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The Falklands War Part 4 - Landing And Consolidation
Paras Land at San Carlos
Former WO1(GSM) Peter Padley MBE
December 16, 2009
LANDING AND CONSOLIDATION PHASE
• 21st May 1982: Landings at San Carlos
Special Forces operations against Argentine positions on Fanning Head and at Darwin limited the threat of attacks on the approaching Task Force. During the early hours of 21st May the landings took place unopposed but not without delay and some confusion. 2 Para eventually landed and moved off to occupy Sussex Mountain with 40 Cdo RM digging in close to the Verde Mountains. They were supported by Scorpion and Scimitar light tanks of the Blues and Royals. 45 Cdo RM landed some hours later in broad daylight at Ajax Bay with 3 Para securing Port San Carlos. Gradually throughout the day the beachhead was consolidated with an Air Defence Rapier Battery being lifted ashore as well as the 105mm guns of 29 Cdo Regt RA and 4 Fd Regt RA being landed.
As air attacks increased every effort was made to offload as many personnel, ammunition and stores from the amphibious force before sending them to deeper water for the night. SS Canberra, with the survivors of HMS Ardent’s crew on board, in company with other ships left the San Carlos area to rejoin the Carrier Battle Group but many RN vessels remained to provide gunfire and anti-air support around the newly formed beachhead.
The 21st May had been a long and dangerous day with many Argentine aircraft shot down and five RN ships either lost or damaged by air attack – but it was the start of the struggle to eject Argentina from The Islands.
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The Falklands Conflict Part 5 – Battles of Goose Green & Stanley
The Argentine Surrender: Battle for the Falklands – The Final Part
