The Falklands War 1982 (Full Documentary)

It's absolutely incredible that we get this level of content for free on YouTube! This is such a well made documentary

When I was young I also initially thought the Falklands are north of Scotland, and it was really confusing that Argentina would invade all the way there.

There was a group of US Marines who were part of a "transfer program" serving aboard one of the UK carriers (Invincible, I believe). Though temporarily under the "command" of the British, they were ordered to depart the ship prior to the task force's departure. Naturally, (being Marines) they were unenthusiastic about it because, according to the British, they felt it was "improper to have a war without inviting the US Marines".

Always nice when the BBC broadcasts the details of your surprise attack hours before LOL

I wish HMS Invincible had been saved as a museum instead of being scrapped.

Great job on clearing up the mines. I was last in the Falklands in 2010 and had no idea that goal would be achieved by 2020. Thank you for the production, IWM.

What’s fascinating is that it was an Argentine dictator trying to bolster support at home but failing to take into account that he was dealing with a Conservative pm who had nothing left to lose by military action because failure to act would have been political suicide.

"Argentina believed that Britain wouldn't respond" I'd be truly interested to find out if there has been any point in British history where a foreign nation has been allowed to simply invade a UK territory and keep it while the uk government sits idle.

After the surrender, Admiral Woodward was offered a meeting with General Menedez. He refused on the grounds that he felt that he would probably be unable to act fully within the bounds of the Geneva Convention. He was absolutely livid at Menedez for causing all that death and destruction.

It's so interesting how polite, gentlemanly and intellectual the British military leaders and soldiers are. If you didn't know they were battle hardened warriors, you'd almost think they were professors in college! I think it's a testament to the professionalism of the British military. No "talking tough" or bombast--they just do their job and let their actions speak.

They do have two names, I agree. West Falkland and East Falkland.

No one had seen trench foot since the first world war she says? Obviously not an expert in WW2 then as it was also a big problem there. One prime example is the defence of Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge where the American 101st suffered terribly in the frozen conditions with little to no cold weather gear.

Falklands then. Falklands now. Falklands forever.

I didn't spend weeks from goose green to Stanley cold and getting shot for nothing. Yep Falkand then , now , and always. Still looks like we left it 42 yrs ago.

Condolences to the families of troops who lost their lives or to those who were maimed or injured. It was an immense achievement on the part of British forces and testament to their courage and professionalism. Others around the World should be left in no doubt, that Britain will defend British people and British interests, no matter the foe, no matter the odds. God bless all those who served. God bless the Falkland Islanders, each and everyone. May you remain British forever. A salutary warning that aggressor nations can never be appeased.

The sinking of HMS Sheffield seems very sanitised in this account. The ship was lost as result of negligence/ineptitude, according to most accounts. A ministry of defence inquiry was less than complementary. The Argentine attack was spotted by another ship, and HMS Sheffield notified. The Sheffield failed to respond accordingly.

It’s strange seeing photos of British troops fighting around ‘British style’ homes.

Fun fact: the Spanish name for the islands (Islas Malvinas) originates from a French city of Saint-Malo which itself is named after a British monk. 🇬🇧

One of the better documentaries I've ever seen on this very interesting and surprising--at that time--conflict.

One thing that’s interesting is if you actually look at some history, you find out that the British government at the time we’re actually considering removing the Falkland Islands from their control. However, I don’t know if it was a vote or a pole. The Islanders all basically claimed they wanted to stay a British territory. And if I recall, all of this was done just months before the conflict started. I’ve also read that a number of the Argentinian soldiers, many of which were conscripts didn’t even really understand why they were even there. Many of them, apparently even claimed that they saw no real reason for these islands to be taken by Argentina, because they offered nothing in terms of mineral wealth or anything like that.