Falkland Islands Liberation | 36th Anniversary

[Flakland Island memorial]

On this day in 1982, the 74-day occupation of the remote Falkland Islands ended as Argentinian commander General Mario Menendez surrendered to the British at Stanley, the capital of the Falkland Islands.

An armada of 2,800 Argentinians invaded the Falklands on April 2, 1982, capturing the capital of Port Stanley. Then-prime minister Margaret Thatcher lashed out immediately, assembling a task force of Royal Navy and merchant navy vessels to retake the territory.

The first ships arrived in early May, with British forces landing on May 21.

The land-based task force, made up of Royal Marines, the British Army and special forces elements, took part in a number of vicious firefights, eventually retaking the Falklands on June 14, 1982.

The conflict cost the lives of three Falkland islanders and 255 British servicemen.

Islanders will gather at Christ Church Cathedral to mark the occasion with a thanksgiving service, followed by wreath laying at the Liberation Monument and a military parade. The day is a public holiday in the Falkland Islands.

Also, Falkland Islands flags will fly across Portsmouth this week to mark the 36th anniversary of the British territory’s liberation from Argentine invaders.

Two flags are due to be raised in the city on Thursday to commemorate the UK’s hard-fought victory in 1982.

One of the symbols will fly in Guildhall Square, outside the Portsmouth Civic Offices, with the second being raised aloft alongside the Union Flag above the Square Tower, in Broad Street, Old Portsmouth.

Survivors of the conflict are expected to join with city leaders and members of the Royal British Legion to stage a small ceremony at Square Tower from 10am.