The British Forces in the Falklands War: Victories Under Flak

During the Falklands War, the British forces faced several battles that, though costly for the Argentinians, ultimately did not result in significant defeats for the British. A close look at the events and outcomes of the war reveals the complexities and realities of combat during this period.

Initial Surrender and Return

At the beginning of the invasion, the Royal Marine Garrison, numbering around thirty men, was ordered to surrender by the Governor at the start of the Argentinian incursion. These men were later transported through Uruguay and eventually rejoined their Task Force voluntarily. This initial action was a mere formality, as the British contingent was vastly outnumbered and outgunned by the Argentine forces. The Argentinians, recognizing the depleted state of the British Garrison, did not suffer significant losses in this exchange.

Major Skirmishes and Defeats

Several minor skirmishes occurred during the conflict, including at Murrell Bridge, Many Branch Point, and Mount Wall. These were typical of small engagements where both sides had limited objectives and troop numbers. However, two major battles stand out as significant defeats for the Argentinians, both classified as Pyrrhic victories due to the high cost in Argentine lives and matériel.

The Battle of Stanley (Falklands) - April 2, 1982:

This battle saw a sizeable Argentinian force of approximately 2,800 men, supported by warships, helicopters, Pucara aircraft, and 21 Amphibious APCs, engaged against a much smaller British force of 69 men. The Argentinians claimed a bloodless victory, but the reality was vastly different. The British force managed to hold out for 3 hours and 20 minutes, suffering no casualties. In contrast, the Argentinians reported losing 70-80 men killed, 50-60 wounded, and capturing three prisoners. One LCVP landing craft was sunk, and one LVTP-7 Amtrack was destroyed. The British also had a damaged landing craft. The junta initially broadcast that they had won a bloodless victory, but reality of the situation forced them to inflate the number of casualties and claim lower losses.

The Argentinians, seeking to maintain morale and bolster their credibility, vastly underreported their losses. They claimed one man killed and three wounded, a stark contrast to the actual figures. The British forces, recognizing the futility of further resistance, agreed to a ceasefire and were sent to Montevideo, Uruguay. This decision was made to protect the population, as the British forces were no longer capable of accomplishing their strategic objectives due to their low numbers and the overwhelming Argentinian force.

The Battle of Grytviken - April 3, 1982:

The second major defeat for the Argentinians was the Battle of Grytviken. A small party of 22 Royal Marines at King Edward Point on Grytviken, South Georgia, was confronted by Argentinian Marines supported by an armed transport and a corvette. Over a three-hour engagement, the British forces managed to destroy a Puma helicopter, damage an Alouette helicopter, and partially sink the Argentine Corvette Guerrico. The Guerrico took significant damage, including being hit by approximately 1,200 rounds, as well as a 66mm hit that damaged the gun elevation mechanism and 84mm rounds that destroyed an Exocet launcher and caused a hole in the side, at the waterline. This engagement remains the only recorded instance in military history where a warship was taken out by ground forces on land.

A sudden surrender was called by Lt. Mills, who threatened to continue the engagement all day if the Argentinians did not stand down. The Argentine forces agreed to the cease fire, and Lt. Mills formally surrendered to maintain the peace. Argentine casualties were reported as 3 killed and 9 wounded, though the actual figures were likely higher. Additionally, the British suffered only a single casualty, Corporal Nigel Peters, who was shot twice in the left arm, just above the elbow.

Conclusion: Pyrrhic Victories

The Falklands War saw numerous incidents where the Argentinians claimed significant victories, but often at an excessive cost. The battles of Stanley and Grytviken exemplify the type of attrition that occurred, where the Argentinians, despite initially claiming success, suffered heavy losses that were not matched or even close to the losses of the British forces. These outcomes reflect the harsh realities of modern warfare, where the cost in terms of human lives and material can be exceptionally high, even for a seemingly successful combat operation.