A Close Run Thing: The Navy and the Falklands War

by Richard Freeman

Thirty years ago, in 1982, Argentina invaded the Falkland Islands, triggering the last great naval battle of the 20th-century. The British Task Force sent to re-claim the islands, was the largest amphibious landing since D-day in the Second World War.In this ground-breaking essay, the acclaimed naval historian Richard Freeman tells the story of Royal Navy in that momentous campaign. The ships had to transport the men, their machines and equipment, but also to supply them at a distance of nearly 8000 miles from their home ports. This the Navy did while under constant attack from missile-laden Argentine aircraft. The cost was high, with around 1,000 killed and wounded sailors and the loss of seven ships, twenty-four helicopters and ten fighter planes.This dramatic, enthralling book tells the story of the naval war, and the men and ships who fought it. And it explores the defence issues which it raised then and raises today. At the time the whole operation was hazardous in view of the depleted state of the Fleet. Today it would be impossible.Published to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the war Freeman examines how the battles for the Falklands fits into Britain naval history, and what lessons it still has for today.Richard Freeman graduated in mathematics before following a career in distance education. He now writes on naval history. His other books include 'The Great Edwardian Naval Feud'.Endeavour Press is the UK's leader independent digital publisher.

Genres: History

49 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 7, 2012

Reviews

[Roger · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Close Run Thing: The Navy and the Falklands War, my first read from author Richard Freeman. A 44-page brief history of the 1982 74 day war. I lived through thia and when the free Kindle book was available I decided to read it. I'll read more from this author. “I received a Kindle copy of book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).

[Linda Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Falklands War

The author with neither malice or jingoism explains the beginning and the end of the " forgotten war"
The book, in great detail explains how the Brits lack of preparedness and the inertia of the Argentine military became embroiled.
The author makes the point either side could have won " if only", but history teaches us Battle of Midway was " if only.

[Roger Perris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Basic

Reads like a list of events. I was expecting more detail on the actual operations and what was involved. Perhaps better descriptions of the weapons used and why it was so difficult to hit an enemy fighter/bomber.

[Norman Lavallee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brief but excellent book on the Falklands Campaign. I learned several thing I did not know before. I liked the list of ships in the task force at the end of the book.

[Al Menaster · Rating 3 out of 5]

Way too short. But interesting, a very brief summary of the Falklands war and why England one.

[Philip Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good

As a quick read with bullet point facts this book is excellent. The story is told with an easy and well explained style. Very good