Ordeal by Exocet: HMS Glamorgan and the Falklands War 1982

by Ian Inskip

HMS Glamorgan was in the thick of the fighting throughout the war. Her role for most of the time was that of an expendable escort and she became the only ship to survive an Exocet hit. Incorporating vivid firsthand accounts and illustrated with photographs, the book also portrays the daily life of an escort under wartime conditions and describes only too clearly the tension, fear, storm, cold, disaster and sorrow which were so close at hand.

New light is shed on the Belgrano affair and startling facts are revealed about other incidents including the high level conduct of the war. There is a detailed account of the successful deception plan, Operation Tornado, and the impact of the war on the families left at home.

While attacking the enemy, Glamorgan faced missiles, bombs, shells and rockets. Personal accounts recall these attacks, and other operations including the Pebble Island raid. All the Exocet attacks on the Battle Group are included, culminating with the desperate fight to save the ship, which came perilously close to sinking. The aftermath and the trauma experienced by those who lost shipmates brings home the gruesome reality of war. Written by one who experienced at first hand that reality, Ordeal by Exocet is a gripping read for historian, enthusiast and general reader alike.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

256 pages, Paperback

First published February 20, 2006

Reviews

[Jon Bradley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holy smokes, has it really been 40 years this month since the Falklands War ended? I am DEFINITELY getting old. Anyway, I recently had the pleasure of visiting the Imperial War Museum in London and found the portion of the museum dedicated to the Falklands conflict to be quite interesting. There is an Exocet missile on display and mention was made of how HMS Glamorgan was hit by an Exocet and survived with extensive damage, which prompted me to seek out this book. The author served as navigator on the Glamorgan during the conflict and the book is based on his diary entries along with contributions from various shipmates. It is written in a businesslike tone and is loaded with acronyms and naval jargon - thankfully there is a glossary in the end pages. The book does not attempt to provide an overview of the entire conflict but stays focused on the author's personal experiences and the actions of his ship. Much information is provided on the fine points of navigating a warship through various activities: refueling at sea, providing air defense for a carrier battle group, shore bombardment, etc. The book's tone becomes less clinical and more urgent when describing the Exocet missile strike, which killed 13 crewmen and heavily damaged the stern of the ship. The author participated in fighting the fires caused by the missile, dragging firehoses through the wreckage amid the bodies of his crewmates and exploding ammunition. The ship was kept from sinking by a hair's breadth. I was surprised to learn that the Exocet missile which hit the ship was launched from shore. The Exocet was designed as an air-launched missile but the Argentine military hastily cobbled together a shore-based launching system during the war. Overall I found this to be a very interesting book. Four out of five stars.

[Hans Brienesse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good to see a book about a little known conflict, despite it being on televisions all over the world, and written from the arm that didn't really get the press it deserved unless you count all the sinkings. Written by one who was responsible for a lot of the ships workings regarding navigation and plotting it tells the ship's story from before the Falklands conflict began until the conclusion. This was the only ship at that time that had ever survived an Exocet attack where the missile actually hit and exploded. Top reading without undue embellishment.

[Richy Hardcastle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional read.

As family of a crew member, I remember this period very well, even though I was only 8. Pleased to see my dad get a mention for his actions when he relieved Ian when fire-fighting in the hanger. He doesn't talk about it so this book was helpful for me. Sad to see that Ian had died, and also Jim Butterfield, Commander (E) who is also mentioned, who was a lovely guy.
Above all I remember it was a happy ship and a family ship.

[Ellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A poignant account of serving in the fight for the Falkland Islands, the amount of detail and emotion within the memoir allow for the reader to glean a better understanding of the events that transpired in the South American theater.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic book detailing what it is like aboard a Naval warship unfortunately taking a hit from a capable missile. They survived the encounter and the chronicle of events is a valuable lesson that all those currently serving aboard ships of war.

[Ian · Rating 5 out of 5]

HMS Glamorgan was the only ship during the 1982 Falklands war to be hit by an Exocet missile and survive. This book, written by the ship's navigating officer, charts Glamorgan's war, from being ordered to leave an exercise off Gibraltar and sail south, to returning to Portsmouth.

Along the way there are stormy seas, shore bombardments, air raids and acting as goalkeeper to protect the carriers. Always tinged with the knowledge that escort vessels are considered expendable. Plus of course that missile attack where the ship was only saved by a combination of skilled seamanship and the bravery of the damage control teams.

The narrative is very good at portraying the human side of war as it draws on the diaries of crew members and the lives of the families at home to convey the fear and dark humour of being under attack, and the pain of losing crew mates.

It's a compelling read, fascinating, terrifying and moving in equal measure.

[Andy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant. Tony 'Steve' Sillence was a very good friend. This book gave me comfort in the way it told the tale of a brave ship's company in a detailed yet respectful way. RIP shippers.

[Gerard J · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a read

A great book very well written. It shows the bravery of the men of the royal navy. It also shows you the sadness and strain of war.