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The Yompers
Called to action on 2 April 1982, the men of 45 Commando Royal Marines assembled from around the world to sail 8,000 miles to recover the Falkland Islands from Argentine invasion. Lacking helicopters and short of food, they ‘yomped’ in appalling weather carrying overloaded rucksacks, across the roughest terrain. Yet for a month in mid-winter, they remained a cohesive fighting-fit body of men. They then fought and won the highly successful and fierce night battle for Two Sisters, a 1,000 foot high mountain which was the key to the defensive positions around Stanley.
This is a first hand story of that epic feat, but it is much more than that. The first to be written by a company commander in the Falklands War, the book gives a compelling, vivid description of the ‘yomp’ and infantry fighting, and it also offers penetrating insights into the realities of war at higher levels. It is a unique combination of descriptive writing about front-line fighting and wider reflections on the Falklands War, and conflict in general.
Gritty and moving; sophisticated, reflective and funny, this book offers an abundance of timeless truths about war.
‘Yomping’ was the word used by the Commandos for carrying heavy loads on long marches. It caught the public’s imagination during this short but bitter campaign and epitomized the grim determination and professionalism of our troops.
This is a first hand story of that epic feat, but it is much more than that. The first to be written by a company commander in the Falklands War, the book gives a compelling, vivid description of the ‘yomp’ and infantry fighting, and it also offers penetrating insights into the realities of war at higher levels. It is a unique combination of descriptive writing about front-line fighting and wider reflections on the Falklands War, and conflict in general.
Gritty and moving; sophisticated, reflective and funny, this book offers an abundance of timeless truths about war.
‘Yomping’ was the word used by the Commandos for carrying heavy loads on long marches. It caught the public’s imagination during this short but bitter campaign and epitomized the grim determination and professionalism of our troops.
- GenresBiography
208 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2012
28 people want to read
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April 16, 2020
This book tells the story of 45 Commando Royal Marines in the Falklands War from the perspective of the point of the spear; a rifle company: Ian Gardiner's (the author) X Ray Company.
The invasion of the Falklands was quite a shock. I can take a little pride in being one of the people who knew where they were. We had one or two atlases and a box full of old National Geographic magazines.
I watched every relevant program on the telly and read the papers including buying a copy of The Economist (this particular issue of The Economist had a cover picture of HMS Hermes leaving Portsmouth being waved off by cheering crowds, the title was something like 'If Only You Could' .
Inside The Economist speculated that all of Latin America including Brazil's relatively powerful armed forces may join Argentina in a unbeatable united front against us). After reading this I went to the Navy Recruitment office in Reading and volunteered for the RM (Royal Marines). The two recruiting officers seemed a little touched but also amused. They said "We've had a lot of young men in since the invasion. But we don't believe it'll come to a fight. The Task force will get half way down the Atlantic and there will be a negotiated settlement and they'll turn back. But thanks..." for your gesture or something.
I had previously applied to join the RM a few years earlier, its a bit of a story, but I backed out.
One of the reasons for my personal preference for the RM over their arch rivals the Paras, was my belief that the Army was class-ridden whereas the RM was more meritocratic. I've read a few books on the Paras in the Falklands recently and all of them write of 'Toms' (working class privates and NCOs) and 'Ruperts' (upper middle class officers). I don't know where I got this belief (in the meritocratic nature of the RM) from - there was no internet back then. I mention this as one of the things that grabbed my attention in this book was the following on page 57:
"The Royal Marines are unique in the United Kingdom in that they train all their officers, NCOs and marines at the same place. For Royal Marines, there is no Sandhurst, Dartmouth or Cranwell where officers are trained in isolation from the men and women they will lead. At the Commando Training Centre at Lympstone near Exmouth in Devon, all Royal Marines are trained together. There are separate wings devoted to the training of each group of course, but a recruit under training will see young officers on parade and hear them being shouted at by their instructors. He will see them going through the same gruelling Commando tests to earn the same Green Beret; except he will know that the officer has 10 per cent less time in which to complete the tests. In turn, the young officer will meet and exercise with marines under training. Very early in his apprenticeship, he gets a feel for the temper of the men for whom he will be responsible later on. This tends towards a shared understanding and respect between all Royal Marines which starts from very early on in one's service. Officers and men join the Royal Marines from every sort of background, but there is a classlessness in the Corps which not every British military organisation shares.
