5th Infantry Brigade in the Falklands War

by David Aldea

For many people it was 3 Commando Brigade, commanded by Major General Julian Thompson, and made up of Royal Marines and Para's that recaptured the Falklands. Yet 5th Infantry Brigade played a key and until now little acknowledged role in this extraordinary saga. Cobbled together in haste (having been stripped of its assets to bring 3 Commando Brigade up to strength), it comprised principally of two Guards battalions (2nd Scots and 1st Welsh) and the Gurkhas. Many felt it was inadequately trained when it sailed from Southampton on the QE 2 and this view was given substance by early disasters such as the tragedy at Bluff Cove. Yet by the end, its contribution, of which Tumbledown is the best known, could not be denied. Why then was its commander (Brigadier Tony Wilson) so conspicuously ignored when the medals and decorations were handed out?

224 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2003

Reviews

[Martin Koenigsberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book, although, as a long-time British Army enthusiast, there are many times when it was tough to read. This is the story of the Other Brigade in the Falklands war, since most of the lore has focused on3 Commando Brigade, Julian Thompson;s boys- All those Commandos and Paras who fought the first actions and the bulk of the famous engagements- along with the SAS/SBS. But there was another Brigade that bore the brunt of the British Casualties and also acquitted itself well in the final advance on Port Stanley. It was 5th Infantry Brigade, 7 Gurkha Rifles/2ndScots Guards/1st WelshGuards/2 Para , with their subsidiary units, that helped to finish the job. It is this less well known formation that is the subject here.

In the rush to field 3rd Brigade, 5th Brigade had been shorn of many of its original units- Including 3 Para- so the logistical and organisational struggle to reform and project 5th Brigade- while 3 Brigade were already under sail is fascinating. Van Der Bijl and Aldea, the authors do a GREAT job of explaining the logistical, command, and organisational issues that marked every move the unit made on it way to the South Atlantic. When we get to the Falklands, that continues, so I personally was able to understand better the real military issues with the Fitzroy landings and the Sir Tristram/Sir Galahad bombing that could have knocked the Welsh Guards out of the action. Their explanation of the final advance Goat Ridge to Tumbledown Mountain to Mt. William is also better than I've seen before. All along there is great Argentinian content as well- discussing their moves and counter moves- and their motivation. It's good Military history.

There is some gore, and many discussion of adult management issues that make this best for the Junior reader over 12 years. For the Gamer/Modeller/Military enthusiast- a real score! If you want to Game/Model this war- this book with its great maps/diagrams/B&W pics will help you. The extra .50Cal M2 HMGs the brigade took out of stores is discussed, as are the Gurkhas and their organisation. I loved the logistical underpinning being explained each time, as one keeps thinking that a hundred 6x6 trucks or more Helos would solve everything- and The Atlantic Conveyer sinking had put the kabosh on that. A really good, easy to read, military history of a neglected subject - ideal for readers who want to go a little bit deeper.

[Keith Dobson · Rating 3 out of 5]

5th Infantry Brigade in the Falklands War by David Aldea offers a detailed look at the 1982 conflict. The book succeeds in highlighting the Brigade’s role and the logistical challenges it faced, including the rushed deployment and tragic setbacks like Bluff Cove. It provides good operational detail and insight into Brigadier Tony Wilson’s difficulties and errors.

However, the narrative can feel disjointed at times, with occasional errors and assertions—such as calling the war “pointless”—that may jar with readers seeking a balanced perspective and those like me who served in the war. While the research is generally okay with only a few inaccuracies, the writing lacks the polish and cohesion found in other Falklands histories.

Recommended for enthusiasts who want to explore beyond the usual focus on the 3 Commando Brigade, but casual readers may find it heavy going.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good to read about the little mentioned 5th infantry brigade. Hastily assembled mush mash of regiments, corps, squadrons and batteries from a home defence force to war fighting with minimal training together.
Yes things went wrong for them out in the Falklands but such is war. No plan survives first contact with the enemy.
They did a great job in my opinion with little support from the higher ups, often overruled with tactical decisions and at the back of the queue for support.
Well worth a read to see what the rest did as it wasn’t just the paras and commandos fighting in the falklands.
Well researched and written a little text book in parts but full of information.