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Goose Green: The Decisive Battle of the Falklands War – by the British Troops Who Fought It
Published to mark the fortieth anniversary of the Falklands war
'There was a time when we did extraordinary things.'
On 28 May 1982, 450 men of the 2nd Battalion, the Parachute Regiment - 2 Para - went into action to retake the settlement of Goose Green on East Falkland, where more than 1,000 Argentine soldiers were holding 119 Falkland Islanders - men, women, children and one baby - in squalid conditions.
Forty years on, Goose Green is still the biggest and bloodiest battle the British Army has fought in modern times. This book is the living narrative of the battle told by the very men who fought it; not just the soldiers of 2 Para, but also the SAS, the Royal Navy and Merchant Navy, and others, in more than a hundred exclusive and untold personal accounts.
Some are extremely funny, some touching, and some heart-breaking. All were recorded face to face, the speakers' own words adding a gritty authenticity to each account and conveying the confusion and terror of battle, as well as the courage and selflessness of men in action. Goose Green is a book that goes beyond the official histories and the many memoirs to bring to life the first and, as it turned out, the decisive battle of this country's outstanding campaign to retake the Falkland Islands from a foreign invader.
This is a true story of a great victory against all the odds, told by the men who fought it.
'There was a time when we did extraordinary things.'
On 28 May 1982, 450 men of the 2nd Battalion, the Parachute Regiment - 2 Para - went into action to retake the settlement of Goose Green on East Falkland, where more than 1,000 Argentine soldiers were holding 119 Falkland Islanders - men, women, children and one baby - in squalid conditions.
Forty years on, Goose Green is still the biggest and bloodiest battle the British Army has fought in modern times. This book is the living narrative of the battle told by the very men who fought it; not just the soldiers of 2 Para, but also the SAS, the Royal Navy and Merchant Navy, and others, in more than a hundred exclusive and untold personal accounts.
Some are extremely funny, some touching, and some heart-breaking. All were recorded face to face, the speakers' own words adding a gritty authenticity to each account and conveying the confusion and terror of battle, as well as the courage and selflessness of men in action. Goose Green is a book that goes beyond the official histories and the many memoirs to bring to life the first and, as it turned out, the decisive battle of this country's outstanding campaign to retake the Falkland Islands from a foreign invader.
This is a true story of a great victory against all the odds, told by the men who fought it.
432 pages, Paperback
Published September 1, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 9, 2023
Unlike the majority of books on battles and wars, this one is told by those who were on the front line.
Forty years on from the Falklands War, Nigel Ely interviewed 114 members of the Parachute Regiment and support personnel face to face and it is their actual words that are used to tell the story of how Goose Green was recaptured in 1982 after the Argentine invasion. They relate their own stories of when and where they were informed they were going to war, how it affected their families, the long and arduous sea journey to the South Atlantic and the relationships they built on the way.
The stories of the chaos of war, of young men, many as young as 18, watching comrades killed and seriously wounded and how they battled the elements, the cold, the wet, the lack of food (scoff) and facing the enemy close up brings home the realities of war that no training in the Brecon Beacons could prepare them for.
The stories are told, sometimes with humour, with terrible sadness at the loss and serious injury of friends, of the anger and sympathy, in equal measure, they felt for the conscripted Argentine forces and the horrific after effects that many of them still suffer.
Although this book is a history of one of the bloodiest battles since World War II it is much more than a historical narrative, it is personal to each of those 114 men that Ely interviewed. A thoroughly absorbing read.
Forty years on from the Falklands War, Nigel Ely interviewed 114 members of the Parachute Regiment and support personnel face to face and it is their actual words that are used to tell the story of how Goose Green was recaptured in 1982 after the Argentine invasion. They relate their own stories of when and where they were informed they were going to war, how it affected their families, the long and arduous sea journey to the South Atlantic and the relationships they built on the way.
The stories of the chaos of war, of young men, many as young as 18, watching comrades killed and seriously wounded and how they battled the elements, the cold, the wet, the lack of food (scoff) and facing the enemy close up brings home the realities of war that no training in the Brecon Beacons could prepare them for.
The stories are told, sometimes with humour, with terrible sadness at the loss and serious injury of friends, of the anger and sympathy, in equal measure, they felt for the conscripted Argentine forces and the horrific after effects that many of them still suffer.
