User:Wee Curry Monster/Iconic photographs of the Falklands War

Introduction

As with many wars, images from the Falklands War have proved to a potent visual reminder of the conflict. Although both sides in the conflict controlled media reporting to an extraordinary degree, reporters were able to capture many images that have become iconic for their portrayal of the brutal realities of the war.

1982 invasion of the Falkland Islands

Argentine troops invading the Falklands in 1982, were accompanied by a party of journalists who took many photographs of the Royal Marines of NP8901 as they surrendered to Argentine forces. The original purpose of these images were to demonstrate to the world that Argentina had recovered the Falklands without bloodshed and that British troops were unharmed. The Argentine military junta expected a sympathetic world response to these images but the results were in the event counter productive. The images of British troops humiliated in the Falklands galvanised public opinion in the UK, resulting in cross party support for Margaret Thatcher's launching of a military task force and ultimately victory in the Falklands War. On repatriation, the Royal Marines of NP8901 immediately volunteered en masse to return with the Falklands task force and were later photographed outside of Government House raising the Falklands flag once more. Thus the images of NP8901 encapsulate the beginning and end of the Falklands War. [1]

The Yomper

(To use :Image:Heading into Port Stanley.jpg|right|thumb|300px|"Heading into Port Stanley June 1982, The "Yomper" an iconic image of the Falklands War" )The image of "the Yomper" is arguably one of the most iconic photographs of the Falklands War. The image was captured by Petty Officer Peter Holdgate, Commando Forces Photographer, who was part of the Commando Forces News Team covering the war. Holdgate landed with 40 Commando at San Carlos, travelling across the islands with British Forces and is credited with taking hundreds of photographs..

Like many images of the Falklands War, it was a spontaneous photograph and was not staged or set up in any way. It was taken in mid-June 1982 as the Royal Marines proceeded along the Moody Brook track towards Port Stanley near the end of the war. Included in the column was 24 year old Corporal Peter Robinson of 40 Commando's Milan troop, which had been attached to 45 Commando. It was announced that there were "white flags flying over Stanley" and the marines were diverted to Sapper Hill. Upon hearing news of the surrender of Argentine forces, Corporal Robinson produced a Union Flag from his pack and attached it to the aerial of his radio with masking tape. Holdgate captured the image as the Marines prepared to move to their new positions.

The image was used as the inspiration of a statue that was unveiled by Lady Margaret Thatcher on 8 July 1992 on the 10th anniversary of the conflict, it now adorns the entrance to the Royal Marines Museum in Southsea. The statue commemorates all the Royal Marines and those who served with them during the war.

Surrender at Goose Green

probably go for the helmets on the airstrip shot - one of the more iconic images [2]

Raising Falklands Flag June 14

NP8901 return to raise the Falklands flag [3]

HMS Antelope

(To use: Image:HMS Antelope (F170).png|right|thumb|300px|"The magazines of HMS Antelope explode after an unexploded bomb detonated during an attempt to defuze")Magazines of HMS Antelope explode after UXB detonated during an attempt to defuse.

HMS Ardent

[4] HMS Yarmouth takes off the crew of HMS Ardent following the order to abandon ship.

HMS Sheffield

HMS Sheffield on fire following the Exocet strike [5]

HMS Coventry

HMS Coventry sinks following an attack on Argentina's national day [6]

HMS Conqueror

HMS Conqueror returning to port flying a jolly roger, with a white burning warship silhouette and a dagger, signifying the sinking of ARA Belgrano and the landing of special forces on South Georgia. Both of the additions to the flag were considered non-traditionl, due to the timing of the South Georgia operation and the symbol for a sunk warship being a red bar, though the Jolly Roger was unconventional in other ways, having torpedoes instead of crossed bones (Ref to come).(To use: Image:HMS Conqueror (S48).jpg|300px|thumb|right|"HMS Conqueror returning to Faslane Naval Base after the war, flying the Jolly Roger to signal her sinking of the ARA General Belgrano")

Lieutenant Commander Nigel (Sharkey) Ward DSC AFC RN

[7] Sharkey Ward after shooting down two Mirgaes.

Lt David Morgan

Lt David Morgan onboard HMS Hermes after the Harrier raid against Port Stanley airfield. Minor damage to the tail of his aircraft. [8]