Description
Book SynopsisCalled to action on 2 April 1982, the men of 45 Commando Royal Marines assembled from around the world to sail 8,000 miles to recover the Falkland Islands from Argentine invasion. Lacking helicopters and short of food, they yomped in appalling weather carrying overloaded rucksacks, across the roughest terrain. Yet for a month in mid-winter, they remained a cohesive fighting-fit body of men. They then fought and won the highly successful and fierce night battle for Two Sisters, a 1,000 foot high mountain which was the key to the defensive positions around Stanley. This is a first hand story of that epic feat, but it is much more than that. The first to be written by a company commander in the Falklands War, the book gives a compelling, vivid description of the yomp and infantry fighting, and it also offers penetrating insights into the realities of war at higher levels. It is a unique combination of descriptive writing about frontline fighting and wider reflections on the Falklands War, and conflict in general. Gritty and moving; sophisticated, reflective and funny, this book offers an abundance of timeless truths about war. Postscript: Yomping was the word used by the Commandos for carrying heavy loads on long marches. It caught the publics imagination during this short but bitter campaign and epitomised the grim determination and professionalism of our troops.
Trade ReviewThis wise, beautifully written book has many excellent photographs. Highly recommended. - The Naval Review Ian Gardiner provides a vivid insight into the conflict and not just into strategy, tactics and the actual fighting. What are most revealing are the human touches - the small things that made life miserable or bearable. In his book Ian Gardiner paints a fascinating picture of the Royal Marines at a pivitol point in their history. This is an excellently written volume which I strongly recommend. - Warship World A cerebral Scot who retired as a brigadier, the author is as brilliant at explaining the strategic complexities of the campaign as he is at allowing the reader to experience what it really felt like to be invloved in an unending battle with the elements and against an enemy whose will needed to be broken if the war was to be won. He is generous in his praise of other units, where praise is due, but never shirks from criticism where it is needed. This book maintains the extremely high standards of detail, interest and readability that the author achieved in his first two books. - Guards Magazine