The book starts with the Commando (battalion) being spread all over the world and being recalled to their base Arbroath following the invasion. Yankee company were in Hong Kong, about to return from jungle training in the Far East (this was another attraction of the RM for me as a teenager - they really did get to see the world!).
You can pretty much guess the outline of the rest; Ascension island, the South Atlantic, San Carlos, Bomb Alley, the famous yomp, the appalling conditions, the battle for Two Sisters Mountain, the surrender, Port Stanley and home.
The famous 'yomp' was even more impressive than I thought: Page 85 Each man was carrying something like 120lbs some were carrying as much as 150lbs They covered an amazing distance over trackless boggy and rocky terrain in sub-Artic temperatures. Sleeping in the open under constant rain, sleet and snow, living like wild men, but even after a month of this were still able to carry out an assault on well dug in, numerically superior enemy troops. The Argentines had arguably better equipment and artillery support. The Argentines were well dug in - on a mountain! The Argentines were a mixed bunch, but many of them were willing to fight to the death. Yet still the RM captured the mountain with relatively few casualties. But it was a hell of a fight. Sadly, the most British deaths from that battle were on HMS Glamorgan providing artillery support from the coast, hit by a land based Exocet missile, 13 sailors lost their lives.
At the time, the Falklands War seemed an amazing and extraordinary thing. Reading about it all these years later, I'm reminded of how unbelievable it all seemed. The professionalism and bravery of our servicemen, but also of others who played a part, like merchant seaman, and how they all came together, as a team, an amazing thing.
The invasion of the Falklands was quite a shock. I can take a little pride in being one of the people who knew where they were. We had one or two atlases and a box full of old National Geographic magazines.
I watched every relevant program on the telly and read the papers including buying a copy of The Economist (this particular issue of The Economist had a cover picture of HMS Hermes leaving Portsmouth being waved off by cheering crowds, the title was something like 'If Only You Could' .
Inside The Economist speculated that all of Latin America including Brazil's relatively powerful armed forces may join Argentina in a unbeatable united front against us). After reading this I went to the Navy Recruitment office in Reading and volunteered for the RM (Royal Marines). The two recruiting officers seemed a little touched but also amused. They said "We've had a lot of young men in since the invasion. But we don't believe it'll come to a fight. The Task force will get half way down the Atlantic and there will be a negotiated settlement and they'll turn back. But thanks..." for your gesture or something.
I had previously applied to join the RM a few years earlier, its a bit of a story, but I backed out.
One of the reasons for my personal preference for the RM over their arch rivals the Paras, was my belief that the Army was class-ridden whereas the RM was more meritocratic. I've read a few books on the Paras in the Falklands recently and all of them write of 'Toms' (working class privates and NCOs) and 'Ruperts' (upper middle class officers). I don't know where I got this belief (in the meritocratic nature of the RM) from - there was no internet back then. I mention this as one of the things that grabbed my attention in this book was the following on page 57:
"The Royal Marines are unique in the United Kingdom in that they train all their officers, NCOs and marines at the same place. For Royal Marines, there is no Sandhurst, Dartmouth or Cranwell where officers are trained in isolation from the men and women they will lead. At the Commando Training Centre at Lympstone near Exmouth in Devon, all Royal Marines are trained together. There are separate wings devoted to the training of each group of course, but a recruit under training will see young officers on parade and hear them being shouted at by their instructors. He will see them going through the same gruelling Commando tests to earn the same Green Beret; except he will know that the officer has 10 per cent less time in which to complete the tests. In turn, the young officer will meet and exercise with marines under training. Very early in his apprenticeship, he gets a feel for the temper of the men for whom he will be responsible later on. This tends towards a shared understanding and respect between all Royal Marines which starts from very early on in one's service. Officers and men join the Royal Marines from every sort of background, but there is a classlessness in the Corps which not every British military organisation shares.
