Forgotten Voices of the Falklands: The Real Story of the Falklands War in the Words of Those Who Were There

by Hugh McManners

Often referred to as a forgotten war, the Falklands conflict was, in actual fact, the first war of the modern age, using satellite surveillance, night observation devices, and all the very latest weaponry military technology had to offer. It was also the first real media war—the public's perception of this far-off conflict mediated by what they saw on their television screens and read in their newspapers. Drawing upon the vast resources of the Imperial War Museum's Sound Archive, and containing previously unpublished material, this work presents the first complete oral history of the Falklands War. From the initial invasion of the islands to the British landings to the Argentinean surrender and its aftermath, the book is a unique and essential chronicle of the conflict from all sides and perspectives, told in the participants' own voices.

Genres: Nonfiction, Military History, History, Biography, Military Fiction

416 pages, Hardcover

Published April 24, 2007

About the author

After 18 years in the British Army including the Falklands War working with the SBS, Hugh became a non-fiction author and television producer. He was the Defence Correspondent of The Sunday Times from 1995 -2000. Hugh started writing fiction in 2022.
Hugh says: "I'm a campaigner and enthusiast. Having written a wide variety of non-fiction books, I'm now writing fiction - "military historical thrillers".
He's starting with a five book series running from 1980 until the end of the Falklands War in 1982. The first book "The Sunday Service" about the SAS and PIRA in Northern Ireland, is now published.
"I'm writing fiction as with all my books, to explain the reality of extreme situations to people who haven't experienced it for themselves," Hugh says.
"Fiction that uses action and violence with military characters and settings needs to be accurately portrayed. The brave people who risk life and limb for our security deserve this.
"Plus, I really dislike the word 'thrill" -dictionary definition: "a sudden feeling of excitement and pleasure". It's superficial, vicarious and simple, totally unlike the reality of military operations. But if you've not been a soldier on operations, how could you know that?
"I'm not quite sure where this gets me with writing "thrillers". I'll leave further comment to my readers."

Hugh is also a musician: a guitarist and songwriter. He was Director of The Scars of War Foundation at the University of Oxford, a pioneering research into the cognitive neuroscience of combat-related PTSD and brain injury in war veterans.

Reviews

[Bill38silver · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a great fan of the Voices series and this is a fine example of the absorbing, compelling telling of the war from the perspective of those who were there (thankfully nothing from politicians). The book includes a reasonable amount of quotes from the Argentinian side.
The book demonstrates how far war has moved on to a technically dominated 'impersonal' arena since World war 2 but still involves numerous examples of personal bravery, and extraordinary courage in the face of hazards, incompetent decision-making, petty jealousies of some of the military leaders involved and the part played by the weather and luck. The conflict could have gone either way.
I was surprised there was a lack of detail of casualty numbers on both sides for the main battles or incidents. This may have been justifiable at the time (1982) but not 25 years after the book was written(2006/2007). For example, how many were killed and wounded on the sinking of the Belgrano or the Sheffield ?
Lastly, the book contains an early passage of three pages of the useful background to the conflict setting out the arguments on both sides for their claim over the Malvinas/Falklands.

[Bob Hurley · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a Veteran I was saddened by the besmirching of senior military officers. Whilst understanding Inter Service rivalry, it's a part of Military life, I am not sure it added to the book. Having said that, it was interesting to "hear it from people's mouths." The chronological order of events was interesting, not only from my viewpoint, having been in the Fleet Air Arm during the Falklands, but also the impact it seemed to have on those commentating. Again, from a personal viewpoint, I would have liked to have had comments included from one of the Junglie Helicopter pilots or ground crew, Wessex V of 845/847 or the Sea King MK IV of 846.

[Simon · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is no doubting the fascinating subject. There is no doubting the range and enormity of contributions made by individuals on both sides of the conflict. The credentials of the author are also beyond question. The idea of compiling personal recollections from such events is essential and an important work of history. But as a book to sit down and read, it is hard work. The chronology of comments is obviously the biggest problem. The author has done very well in this regard, but as a whole it has resulted in a disjointed and difficult book to read.

[Robert Hepple · Rating 4 out of 5]

First published in 2007, 'Forgotten Voices of the Falklands' tells the story of the 1982 Falklands conflict through the personal anecdotes of many of the people involved. One of many books that appeared about that conflict at the time of its 25th anniversary, this book has the advantage of providing a mixed view of the various events, hopefully putting the mindless jingoism and bias of many accounts by other writers into proper perspective. Absorbing.

[Andrew Johnston · Rating 2 out of 5]

This oral history book could have been great but it was way too long, with way too much strategic detail. For me an oral history should be the stories of the soldiers in the ground yet we hardly heard from them although there was a fair bit from Inhabitants of the falklands themselves. And the map which should have told you where everything happened was useless. An opportunity missed.

[S2 Mc · Rating 3 out of 5]

I always appreciate maps when reading about tactical maneuvers. This book had one map.

[Mr Michael R Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought provoking

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with the rest of the series, this is a unique insight into the complexities of this particular theatre.

[Elijah Gates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Using witness testimony and interview transcripts of veterans and witnesses of the conflict makes for such a fascinating approach to a wartime history book.

Genuinely made me cry a few times.

[Gareth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book in a couple of days as it was a very easy read. Comprises of quotes from those who were there, blended in, mainly, chronological order re-telling the story of the Falklands Conflict from pre to post invasion. Quotes from many sources including senior UK military, those that were there, islanders, Argentina military and civil service.

Strengths - first hand accounts are enlightening, often laced with heartfelt opinion, giving a feeling of a true account of what went on.

Weaknesses - Possibly slightly unbalanced. Those that come in for most criticism (Adm Woodward, Hermes, Welsh Guards, 5 brigade) have no say. Not sure if this is because no-one wanted to comment or no-one was given opportunity to set the record straight.

[Albert · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sobering story of sailors, soldiers and airmen who went to liberate an almost forgotten part of the UK. Hugh McManners, who was a captain in the special forces during the Falkland War, interviewed every one from high ranking officers to the infantry private and this is their story.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent.

A sad reminder of Britains solo war against the Argentinians.