Although this book is a history of one of the bloodiest battles since World War II it is much more than a historical narrative, it is personal to each of those 114 men that Ely interviewed. A thoroughly absorbing read.
September 8, 2024
Nigel Ely’s book, *Goose Green: The Decisive Battle of the Falklands War – by the British Troops Who Fought It,* offers a gripping and granular account of one of the most pivotal battles in the Falklands War, as told by those who experienced it firsthand. This book stands apart from traditional war narratives by centering the voices of the British soldiers who fought at Goose Green, providing a raw and unfiltered perspective on the conflict. Ely, a former soldier himself, brings an authenticity to the storytelling that is both engaging and deeply respectful of the soldiers' experiences. The narrative is constructed through a series of personal accounts, interviews, and anecdotes, weaving together a multi-faceted picture of the battle's intensity and chaos. This approach allows readers to gain an intimate understanding of the soldiers' thoughts, fears, and motivations, making the historical event feel immediate and personal. One of the standout aspects of the book is its balance between tactical descriptions and human stories. While it delves into the strategic aspects of the battle, including the challenges and decisions faced by the commanders, it never loses sight of the individual soldiers’ experiences. This dual focus keeps the reader engaged, whether one is interested in military strategy or the human elements of warfare. The book also does not shy away from the harrowing realities of combat. It candidly addresses the losses, the moments of doubt, and the sheer grit required to persevere. This honesty provides a stark contrast to more sanitized versions of military history, offering a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of what it means to fight in such a significant battle. “Goose Green* is a detailed recounting from the perspectives of the soldiers themselves provides a unique and poignant look into the decisive battle, making it a valuable addition to the literature on this conflict.
July 17, 2022
Amazing book, really shows the grittyness and hardships of the Falklands war. A must read for anyone who is interested in the conflict genre.
April 2, 2023
Listened to the audio book, would defiantly recommend as is brilliantly narrated. Real insight into the Falklands war as Nigel interviewed front line soldiers.
March 5, 2025
An interesting and challenging read, giving you the picture on the ground from the perspective of those of junior rank and no higher than that of Captain. [This is except for the well known and brief account by Major Bruce Keeble, who as the Second in Command (2 I/C), took command of the battalion following the death of the CO, H Jones].
Nigel Ely uses these personal accounts of those who were there to paint a picture of the journey to the South Atlantic, the build up and initial assault on the beaches and the long march up Sussex Mountain to first contact on Darwin hill and the environs surrounding Goose Green. It makes for a compelling easy read, describing the challenges of poor intelligence, inadequate clothing and limited ammo matched by the determination and resourcefulness of the Parachute Regiment to take the fight to the enemy and overcome.
I have read many books on the Falkland's Campaign and found the raw nature of this account to really put you onto those freezing desolate moors, facing the perilous threat of green tracer heading in your direction. It is gritty, raw, colourful and highly recommended! A tribute to those who served there.
Nigel Ely uses these personal accounts of those who were there to paint a picture of the journey to the South Atlantic, the build up and initial assault on the beaches and the long march up Sussex Mountain to first contact on Darwin hill and the environs surrounding Goose Green. It makes for a compelling easy read, describing the challenges of poor intelligence, inadequate clothing and limited ammo matched by the determination and resourcefulness of the Parachute Regiment to take the fight to the enemy and overcome.
I have read many books on the Falkland's Campaign and found the raw nature of this account to really put you onto those freezing desolate moors, facing the perilous threat of green tracer heading in your direction. It is gritty, raw, colourful and highly recommended! A tribute to those who served there.
January 6, 2023
I was a young boy but I knew we were at war. I had no idea where this place called “The Falkland Islands” were but I saw our troops leaving on warships and merchant ships and I knew it was important.
I followed the news to see what was happening but I didn’t really understand.
This book, written about a battle everyBritish person of a certain age has heard of is just outstanding.
Written as though a chronological commentary from frontline soldiers and support staff of the time allows a tiny peak into the minds and mentality of those that were there and a little of how the battle was fought.
The strength, fortitude, fears and sheer bloody mindedness of the soldiers is apparent throughout and I have a new found respect for those that were there and pride that they were British.
One of the things I didn’t realise was that there were mercenaries fighting on the Argentinian side including some from our supposed ally the USA.
I wish there had been another 200 pages.
I followed the news to see what was happening but I didn’t really understand.