The book starts with the Commando (battalion) being spread all over the world and being recalled to their base Arbroath following the invasion. Yankee company were in Hong Kong, about to return from jungle training in the Far East (this was another attraction of the RM for me as a teenager - they really did get to see the world!).
You can pretty much guess the outline of the rest; Ascension island, the South Atlantic, San Carlos, Bomb Alley, the famous yomp, the appalling conditions, the battle for Two Sisters Mountain, the surrender, Port Stanley and home.
The famous 'yomp' was even more impressive than I thought: Page 85 Each man was carrying something like 120lbs some were carrying as much as 150lbs They covered an amazing distance over trackless boggy and rocky terrain in sub-Artic temperatures. Sleeping in the open under constant rain, sleet and snow, living like wild men, but even after a month of this were still able to carry out an assault on well dug in, numerically superior enemy troops. The Argentines had arguably better equipment and artillery support. The Argentines were well dug in - on a mountain! The Argentines were a mixed bunch, but many of them were willing to fight to the death. Yet still the RM captured the mountain with relatively few casualties. But it was a hell of a fight. Sadly, the most British deaths from that battle were on HMS Glamorgan providing artillery support from the coast, hit by a land based Exocet missile, 13 sailors lost their lives.
At the time, the Falklands War seemed an amazing and extraordinary thing. Reading about it all these years later, I'm reminded of how unbelievable it all seemed. The professionalism and bravery of our servicemen, but also of others who played a part, like merchant seaman, and how they all came together, as a team, an amazing thing.
July 14, 2019
We have read Ian Gardiner before with his other two excellent books and this one keeps to his high standard of excellent writing of his experiences, now as X-Ray Company Commander in 45 Commando, as well as his wisdom and practical philosophical oversight. In Yompers the author covers logistics through tactics, politics through training as well as humour (we will use the Queen’s English spelling out of respect) and cigarettes.
Gardiner also has much in humour interspersed throughout Yompers and in fact succinctly explains why that trait is vital in when soldiers prepare to go into combat. Succinctness with spectacular writing marks Gardiner’s books as revelatory and educational as the reader not only learns of how it was like for individuals involved but also the strategic context of the issue at hand.
The overthrust of the story is how 45 Commando marched across unimaginably harsh terrain across East Falkland island to fight two night battles securing the western flank of Port Stanley. The story is an awestriking one. Since the heavy lift helicopter capacity was lost due to Argentinian attacks 45 Commando had to “yomp” (i.e., march) with each man carrying a load of 120–150 pounds (55–70kg) over terrain that alternatively had them sinking up to their shins or traversing boot eating stone runs. As noted by Gardiner, this was the first battle fought without motorized vehicles since the invention of the reciprocating engine. From the first day of the march feet and clothing were not dry until its end so day after day men of 45 Commando never slept well. Making matters worse the helicopter resupply was unreliable so food was often short in supply. Artillery ammunition had to be carefully thought out prior to commencing battle and boots often had to be liberated from the Argentine soldiers. But intense night assaults were made and Gardiner excels in describing the intensity of command decision making (advised by others but alone in responsibility) as well as the first hand accounts which are riveting. Only a thinking person who has experienced the event can write this descriptively and informatively.
Some of the above sounds counterintuitive and perhaps so it is but it is how the history unfurled. Gardiner writes an excellent prelude and summary illustrating the mistakes both countries made which brought them to war. His observations regarding the training of the Royal Marines and his comparison to the Argentinian officer corps could not be more stark. Some Argentinians fought well and some did not but the Falkland’s War was a close fought affair with remarkable gallantry on both sides which Gardiner freely acknowledges. His reflection on serving the Queen is both parsimonious, realistic as well as saturated with wry humour.
