall. Once hostilities are over they are transferred to a permanent cemetery near to the scene of action. It has been the custom to offer the next of kin the opportunity to visit the site at public expense. Those who die at sea are buried at sea.The Government believe this practice should apply to those who die in the Falklands, but we recognise that this is an extremely sensitive question and we would not wish to make a final decision until all relevant factors, including the views of next of kin, have been taken into account...”

In Washington, Argentine Ambassador Takacs tells US Admiral Hayward; “ … that the British were misrepresenting the military situation in the Malvinas and were predicting a quick military victory. This misrepresentation had removed the pressure for continued negotiations. He wanted Admiral Hayward to have an appreciation for the true military situation in the Malvinas and hoped that the United States would do all in its power to help force a diplomatic resolution. …“

HMS Avenger, Glamorgan and Yarmouth take up positions to the south of Stanley, while HMS Arrow moves into Berkeley Sound ready for the planned midnight attack on Argentine positions around Stanley. Mount Harriet is secured with two British dead and thirteen wounded. Argentine losses are ten killed and 53 wounded.