Falklands' most daring raid

[colin m]

Channel 4 Sunday 18 March. Looks good.

Colin M....

[Guest]

The Vulcan. Look forward to that Colin thanks.

Laurie

[Guest]

Just set the Skybox, thanks.

[Guest]

Read the book about this, it's very good

[Guest]

Read the book about this, it's very good

Also Patrick read Sharkie Ward's account of the Falklands as Commander of the Harriers in the Invincible. He was scathing of the Vulcan raid.

Thought he was basically correct. But I suspect an aircraft of this size suddenly appearing over the Falklands must have struck fear in the breasts of Galtieri & his mob. Could they bomb Argentina they must have thought.

Look forward to this programme as it was a just incredible feat with an outdated aircraft.

Laurie

[colin m]

But I suspect an aircraft of this size suddenly appearing over the Falklands must have struck fear in the breasts of Galtieri & his mob. Could they bomb Argentina they must have thought.

Laurie

I can't remember the source, but IIRC the Agentines did withdraw some AA systems (or maybe aircraft) from the Falklands to defend Argentina because of the Vulcan raid.

Colin M..

[Guest]

Cheers Laurie, I'll look out for that one! I think it was as much about making a statement of intent regarding the UK governments position in the Falkland's as it was a mission with a military aim.

But as you say, the technological effort needed to accomplish the mission was incredible, to say nothing of the bravery of the aircrews.

[spanner570]

Off on a bit of a tangent really, but I applied for an advertised job for reconstructing the airfield ect. on The Falkland Islands after the conflict......

I didn't get it!

No offence meant to the brave lads who fought and died there, but I remember a saying after it was over......

"It was rather like two bald men fighting over a hairbrush."

Ron

[Guest]

Leaving aside the feelings of the inhabitants (and I thought that, coming from usually uncaring British politicians, sounded a mite hollow,) at the time there was talk of Antarctica being "divvied up" between the countries which bordered the continent, and, if Argentina had managed to expand sideways, she'd have qualified for more territory. There was also an increase of threatening noises from Spain, and it was felt that, if Britain had appeared soft on the Falklands, Gibraltar would have been next. When the Falklands war was over, Spain went very quiet again.

Edgar

[Guest]

My opinion, Edgar, none of those.

Simple. Maggie would not come to terms under "any conditions" of someone pinching something from her handbag.

Laurie

[colin m]

Well that was decent. Nice detail and some footage of an Anti flash Vulcan, actually on the telly ! I think I'll have to watch that again.

[Guest]

Yup that was very enjoyable. Amazing the difference a single bomb made to the conflict! How many lives did that single hit save I wonder?

[Guest]

Thanks for the reminder Colin. That was something not to be missed. A really great piece of filming, reconstruction shots & editing.

All the technical detail mixed in with the human story part. Great honesty on their part & showing, typical British, what you have to do with the recources you have available. This was typical of the Falklands war. Tabbing, Yomping, trench foot, liners in the bay, ferry boats discharging. Two tiny Carriers running the air war. Infantry fighting a tough assignment all in atrocious conditions.

Only thing missing in the film. Unforgettable a few years ago when the renovated Vulcan flew in the bay here in Jersey in the B of B event. That enormous "crack" of power this incredible Vulcan made when it put on full power & climbed away into the blue.

If you missed this one make sure you catch it next time.

Laurie

[colin m]

The Vulcan howl Laurie.............

[Guest]

Stumbled across another Falklands thing think it was Tuesday last. About Nicholson, the reporter. Simon Weston & a Marine who were in the Falklands.

Very interesting. The marine in 1982 had found an abandoned Argentinian haversack with Photos in it. They traced the Officer. The Marine & Argentinian met on the Falklands & the photos were handed back. Very emotional meeting.

Think this must be part of a series. If so hope they have programmed in the Harriers.

Laurie

Colin I would describe it as a bark & loud very loud it just came for no where.