This book, like his others, is happily challenging to write a short review of as each page is filled with insight or overview — more often both. So, much has to be left out of the material covered by Gardiner but to give an impression of the gamut addressed, and addressed well:
Why, in his experience gained in Dhofar, his company armed themselves with nineteen light machine guns (7.62mm) when the normal complement was nine
The unsung heroes of Britain’s merchant marine
How the Argentine military thought as well as how the British military thought
The incredible logistical effort to get man and equipment away is a short time and how some of the proverbial knots were untied along the route
How unexploded bombs were left in medical areas as men continued their work to save lives and heal wounds
The importance of air assets and how acute the feeling when they are not available
The American military has the SNAFU, TARFU and FUBAR whereas the UK military has the AMFU, SAMFU and CMFU 🙂
This book should be read by historians and should be read by those who study leadership alike. The maps are drawn by the author and the many insightful images come from the Trustees of the Royal Marines Museum as well as the author and friends.
Gardiner also has much in humour interspersed throughout Yompers and in fact succinctly explains why that trait is vital in when soldiers prepare to go into combat. Succinctness with spectacular writing marks Gardiner’s books as revelatory and educational as the reader not only learns of how it was like for individuals involved but also the strategic context of the issue at hand.
The overthrust of the story is how 45 Commando marched across unimaginably harsh terrain across East Falkland island to fight two night battles securing the western flank of Port Stanley. The story is an awestriking one. Since the heavy lift helicopter capacity was lost due to Argentinian attacks 45 Commando had to “yomp” (i.e., march) with each man carrying a load of 120–150 pounds (55–70kg) over terrain that alternatively had them sinking up to their shins or traversing boot eating stone runs. As noted by Gardiner, this was the first battle fought without motorized vehicles since the invention of the reciprocating engine. From the first day of the march feet and clothing were not dry until its end so day after day men of 45 Commando never slept well. Making matters worse the helicopter resupply was unreliable so food was often short in supply. Artillery ammunition had to be carefully thought out prior to commencing battle and boots often had to be liberated from the Argentine soldiers. But intense night assaults were made and Gardiner excels in describing the intensity of command decision making (advised by others but alone in responsibility) as well as the first hand accounts which are riveting. Only a thinking person who has experienced the event can write this descriptively and informatively.
Some of the above sounds counterintuitive and perhaps so it is but it is how the history unfurled. Gardiner writes an excellent prelude and summary illustrating the mistakes both countries made which brought them to war. His observations regarding the training of the Royal Marines and his comparison to the Argentinian officer corps could not be more stark. Some Argentinians fought well and some did not but the Falkland’s War was a close fought affair with remarkable gallantry on both sides which Gardiner freely acknowledges. His reflection on serving the Queen is both parsimonious, realistic as well as saturated with wry humour.
This book, like his others, is happily challenging to write a short review of as each page is filled with insight or overview — more often both. So, much has to be left out of the material covered by Gardiner but to give an impression of the gamut addressed, and addressed well:
Why, in his experience gained in Dhofar, his company armed themselves with nineteen light machine guns (7.62mm) when the normal complement was nine
The unsung heroes of Britain’s merchant marine
How the Argentine military thought as well as how the British military thought
The incredible logistical effort to get man and equipment away is a short time and how some of the proverbial knots were untied along the route
How unexploded bombs were left in medical areas as men continued their work to save lives and heal wounds
The importance of air assets and how acute the feeling when they are not available
The American military has the SNAFU, TARFU and FUBAR whereas the UK military has the AMFU, SAMFU and CMFU 🙂
This book should be read by historians and should be read by those who study leadership alike. The maps are drawn by the author and the many insightful images come from the Trustees of the Royal Marines Museum as well as the author and friends.