This book, written about a battle everyBritish person of a certain age has heard of is just outstanding.
Written as though a chronological commentary from frontline soldiers and support staff of the time allows a tiny peak into the minds and mentality of those that were there and a little of how the battle was fought.
The strength, fortitude, fears and sheer bloody mindedness of the soldiers is apparent throughout and I have a new found respect for those that were there and pride that they were British.
One of the things I didn’t realise was that there were mercenaries fighting on the Argentinian side including some from our supposed ally the USA.
I wish there had been another 200 pages.
April 13, 2022
Insightful to hear from various perspectives as to what occurred before, during and after the battle. Fair to say one famous participant does not come out of it particularly well.
My unfamiliarity with some of the military terms made it at times a little confusing - although there is a glossary at the back of the book to help.
If you like this then 'Three Days in June' is well worth reading about the Battle of Mount Longdon - a less well known but equally ferocious battle.
My unfamiliarity with some of the military terms made it at times a little confusing - although there is a glossary at the back of the book to help.
If you like this then 'Three Days in June' is well worth reading about the Battle of Mount Longdon - a less well known but equally ferocious battle.
June 22, 2022
Such a good job these guys were in our side
Why do we moan and groan about such trivial things?
What these young men put them selves through is very humbling and quite incredible . I wonder if the young men of today's time would have the grit determination and self belief these guys had. Then I remind my self they were Paras , I feel today's military will mould shape young men into the best fighting force in the world. Thanks lads.
Why do we moan and groan about such trivial things?
What these young men put them selves through is very humbling and quite incredible . I wonder if the young men of today's time would have the grit determination and self belief these guys had. Then I remind my self they were Paras , I feel today's military will mould shape young men into the best fighting force in the world. Thanks lads.
May 18, 2022
A gripping story, well told.
I never saw the land war, I was at sea, and this well written book had given me an idea of the battle for Goose Green and how it was fought and won. Well written and incredibly informative.
I never saw the land war, I was at sea, and this well written book had given me an idea of the battle for Goose Green and how it was fought and won. Well written and incredibly informative.
May 26, 2022
Tremendous stuff. It reminded me of Three Days in June by Jimmy O’Connell which is a high bar.
Some of the little anecdotes and the black humour were incredibly moving. It was so atmospheric that it made me feel I was there.
Some of the little anecdotes and the black humour were incredibly moving. It was so atmospheric that it made me feel I was there.
December 1, 2022
Outstanding
An insight into the Falklands conflict like no other. The style was perfect. How a chapter was given over to, eg, a particular event, and a number of veterans (and others) gave their viewpoint. A seriously good read. Thank you.
An insight into the Falklands conflict like no other. The style was perfect. How a chapter was given over to, eg, a particular event, and a number of veterans (and others) gave their viewpoint. A seriously good read. Thank you.
May 19, 2025
This is a fantastic collections of battle stories from the Falklands War, with the unique spin that you hear certain stories from the perspectives of different soldiers both talking about the same thing and often each other. Respect
August 25, 2025
This isn't written as a story, it's a collection of quotes from different soldiers about different scenarios that happened in the Falklands. It's still interesting, but don't expect it to be written as one long narrative by the author.
April 18, 2022
Great book
Great read with a wealth of new information, respect to Nigel and all involved in the battle for Goose Green.
Great read with a wealth of new information, respect to Nigel and all involved in the battle for Goose Green.
May 6, 2022
Brilliant book I learnt a lot more about the war in The Falklands. It was sad reading how many were lost in battle but just had to keep reading.
August 28, 2022
Eyewitness accounts of The Battle for Goose Green
November 5, 2022
This has to be the best recorded memoir of the Falklands I have read so far!...recommend to all
December 3, 2022
Garbage
Full of factual errors and bias, this is a really poor account of the battle and the wider conflict. Avoid this book.
Full of factual errors and bias, this is a really poor account of the battle and the wider conflict. Avoid this book.
March 24, 2023
An up close and personal recounting for sure. An unusual book organization but hits home and depicts a side of the war not often studied or remembered.
November 7, 2022
Goose Green was a real soldiers' battle -- attack on a narrow spit of flattish land with water on both sides, with defence at the end. Therefore little scope for anything more sophisticated than ''hey diddle diddle, straight through the middle''. The better side won, but not easily -- this book speaks to elemental courage and perseverance by the soldiers involved.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews