A daring raid by a small group of the SAS on Pebble Island had knocked out 11 Argentine planes on 15th May but on 21st May 1982, 7 weeks after the Argentine invasion of the Falkland Islands, the British task force was ready to land around San Carlos Bay.

The day began with teams of special forces being dropped in by helicopter either side of the northern end of Falkland Sound to take out the infantry threats from groups of Argentine soldiers as they had commanding views of the entrance to San Carlos Water which would therefore post a great threat to the landing force.

Another group were dropped around Darwin and Goose Green to prevent any forces pushing up to San Carlos.

With the advance troops in position, at 0400 the destroyer HMS Antrim opened fire with her 4.5in gun, putting hundreds of shells into the Fanning Head lookout post, and when she was finished the Special Forces teas moved in to secure the site.

The forces at Darwin opened fire with such ferocity that the Argentines believed they faced many more troops.

As this was happening, the first British troops went ashore at San Carlos (Blue Beach) – 2 Para and 40 Commando.

As the day broke and the Argentines gathered their intelligence, the inevitable air attacks ensued and 27 British personnel would lose their lives.

The landings that the Falkland Islanders had been hoping and praying for, had begun. Tough fighting across rugged terrain on their march to Stanley was up next.

San Carlos Waters is a beautiful place to visit and is part of any itinerary on a Sophie’s Great War Tours visit to the Falklands.

Contact Sophie today about opportunities to walk in British forces footsteps and take in the incredible scenery and local life.