This year serves to commemorate 40 years since The Falklands War. Year 11 student Charlie has written the following short piece:
What was The Falklands War? The Falklands War was a conflict between Britain and Argentina when, on April 2nd 1982, Argentina illegally invaded and annexed the British overseas territory of the Falkland Islands. Despite negotiations through the UN, Argentina refused to withdraw from the islands. In response the Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, sent a task force of 127 ships and 4,000 troops to recapture the islands. Ultimately, Britain succeeded; however, this short conflict was bloody conflict: in 2 months and 12 days, 256 British soldiers were killed and 5 ships were sunk.
Lieutenant Colonel Herbert Jones VC was the commanding officer of 2nd Battalion (2 PARA) of the Parachute Regiment from 1960 to 1982. He led his battalion through The Falklands from the first landings at San Carlos Bay until his death at The Battle of Goose Green.
On the 28th May 1982 after the capture of Darwin Ridge, his Battalion was ordered to capture the settlement of Goose Green. Unknown to him there were 1,200 Argentine soldiers entrenched around the settlement outnumbering his 690 strong battalion. During the assault, Jones’ unit was pinned down by heavy fire from nearby Argentine trenches. Noticing that his battalion was suffering and casualties were mounting he disregarded his own safety and led a charge encouraging his men to move forward whilst firing his submachine gun. He was killed during this act but the Argentinian position surrendered shortly afterwards. For his actions, he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross, Britain's highest award for bravery. The next day, Goose Green was liberated. H Jones was the highest ranking officer to be killed in action during the conflict, but this act, without a doubt, helped in the liberation of Goose Green.He showed great leadership, courage and commitment to his troops, sacrificing his life attempting to save the lives of his men.