November 19, 2025
I came across The Yompers through Silent Book Club NYC, and I’m really glad I decided to read it. I didn’t know much about this part of history before, but Ian Gardiner’s clear and honest writing really opened my eyes. One thing I truly learned from the book is how much quiet endurance and mental strength go into experiences like this, far beyond what we often imagine. The way he describes the challenges, the leadership decisions, and the bonds between the men felt incredibly human and insightful.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 19, 2025
In our Silent Book Club NYC discussions, a few of us talked about how surprisingly reflective this book is. Yes, it’s military history, but it’s also about leadership, responsibility, and the emotional cost that never fully goes away. The battle scenes are gripping, but the quieter reflections are what made this book feel special.
November 19, 2025
I didn’t expect to feel so connected to an author tonight. Merle’s story really hit home for me.
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November 19, 2025Her humor is incredible. I found myself laughing quietly during the reading session.
November 19, 2025
I did not expect to be pulled into a military memoir tonight, but The Yompers grabbed me from the first page. Honest, raw, and beautifully written.
November 19, 2025
This book surprised me. I picked it up out of curiosity, and suddenly I was completely drawn into the cold, the grit, and the honesty.
November 19, 2025
The way she talks about aging… honestly, it changed something in me.
November 19, 2025
I don’t usually read military books, but this felt deeply personal. Not just history, but humanity.
November 19, 2025
The Battle of Two Sisters chapter stayed with me. Intense and beautifully written.
November 19, 2025
I loved how the book captures both the physical journey and the emotional one.
November 19, 2025
This book had some really great moments. I appreciate the author’s creativity and the way the story unfolds
November 19, 2025
The author’s voice is so calm and reflective. It made me trust every word.
November 19, 2025
Clear, powerful writing. I learned more about the Falklands in these pages than in any documentary.
November 20, 2025
The writing feels like a window into someone’s real life, not a distant historical event.
November 20, 2025
This was my first time reading Ian’s work, and now I want to explore more.
November 24, 2025
The Battle of Two Sisters chapter stayed with me. Intense and beautifully written.
October 14, 2015
The Yompers describes the Falklands war from the authors', the company commanders perspective. It is clear, well written and exciting. At times, he hits the nail right on the head by describing certain aspects of the life of a soldier. These passages made me rate the book five stars, just because he was there. He did it. No extravaganza, no exaggerated heroism, nothing to hide. The naked truth from a clear point of view. It sometimes made me wish I was there with him, even though I know it was war and it was shit. The bond between men in battle is indescribable and yet he found a way to describe it as closely as possible. I'm not sure if I would recommend it to anyone without military experience but for those who have this is a seriously easy to read piece of literature that is worthwhile reading.
May 12, 2013
A hands-on personal account of the Falklands war by a 45 Commando company commander. From the start of the war in April 1982 he describes the mobilization of his unit, its transportation to Ascension and landing in the Falklands. He describes graphically how his marines adjusted to war, and despite high morale, superior training and leadership, is humble enough to admit that the British were very lucky in the successful outcome of the war. Near-misses, bombs that failed to go off, poor Argentinian training and lucky timing on the British side all contributed to the result. One thing is very clear: an Argentinian commander reading this book would not make the same mistakes again.
November 1, 2012
I found this particularly interesting. First, because it is about the 45 Royal Marines who are based near the town where I grew up. Secondly it is about an action to recover the Falklands Islands which I remember and which I read about in the series of "I was there" books published soon afterwards.
The author was with 45 and was in action and his recollections are supplemented by reference to others he spoke with who were also there. Ian Gardiner has strong opinions and with the benefit of time is not afraid to say what they are. This is the best book on the Falklands War that I have read.
Thank you, Ian.
The author was with 45 and was in action and his recollections are supplemented by reference to others he spoke with who were also there. Ian Gardiner has strong opinions and with the benefit of time is not afraid to say what they are. This is the best book on the Falklands War that I have read.
Thank you, Ian.
January 12, 2016
45 Commando seems to have been a very efficient and generally happy unit, and Gardiner is mostly full of praise for both those junior and senior to him. He doesn't however shy away from the difficulties faced and mistakes made in the Falklands, including his own.
May 7, 2012
The story of 45 Commando in The Falklands war.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews