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The Falklands War There and Back Again: The Story of Naval Party 8901
“A highly readable yet harrowing account [of] defeat, disappointment, tragedy, and eventual triumph set against the stormy waters of the South Atlantic.” —Naval Historical Foundation April 1, 1982: Major Mike Norman, commander of Naval Party 8901, was looking forward to a peaceful yearlong tour of duty on the Falkland Islands. But events turned out differently—because the next day, the Argentines invaded and he and his forty-three Royal Marines found themselves fighting for their lives. They took up defensive positions around Government House and on the approach to Stanley from Cape Pembroke to protect Governor Rex Hunt and delay the advance to Stanley. They were prepared to die executing his orders. After a desperate battle in the gardens and even inside the house against superior numbers, Hunt ordered them to lay down their arms. As the surrender took place, an Argentine told a The islands are ours now. The response was We will be back. They were, and this is their story. The Royal Marines of Naval Party 8901—as well as some members of the previous detachment—volunteered to join the Task Force and, some seventy-five days later, the men who witnessed the raising of the Argentine flag over the islands on April 2 saw the triumphant return of the Union Jack. Mike Norman’s dramatic account, written with fellow Falklands veteran and acclaimed historian Michael Jones, draws on his own vivid recollections, the log recording the defense of Government House, the testimony of the marines under his command, and newly released files from government archives. It’s a powerful and moving tribute to the marines who confronted the Argentines when they invaded and then fought to force them out.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 30, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
February 5, 2022
Thorough account of the invasion of the Falklands in April 1982 written by the commanding major of the Royal Marines stationed there in collaboration with historian Michael Jones.
The main focus of the book is to remedy the initial false impression constructed by the British press (who swallowed Argentine propaganda uncritically) that the Marines didn't put up a fight and surrendered without resistance.
One would think that this impression should have waned over the years, but a clearer account from the men on the ground was perhaps long overdue.
I for one was well aware of the Marines exploits, first through the movie "An Ungentlemanly Act" and later through extensive reading on the 1982 conflict.
The first part (perhaps 2/3 of the book) is thorough in detail about the history of the Royal Marines garrison on the islands, their duties and way of life, and of course a blow for blow account of their defense of Stanley on 2nd April 1982.
They were virtually left to die by incompetent and complacent government officials in London, but toughed it out and eventually laid down their arms after being ordered to do so by the governor of the islands.
"A case of ‘big hands on little maps, that’s the way to kill the chaps’."
The last part of the book relates how NP 8901 was first repatriated to the UK, and after a struggle managed to get to be a part of the task force sailing to reclaim the islands.
The account of the newly formed J company on the ground on the Falklands May-June 1982 is less thorough and detailed, and I like another reviewer, might have liked more, but the main focus of the book is on the initial invasion in April.
Amazingly the Naval Party was not allocated a place in the Victory Parade in London, they had to protest their way in...
More of a 3.5 than 4*, but 3* would be a bit harsh.
The main focus of the book is to remedy the initial false impression constructed by the British press (who swallowed Argentine propaganda uncritically) that the Marines didn't put up a fight and surrendered without resistance.
One would think that this impression should have waned over the years, but a clearer account from the men on the ground was perhaps long overdue.
I for one was well aware of the Marines exploits, first through the movie "An Ungentlemanly Act" and later through extensive reading on the 1982 conflict.
The first part (perhaps 2/3 of the book) is thorough in detail about the history of the Royal Marines garrison on the islands, their duties and way of life, and of course a blow for blow account of their defense of Stanley on 2nd April 1982.
They were virtually left to die by incompetent and complacent government officials in London, but toughed it out and eventually laid down their arms after being ordered to do so by the governor of the islands.
"A case of ‘big hands on little maps, that’s the way to kill the chaps’."
The last part of the book relates how NP 8901 was first repatriated to the UK, and after a struggle managed to get to be a part of the task force sailing to reclaim the islands.
The account of the newly formed J company on the ground on the Falklands May-June 1982 is less thorough and detailed, and I like another reviewer, might have liked more, but the main focus of the book is on the initial invasion in April.
Amazingly the Naval Party was not allocated a place in the Victory Parade in London, they had to protest their way in...
More of a 3.5 than 4*, but 3* would be a bit harsh.
March 24, 2020
This is a great book about the Falklands, literally from start to finish, although, I'd have liked a bit more... That's often the sign of a great book. Major Mike Norman was Commander of Naval Party 8901, the Traditional Pre 1982 "Garrison" of the Falklands and Ascension Islands. He's just taken over when the Argentinian Junta sent their Invasion force to try and "Re-conquer" "their" "Malvinas Islands". Norman explains the taut hours of waiting, the assault, his defence- and their inevitable surrender after several hours of pretty intense combat and numerous Argentinian casualties. Then he explains coming home- to a British Public and Press who had swallowed an Argentinian Account where their Marines had not fought at all. It gets straightened out- but its an aggravating read nonetheless.
Then with all their local knowledge, his guys are useful to the British Recapture Expedition. He shows us the inner working of the Royal Marines as he packages his men into any group he caqn so they can return and get revenge. Eventually, as J for Juliet company of 42 Commando, he leads his Troops in the Mt. Harriet assault, one of the last dominoes to fall before the Capitol Stanley. It ends pretty quickly here, in exultant victory- but its a ripping read all the way.
There are some very adult themes here- Bureaucratic Politics mainly, and some graphic details, so the junior reader should be at least 11 or 12 before getting the most out of this. For the Gamer/Modeller/Military Enthusiast, this book drips with the kind of detail this audience will love- the subtle differences between "Yomping' and "Tabbing" for instance, and the relative usefulness and warmth of various field uniform gear. There's also the kind of logistical and tactical advice and doctrine tips that can enrich your knowledge base. I think that scenario/diorama development will be improved and background knowledge of the Royal Marines/British Military is rich here. a strong rec from this reader.
Then with all their local knowledge, his guys are useful to the British Recapture Expedition. He shows us the inner working of the Royal Marines as he packages his men into any group he caqn so they can return and get revenge. Eventually, as J for Juliet company of 42 Commando, he leads his Troops in the Mt. Harriet assault, one of the last dominoes to fall before the Capitol Stanley. It ends pretty quickly here, in exultant victory- but its a ripping read all the way.
There are some very adult themes here- Bureaucratic Politics mainly, and some graphic details, so the junior reader should be at least 11 or 12 before getting the most out of this. For the Gamer/Modeller/Military Enthusiast, this book drips with the kind of detail this audience will love- the subtle differences between "Yomping' and "Tabbing" for instance, and the relative usefulness and warmth of various field uniform gear. There's also the kind of logistical and tactical advice and doctrine tips that can enrich your knowledge base. I think that scenario/diorama development will be improved and background knowledge of the Royal Marines/British Military is rich here. a strong rec from this reader.
March 27, 2022
This book has several good reviews already so I won't rehash what they've said. See these for more details:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
One thing that fascinated me about this book is how Major Mike Norman put together such a decent defense with so little material. He showed a level of competence sadly lacking in the people who were in charge back in the UK.
The other thing that struck me was the similarity to Co A. 35th Battalion of the Irish Army's fight at Jadotville. Both were put in a bad situation because of upper echelon bureaucrats. Both fought and didn't lose any men. Both were then treated poorly by the same leaders/governments that got them into the mess. One gets the feeling that if they were all dead then the people in power would have been happy. They would have "heroes" to celebrate and nobody alive to point the finger at them.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
One thing that fascinated me about this book is how Major Mike Norman put together such a decent defense with so little material. He showed a level of competence sadly lacking in the people who were in charge back in the UK.
The other thing that struck me was the similarity to Co A. 35th Battalion of the Irish Army's fight at Jadotville. Both were put in a bad situation because of upper echelon bureaucrats. Both fought and didn't lose any men. Both were then treated poorly by the same leaders/governments that got them into the mess. One gets the feeling that if they were all dead then the people in power would have been happy. They would have "heroes" to celebrate and nobody alive to point the finger at them.
May 18, 2020
There are a lot of books out on the Falklands War and what sets this book apart is that it is centred on the Marines that did the initial defence of the islands during the Argentinian invasion. Written by the commander of Naval Party 8901, then Maj Mike Norman.
He relates their arrival in the Islands just prior to the attack, how they got prepared for the invasion by a vastly numerically superior forces and then the defensive battle they waged to protect the governour of the islands.
In telling the story he uses quotes from marines and other personnel that were there as well as recollections from marines that had previously served on the Islands. These stories add depth and add a human touch to the story.
I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to anyone that is interested in the Falklands war.
He relates their arrival in the Islands just prior to the attack, how they got prepared for the invasion by a vastly numerically superior forces and then the defensive battle they waged to protect the governour of the islands.
In telling the story he uses quotes from marines and other personnel that were there as well as recollections from marines that had previously served on the Islands. These stories add depth and add a human touch to the story.
I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to anyone that is interested in the Falklands war.
August 31, 2023
Like so many others, my impression of the defence of the Falkland Islands against an Argentinian invasion force in April 1982 was, consciously or unconsciously, influenced by a frequently published photograph of a small group of seemingly suppliant Royal Marines lying face down under the guns of victorious Argentine squaddies. The truth of the matter is very different and this long overdue book is a definitive rebuttal of a narrative that was built by the popular press at the time and which, since then, has been largely unchallenged.
Major Mike Norman led the seventy men of Naval Party 8901 (NP 8901) during the Argentine invasion and returned to the Falkland Islands in May in command of J Company, 42 Commando. Major Norman’s fascinating account of his time in the Falklands has been turned into a highly readable book with the help of co-author Michael Jones. Major General Julian Thompson’s imprimatur is given in a foreword which speaks of strong leadership, steadfastness and courage in the face of adversity.
The book gives a chronological account of events and does not shy away from exposing the errors that led to the invasion in the first place and which constrained the ability of NP 8901 to act more effectively. Notwithstanding this troubling context, it is apparent from this detailed record that the men of NP 8901 gave a very good account of themselves. Clearly it is a travesty that their bravery, including the damage that they inflicted on the Argentinian spearhead, was unreported at the time and has gone unrecognised since. In the list of contents the co-authors put the chapter head ‘Surrender’ in inverted commas – a grammatical subtlety which is entirely appropriate given the fact that NP 8091 was asked to cease its operations for entirely political reasons.
Subsequent chapters deal with the immediate repatriation of the men of NP 8901, their reception when they returned to the United Kingdom and the personal impact of the initial press coverage (some of which was subsequently corrected, albeit somewhat quietly). Throughout the book the story of the wider war is covered from a soldier’s perspective and testament is paid to the political will behind the retaking of the Falklands and the scale of the effort required to fulfil this ambition.
The last third of the book is concerned with the large number of NP 8091 men who returned to the Falkland Islands and took part in the hard fighting at various locations – particularly Mount Harriet. Major Norman was driven to return and complete the ‘unfinished business’ as were many of his men – and they did. The title of the last chapter covering the Argentinian surrender is not caveated by the use of inverted commas – and rightly so. After all, the expulsion of the invading Argentinian forces was a total victory for the British Armed Forces. This book does the men of NP 8091 and the Royal Marines more generally a great service in telling the story as it should be told – with accuracy and with pride.
Major Mike Norman led the seventy men of Naval Party 8901 (NP 8901) during the Argentine invasion and returned to the Falkland Islands in May in command of J Company, 42 Commando. Major Norman’s fascinating account of his time in the Falklands has been turned into a highly readable book with the help of co-author Michael Jones. Major General Julian Thompson’s imprimatur is given in a foreword which speaks of strong leadership, steadfastness and courage in the face of adversity.
The book gives a chronological account of events and does not shy away from exposing the errors that led to the invasion in the first place and which constrained the ability of NP 8901 to act more effectively. Notwithstanding this troubling context, it is apparent from this detailed record that the men of NP 8901 gave a very good account of themselves. Clearly it is a travesty that their bravery, including the damage that they inflicted on the Argentinian spearhead, was unreported at the time and has gone unrecognised since. In the list of contents the co-authors put the chapter head ‘Surrender’ in inverted commas – a grammatical subtlety which is entirely appropriate given the fact that NP 8091 was asked to cease its operations for entirely political reasons.
Subsequent chapters deal with the immediate repatriation of the men of NP 8901, their reception when they returned to the United Kingdom and the personal impact of the initial press coverage (some of which was subsequently corrected, albeit somewhat quietly). Throughout the book the story of the wider war is covered from a soldier’s perspective and testament is paid to the political will behind the retaking of the Falklands and the scale of the effort required to fulfil this ambition.
The last third of the book is concerned with the large number of NP 8091 men who returned to the Falkland Islands and took part in the hard fighting at various locations – particularly Mount Harriet. Major Norman was driven to return and complete the ‘unfinished business’ as were many of his men – and they did. The title of the last chapter covering the Argentinian surrender is not caveated by the use of inverted commas – and rightly so. After all, the expulsion of the invading Argentinian forces was a total victory for the British Armed Forces. This book does the men of NP 8091 and the Royal Marines more generally a great service in telling the story as it should be told – with accuracy and with pride.
July 12, 2020
Falklands war
A compelling bit of history of which I grew up as a 2 2 year old remember watching the tv bulletins. A hard fought Invasion of the island to retake them .Despite the losses and injuries sustained the out come was attained. Everyone deserved a medal for the parts they played despite there rank . Fascinating book to read , from start to finish.
A compelling bit of history of which I grew up as a 2 2 year old remember watching the tv bulletins. A hard fought Invasion of the island to retake them .Despite the losses and injuries sustained the out come was attained. Everyone deserved a medal for the parts they played despite there rank . Fascinating book to read , from start to finish.
November 12, 2020
A Story worth telling.
What a riveting account of events unbeknownst to many, a story that should be held up there with all the other well known accounts of The Falklands War.
Superbly written, detailed, emotive and proud. The biggest honour those brave men defending the islands at the time of invasion could receive is the telling of their story in this brilliant book.
What a riveting account of events unbeknownst to many, a story that should be held up there with all the other well known accounts of The Falklands War.
Superbly written, detailed, emotive and proud. The biggest honour those brave men defending the islands at the time of invasion could receive is the telling of their story in this brilliant book.
September 4, 2019
Inside story of the loss and recapture of the Falklands.
May 30, 2020
well written recounting of events bringing the facts to life
October 12, 2021
A cracking read
A well written and extremely well set out the marines of NP8901 should have been given more recognition. Highly readable
A well written and extremely well set out the marines of NP8901 should have been given more recognition. Highly readable
April 11, 2022
A very gripping read.
September 26, 2020
This was an interesting book that showed bravervy in the face of overwhelming forces along side the history of the island
April 23, 2019
An excellent account of the Marine garrison on the Falklands at the time of the Argentine invasion and their subseqquent return. Liberally interspersed with quotes from islanders and Marines alike.
March 11, 2025
A must read.
Brilliant book about the Falklands war which describes perfectly the injustice that the Royal Marines faced when they were forced to pay down there arms.
Brilliant book about the Falklands war which describes perfectly the injustice that the Royal Marines faced when they were forced to pay down there arms.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews