Had the great pleasure to present my first official presentation at Karlberg yesterday for the cadets.
Went really well and some really nice feedback from both the cadets and instructors. Of course there are things I wish I had done better but that will have to wait for next time. Next talk is to the Rotary Club in 2 weeks time but I only have 45 minutes!! So going to have to work on a very short version.
Ian Inskip and Mike Cole had given their presentations on Tuesday so I didn't get to hear what they had to say. However I was able to meet both of them on Monday evening at the cadets bar. Not that we had long as the cadets were hauled off for some sort of initiating ceremony that involved copious amounts of alcohol!
Found an interesting clip featuring Tim
https://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=293605120655858
Friday, 12 October 2012
Friday, 28 September 2012
Newspaper Article about Paul Talman
Was sent this article from the Hastings Observer
http://www.hastingsobserver.co.uk/news/features/feature-widow-of-falklands-soldier-paul-talman-tells-his-story-1-3717437
Its an interview with Tallies widow
http://www.hastingsobserver.co.uk/news/features/feature-widow-of-falklands-soldier-paul-talman-tells-his-story-1-3717437
Its an interview with Tallies widow
Sunday, 23 September 2012
A book review on Return to Tumbledown: The Falklands-Malvinas War Revisited
by Mark Sandman.
I look forward to reading an historical account of an armed conflict with a certain amount of anxiety and trepidation. As most of us already know who have been through these kinds of experiences it is always a two-edged sword to read a veteran or soldier vividly recall the sights, the smells and the thoughts of their own private hell. When known already that reading these vivid recollections is asking our own selves to relive our own vivid memories, because stimulation of any one of our senses is one of the strongest reminders of our past (our memories). Reading personal accounts of individual combat experiences is an event in itself for us and Mike has pushed all the buttons for me once again with his new book Return to Tumbledown, causing me to relive my own combat exposures fresh and vivid. Remembering times I thought to be long ago dead and buried with the passage of time.
Return to Tumbledown really asks a lot of the reader emotionally, especially when we must read through the book peering into the Falklands-Malvinas hell through the prism of our own combat exposure and traumatic experiences. It all comes rushing back smack into your face as I read “Ossie” Osborn’s night time combat experiences and his narrowly escaping a “friendly” grenade thrown in his direction mistakenly. Then I read about Nicol unable to accurately call in artillery support. All the confusion, all of the chaos, all of the fresh and pungent smells you recognize but don’t dare to really think about too long. All training, order and discipline seem to evaporate in the eternal hellish instant that is night time combat. I bounce around from page to page trying to find a light moment and it is not there. It is at this point that I feel I must take my first break from reading precisely on page 91. I open the book up again to find Cocks and the Right Flank pinned down by “friendly” machine gun fire. What the hell is going on, were these guys somehow with me in the A Shau Valley in Vietnam? Time has ceased to have any relevant meaning for me at this moment, so I stop again and take another break. I think “Mike you asshole you have to stop writing this stuff, it is not helpful.” So I continue to skip around the book and find McTeague’s haunting post-war account and this does a real J O B on my head.
Jeremy’s recollection of his “welcome home” are timelessly accurate and sadly they reflect what many of us have had to endure when we came home. “Hey Mark (Jeremy) the Giants won the World Series isn’t that wonderful?” or “Jeremy (Mark) the Spanish just won the World Cup.” Yeah Jeremy welcome home and get your shit together because life goes on. My own memories of moment to moment depression have now flooded in and I start to think once again how fucking hard it was most days to just put one foot in front of the other and move, when your head feels that heavy and dull not much makes any sense and Jeremy does a Wonderful job of communicating this level of despair to the reader.
Return to Tumbledown clearly illustrates the value and importance of Veteran Peer Support and our motto. That when all is said and done, “nobody can do for us (the combat veteran) the way that we can do for each other.” That we must always keep in the back of our own minds, that we are there for each other in our greatest time of need. Stating the origin of this attitude in a crude and awkward way, we are truly all members of a small and exclusive club I refer to as the “brotherhood of the gun.” We have these experiences seared into our core, the very essence of our being. In the end, what we do not do for each other, somebody else must do for us. Return to Tumbledown has worked its way inside me like very few things can. I do not wish to relive my own personal events like this but I will and I am a better person for doing so. Read it and come away thinking no more war.
(Mark Sandman is a US Army Vietnam War veteran, psychologist and practitioner for combat veteran peer support).
The book, Return to Tumbledown: The Falklands-Malvinas War Revisited, was published on 10 June 2012 by CCC Press, 80, Sherwin Road, Nottingham, NG7 2FB. It is priced at GBP 19.99 and can be purchased on-line by inserting the title Return to Tumbledown into Google and clicking on the link “New Ventures”:
Postage is free to any part of the world.
I look forward to reading an historical account of an armed conflict with a certain amount of anxiety and trepidation. As most of us already know who have been through these kinds of experiences it is always a two-edged sword to read a veteran or soldier vividly recall the sights, the smells and the thoughts of their own private hell. When known already that reading these vivid recollections is asking our own selves to relive our own vivid memories, because stimulation of any one of our senses is one of the strongest reminders of our past (our memories). Reading personal accounts of individual combat experiences is an event in itself for us and Mike has pushed all the buttons for me once again with his new book Return to Tumbledown, causing me to relive my own combat exposures fresh and vivid. Remembering times I thought to be long ago dead and buried with the passage of time.
Return to Tumbledown really asks a lot of the reader emotionally, especially when we must read through the book peering into the Falklands-Malvinas hell through the prism of our own combat exposure and traumatic experiences. It all comes rushing back smack into your face as I read “Ossie” Osborn’s night time combat experiences and his narrowly escaping a “friendly” grenade thrown in his direction mistakenly. Then I read about Nicol unable to accurately call in artillery support. All the confusion, all of the chaos, all of the fresh and pungent smells you recognize but don’t dare to really think about too long. All training, order and discipline seem to evaporate in the eternal hellish instant that is night time combat. I bounce around from page to page trying to find a light moment and it is not there. It is at this point that I feel I must take my first break from reading precisely on page 91. I open the book up again to find Cocks and the Right Flank pinned down by “friendly” machine gun fire. What the hell is going on, were these guys somehow with me in the A Shau Valley in Vietnam? Time has ceased to have any relevant meaning for me at this moment, so I stop again and take another break. I think “Mike you asshole you have to stop writing this stuff, it is not helpful.” So I continue to skip around the book and find McTeague’s haunting post-war account and this does a real J O B on my head.
Jeremy’s recollection of his “welcome home” are timelessly accurate and sadly they reflect what many of us have had to endure when we came home. “Hey Mark (Jeremy) the Giants won the World Series isn’t that wonderful?” or “Jeremy (Mark) the Spanish just won the World Cup.” Yeah Jeremy welcome home and get your shit together because life goes on. My own memories of moment to moment depression have now flooded in and I start to think once again how fucking hard it was most days to just put one foot in front of the other and move, when your head feels that heavy and dull not much makes any sense and Jeremy does a Wonderful job of communicating this level of despair to the reader.
Return to Tumbledown clearly illustrates the value and importance of Veteran Peer Support and our motto. That when all is said and done, “nobody can do for us (the combat veteran) the way that we can do for each other.” That we must always keep in the back of our own minds, that we are there for each other in our greatest time of need. Stating the origin of this attitude in a crude and awkward way, we are truly all members of a small and exclusive club I refer to as the “brotherhood of the gun.” We have these experiences seared into our core, the very essence of our being. In the end, what we do not do for each other, somebody else must do for us. Return to Tumbledown has worked its way inside me like very few things can. I do not wish to relive my own personal events like this but I will and I am a better person for doing so. Read it and come away thinking no more war.
(Mark Sandman is a US Army Vietnam War veteran, psychologist and practitioner for combat veteran peer support).
The book, Return to Tumbledown: The Falklands-Malvinas War Revisited, was published on 10 June 2012 by CCC Press, 80, Sherwin Road, Nottingham, NG7 2FB. It is priced at GBP 19.99 and can be purchased on-line by inserting the title Return to Tumbledown into Google and clicking on the link “New Ventures”:
Postage is free to any part of the world.
A Book Review on Return to Tumbledown – The Falklands-Malvinas War Revisited.
by Nigel Price.
In Return to Tumbledown, Mike Seear gives the most comprehensive account of the battle to date. Indeed, short of additional personal testaments, it is hard to see how anyone else could ever produce a fuller overall account.
Firstly Seear was there, as Operations Officer of the 1/7th DEO Gurkha Rifles. He was involved throughout the battle. Secondly he has walked the battlefield and revisited the various locations where the action was fought and decided.
More importantly he has gathered an extraordinary number of detailed accounts from the participants on both sides, British and Argentine. He has made numerous visits to Argentina, contacted and cross-examined key players on the “opposing” side. Through several years of painstaking work, he has interwoven all the many accounts into a chronological narrative of the battle from start to finish. His achievement is breath-taking, and the end result is one of the most fascinating accounts of combat I have read.
Of course there are personal accounts from far larger and more bloody battles from other wars, but here in microcosm Seear presents the reader with most of the elements which make combat arguably the most extreme experience of the human condition.
The book falls into three main parts. The Scots Guards lead, and rightly so. Thereafter Seear turns the camera right around, so to speak, and shows the whole event from the Argentine perspective. Finally he looks at the battle from the point of view of the Gurkhas. In this latter stage he has achieved the remarkable feat of finding a wealth of additional material not included in his earlier War Journal, With the Gurkhas in the Falklands.
But the crown goes to the several personal testaments given to Seear by members of 2nd Bn Scots Guards. These are truly riveting. There are contributions from the Commanding Officer, as well as from the Company Commanders. Most fascinating however are the barely edited words of the young Guardsmen themselves. The men who have entrusted Seear with their personal stories have spoken with complete candour.
However, it is when we reach the second and central segment of the book that we encounter material equally as fascinating but possibly even more startling. For here the enemy speaks out. Here our picture of the battle becomes ever more complete as Seear interweaves the narratives, Scots Guards and Argentine marine. The fog of war lifts and we see the flow of events with increasing clarity. It is an extraordinary accomplishment.
Lastly the Gurkhas have their say. From extracts taken from the Commandant’s diary, to personal accounts from others, both British and Gurkha, the reader is given the fullest picture of the Gurkha contribution to the battle, their involvement, their frustrations and – being Gurkha – their humour.
Nor does Seear stop there. Towards the end of the book he has included extracts from the diary kept by a Stanley resident during the fighting, Rosemarie King. There are some wonderful anecdotes as she describes kneading dough in time to the gunfire outside, or mixing shortbread while the world around her is going mad. Her laconic, drily witty, often touching observations portray better than anything else, the British character under stress.
Indeed there are many incidents that linger in the mind long after the book has been put down, too many to quote here. Mostly the sheer guts of many of the Scots Guards, but also the doggedness of many of the Argentine defenders. It is tempting to mention names but that would do an injustice to those omitted for reasons of space.
In researching and writing this book, Seear has walked a tightrope between British and Argentine sentiments. Only by exercising the greatest delicacy and tact has he been able to make the connection with Argentine veterans, gain their trust, and thereby hear the story from their side. In doing so he will undoubtedly alienate some on his own British side. I understand that at least one Falkland islander has taken exception to Seear’s use in the title of the word Malvinas; there will probably be other similar or related objections.
It is likely that Seear has only been able to achieve such even-handedness due to his own catastrophic personal journey, a journey he described in his War Journal, but which he also revisits here towards the end of the book. Once again, with complete candour he lays before us the struggle with his inner demons, a struggle that resulted in eventual collapse. It has been during his long, hard climb out of that terrible place that he has acquired the sensitivity and – dare I say – the wisdom that has equipped him for this particular task.
This also answers the question that some might ask - Why bother? Why write about the battle of Tumbledown at all? Why rake over old coals? Why not simply file it away and move on?
Because for some, at least, it is necessary to understand. To understand the context of their lives, and nothing is more pivotal to a life than the experience of battle. This shines through the testaments of the young Scots Guardsmen, the young Argentine marines. It is why, as middle-aged men they traipse over soggy hillsides, revisiting the sites where they came closest to death. Where they did things of which they were proud, or perhaps ashamed. Possibly both.
Return to Tumbledown grasps the battle and presents it to the reader in as whole a state as I believe it is possible for a writer to do.
(Nigel Price is a 7th Gurkha Rifles Falklands-Malvinas War veteran and published novelist under the pen name of Anthony Conway).
The book, Return to Tumbledown: The Falklands-Malvinas War Revisited, was published on 10 June 2012 by CCC Press, 80, Sherwin Road, Nottingham, NG7 2FB. It is priced at GBP 19.99 and can be purchased on-line by inserting the title Return to Tumbledown into Google and clicking on the link “New Ventures”:
Postage is free to any part of the world.
In Return to Tumbledown, Mike Seear gives the most comprehensive account of the battle to date. Indeed, short of additional personal testaments, it is hard to see how anyone else could ever produce a fuller overall account.
Firstly Seear was there, as Operations Officer of the 1/7th DEO Gurkha Rifles. He was involved throughout the battle. Secondly he has walked the battlefield and revisited the various locations where the action was fought and decided.
More importantly he has gathered an extraordinary number of detailed accounts from the participants on both sides, British and Argentine. He has made numerous visits to Argentina, contacted and cross-examined key players on the “opposing” side. Through several years of painstaking work, he has interwoven all the many accounts into a chronological narrative of the battle from start to finish. His achievement is breath-taking, and the end result is one of the most fascinating accounts of combat I have read.
Of course there are personal accounts from far larger and more bloody battles from other wars, but here in microcosm Seear presents the reader with most of the elements which make combat arguably the most extreme experience of the human condition.
The book falls into three main parts. The Scots Guards lead, and rightly so. Thereafter Seear turns the camera right around, so to speak, and shows the whole event from the Argentine perspective. Finally he looks at the battle from the point of view of the Gurkhas. In this latter stage he has achieved the remarkable feat of finding a wealth of additional material not included in his earlier War Journal, With the Gurkhas in the Falklands.
But the crown goes to the several personal testaments given to Seear by members of 2nd Bn Scots Guards. These are truly riveting. There are contributions from the Commanding Officer, as well as from the Company Commanders. Most fascinating however are the barely edited words of the young Guardsmen themselves. The men who have entrusted Seear with their personal stories have spoken with complete candour.
However, it is when we reach the second and central segment of the book that we encounter material equally as fascinating but possibly even more startling. For here the enemy speaks out. Here our picture of the battle becomes ever more complete as Seear interweaves the narratives, Scots Guards and Argentine marine. The fog of war lifts and we see the flow of events with increasing clarity. It is an extraordinary accomplishment.
Lastly the Gurkhas have their say. From extracts taken from the Commandant’s diary, to personal accounts from others, both British and Gurkha, the reader is given the fullest picture of the Gurkha contribution to the battle, their involvement, their frustrations and – being Gurkha – their humour.
Nor does Seear stop there. Towards the end of the book he has included extracts from the diary kept by a Stanley resident during the fighting, Rosemarie King. There are some wonderful anecdotes as she describes kneading dough in time to the gunfire outside, or mixing shortbread while the world around her is going mad. Her laconic, drily witty, often touching observations portray better than anything else, the British character under stress.
Indeed there are many incidents that linger in the mind long after the book has been put down, too many to quote here. Mostly the sheer guts of many of the Scots Guards, but also the doggedness of many of the Argentine defenders. It is tempting to mention names but that would do an injustice to those omitted for reasons of space.
In researching and writing this book, Seear has walked a tightrope between British and Argentine sentiments. Only by exercising the greatest delicacy and tact has he been able to make the connection with Argentine veterans, gain their trust, and thereby hear the story from their side. In doing so he will undoubtedly alienate some on his own British side. I understand that at least one Falkland islander has taken exception to Seear’s use in the title of the word Malvinas; there will probably be other similar or related objections.
It is likely that Seear has only been able to achieve such even-handedness due to his own catastrophic personal journey, a journey he described in his War Journal, but which he also revisits here towards the end of the book. Once again, with complete candour he lays before us the struggle with his inner demons, a struggle that resulted in eventual collapse. It has been during his long, hard climb out of that terrible place that he has acquired the sensitivity and – dare I say – the wisdom that has equipped him for this particular task.
This also answers the question that some might ask - Why bother? Why write about the battle of Tumbledown at all? Why rake over old coals? Why not simply file it away and move on?
Because for some, at least, it is necessary to understand. To understand the context of their lives, and nothing is more pivotal to a life than the experience of battle. This shines through the testaments of the young Scots Guardsmen, the young Argentine marines. It is why, as middle-aged men they traipse over soggy hillsides, revisiting the sites where they came closest to death. Where they did things of which they were proud, or perhaps ashamed. Possibly both.
Return to Tumbledown grasps the battle and presents it to the reader in as whole a state as I believe it is possible for a writer to do.
(Nigel Price is a 7th Gurkha Rifles Falklands-Malvinas War veteran and published novelist under the pen name of Anthony Conway).
The book, Return to Tumbledown: The Falklands-Malvinas War Revisited, was published on 10 June 2012 by CCC Press, 80, Sherwin Road, Nottingham, NG7 2FB. It is priced at GBP 19.99 and can be purchased on-line by inserting the title Return to Tumbledown into Google and clicking on the link “New Ventures”:
Postage is free to any part of the world.
Tuesday, 28 August 2012
Return to Tumbledown
Just recieved my copy of Mike Seaars new book "Return to Tumbledown"
Mike Seaar is a veteran himself and this is his 2nd book (though he co-operated on a 3rd).
His 1st book dealt with his memories of the Falklands as the training officer with 1/7GR. He manned the radio that night and listened to the conversation between Brigade and Mike Scott. Was very impressed with the cool way the battalion conducted itself with clipped, perfect radio protocol. Contrasted quite differently to other units he told me :) 1/7GR were right behind us and slightly to the North as they had the mission of taking Mt William. In fact they passed through LF\RF positions just after we had finished taking the East end of the feature.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/
His 2nd book was a co-operation with an Argentine editor and together they edited a book that detailed the 16 presebntations made by officers of 2SG and BIM5 in a colloquium arranged by Nottingham university. This had officers from both sides meeting and giving a brief presentation on their thoughts about the conflict. I have a few extracts from the book on my blog if anybody is interested
http://
http://
http://
http://
http://
http://
http://
His latest book is quite big (almost 600 pages) and looks at the battle through the eyes of veterans from 4 units. 2SG 1/7GR, BIM5 and 6IR. I will let you know my thoughts on it as I have only just started to read it. It's taken him 6 years to write and has been quite a labour of love.
http://www.new-ventures.net/
Mike Seaar is a veteran himself and this is his 2nd book (though he co-operated on a 3rd).
His 1st book dealt with his memories of the Falklands as the training officer with 1/7GR. He manned the radio that night and listened to the conversation between Brigade and Mike Scott. Was very impressed with the cool way the battalion conducted itself with clipped, perfect radio protocol. Contrasted quite differently to other units he told me :) 1/7GR were right behind us and slightly to the North as they had the mission of taking Mt William. In fact they passed through LF\RF positions just after we had finished taking the East end of the feature.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/
His 2nd book was a co-operation with an Argentine editor and together they edited a book that detailed the 16 presebntations made by officers of 2SG and BIM5 in a colloquium arranged by Nottingham university. This had officers from both sides meeting and giving a brief presentation on their thoughts about the conflict. I have a few extracts from the book on my blog if anybody is interested
http://
http://
http://
http://
http://
http://
http://
His latest book is quite big (almost 600 pages) and looks at the battle through the eyes of veterans from 4 units. 2SG 1/7GR, BIM5 and 6IR. I will let you know my thoughts on it as I have only just started to read it. It's taken him 6 years to write and has been quite a labour of love.
http://www.new-ventures.net/
Thursday, 14 June 2012
This is a presentation I made at the British Embassy here in Stockholm back in May. It was sponsored by the Association Ex Service Men and Women in Sweden (abcsws for short, check them out at www.abcsws.se) which has been around since 1937 providing a forum for ex members of the forces to meet up every now and again.
We raised £100 for SAMA82 which was a nice side benefit.
We also had a live linkup with Mike Cole who was in the Falklands doing a yomp for charity following the same route he took in 1982.
Tuesday, 27 March 2012
Correct Medals
Thanks to Bruce Kilshaw I now have the proper ribbons for the DCM and MC. These were changed and the ones I had before were the new ones.
Wednesday, 14 March 2012
New book on the poetry of the Falklands War
Sometime ago I noticed that SAMA82 had been contacted by David Roberts, an author, who was looking for poetry related to the Falklands War. We exchanged a few emails and I am happy to announce that the Ode To Tumbledown will be included.
You can find details about his new here
Good luck with the book David
You can find details about his new here
Good luck with the book David
Tuesday, 13 March 2012
Thursday, 8 March 2012
GRAHAM RENNIE - MID
On the night of 13/14 June 1982, on the Island of east Falkland, the 2nd Battalion Scots Guards attacked well entrenched enemy position on the craggy ridge feature of Tumbledown Mountain, seven kilometers to the West of Port Stanley
During the assault, Lance Corporal RENNIEs platoon came under a hail of accurate fire from an enemy machine gun. His Platoon commander was seriously wounded in the head. Unhestitatingly, Lance Corporal RENNIE crawled forward, under continuing intense enemy machine gun fire, to rescue his platoon commander.
His decisive action, courage and disregard for his own safety undoubtedly saved his officers life. Lance Corporal RENNIE is strongly recommended for Mention in Despatches.
GARY TYTLER - MID
On the night of 13/14 June 1982, on the Island of east Falkland, the 2nd Battalion Scots Guards attacked well entrenched enemy position on the craggy ridge feature of Tumbledown Mountain, seven kilometers to the West of Port Stanley
For over three hours, Lance Corporal TYTLERs Platoon were pinned down by intense enemy artillery and small arms fire. Realising that firm action was needed, he led his section in a determined assault, personally killing several enemy in their trenches as his section overran the enemys position. His resolute leadership and courageous action enabled initiative for the attack to be regained.
Lance Corporal TYTLER is very strongly recommended for Mention in Despatches.
For over three hours, Lance Corporal TYTLERs Platoon were pinned down by intense enemy artillery and small arms fire. Realising that firm action was needed, he led his section in a determined assault, personally killing several enemy in their trenches as his section overran the enemys position. His resolute leadership and courageous action enabled initiative for the attack to be regained.
Lance Corporal TYTLER is very strongly recommended for Mention in Despatches.
DUNCAN MACCOLL - MID
On the night of 13/14 June 1982, on the Island of east Falkland, the 2nd Battalion Scots Guards attacked well entrenched enemy position on the craggy ridge feature of Tumbledown Mountain, seven kilometers to the West of Port Stanley
During the assault, leading elements came under intense fire from enemy snipers. A number of casualties were incurred. Disregarding his own safety, Lance Corporal MACCOLL went forward to administer first aid. As he was recovering a wounded colleague, along the way he took three enemy as prisoners. Again to the fore, continuing under heavy enemy artillery fire, he returned to recover other wounded men.
For his courage under fire, and his unselfish regard for his comrades, he is strongly recommended for Mention in Despatches.
During the assault, leading elements came under intense fire from enemy snipers. A number of casualties were incurred. Disregarding his own safety, Lance Corporal MACCOLL went forward to administer first aid. As he was recovering a wounded colleague, along the way he took three enemy as prisoners. Again to the fore, continuing under heavy enemy artillery fire, he returned to recover other wounded men.
For his courage under fire, and his unselfish regard for his comrades, he is strongly recommended for Mention in Despatches.
GARY BROWN - MID
On the night of 13/14 June 1982, on the Island of east Falkland, the 2nd Battalion Scots Guards attacked well entrenched enemy position on the craggy ridge feature of Tumbledown Mountain, seven kilometers to the West of Port Stanley
During the assault Guardsman BROWNs Section became involved in a fierce fire fight. Disregarding his own safety, with considerable coolness he exposed himself to enemy fire abd using his machine gun with devastating effect killed several of the enemy. Inspired by his example, his Section fought their way through the enemys position.
For his fine example and bravery in action, Guardsman BROWN is strongly recommended for Mention in Despatches.
During the assault Guardsman BROWNs Section became involved in a fierce fire fight. Disregarding his own safety, with considerable coolness he exposed himself to enemy fire abd using his machine gun with devastating effect killed several of the enemy. Inspired by his example, his Section fought their way through the enemys position.
For his fine example and bravery in action, Guardsman BROWN is strongly recommended for Mention in Despatches.
STEVEN WILLIAM DUFFY - MID
On the night of 13/14 June 1982, on the Island of east Falkland, the 2nd Battalion Scots Guards attacked well entrenched enemy position on the craggy ridge feature of Tumbledown Mountain, seven kilometers to the West of Port Stanley
During the assault Piper DUFFYs section came under heavy enemy machine gun fire. Two of his comrades were killed instantly. Without hesitation and disregarding his own safety, he crawled forward to take their machine gun and continue firing. While doing so, he received a wound to the head from an enemy grenade. His gallant action enabled the remainder of his section to withdraw to cover.
For his courage and resource under fire he is strongly recommended for Mention in Despatches
During the assault Piper DUFFYs section came under heavy enemy machine gun fire. Two of his comrades were killed instantly. Without hesitation and disregarding his own safety, he crawled forward to take their machine gun and continue firing. While doing so, he received a wound to the head from an enemy grenade. His gallant action enabled the remainder of his section to withdraw to cover.
For his courage and resource under fire he is strongly recommended for Mention in Despatches
PETER ALEXANDER MACINNESS - MID
On the night of 13/14 June 1982, on the Island of east Falkland, the 2nd Battalion Scots Guards attacked well entrenched enemy position on the craggy ridge feature of Tumbledown Mountain, seven kilometers to the West of Port Stanley
Throughout the assault, Piper MACINNESS acted as medical orderly. Despite heavy mortar and artillery fire, he unhesitatingly and without regard for his own safety went repeatedly into the front line to render first aid to his inured. His conduct was an inspiring example to all around him.
For his bravery and unselfish regard for his colleagues, Piper MACINNES is recommended for Mention in Despatches.
Throughout the assault, Piper MACINNESS acted as medical orderly. Despite heavy mortar and artillery fire, he unhesitatingly and without regard for his own safety went repeatedly into the front line to render first aid to his inured. His conduct was an inspiring example to all around him.
For his bravery and unselfish regard for his colleagues, Piper MACINNES is recommended for Mention in Despatches.
THE HONOURABLE RICHARD NICHOLAS BETHEL - MID
On the night of 13/14 June 1982, on the Island of east Falkland, the 2nd Battalion Scots Guards attacked well entrenched enemy position on the craggy ridge feature of Tumbledown Mountain, seven kilometers to the West of Port Stanley
During the assault, Major BETHEL and his Company carried out a diversionary attack; a number of casualties were sustained. To maintain the momentum of the advance, Major BETHEL went forward, throwing grenades as he went and destroyed the enemy in two well entrenched positions.
Later in the battle, whilst giving covering fire to his men, he was wounded by shrapnel. Ignoring his wounds, he continued to marshal his Force in an orderly withdrawal.
For his courageous action and outstanding leadership under fire, Major BETHEL is very strongly recommended for Mention in Despatches.
During the assault, Major BETHEL and his Company carried out a diversionary attack; a number of casualties were sustained. To maintain the momentum of the advance, Major BETHEL went forward, throwing grenades as he went and destroyed the enemy in two well entrenched positions.
Later in the battle, whilst giving covering fire to his men, he was wounded by shrapnel. Ignoring his wounds, he continued to marshal his Force in an orderly withdrawal.
For his courageous action and outstanding leadership under fire, Major BETHEL is very strongly recommended for Mention in Despatches.
IAN DAVIDSON - MID
On the night of 13/14 June 1982, on the Island of east Falkland, the 2nd Battalion Scots Guards attacked well entrenched enemy position on the craggy ridge feature of Tumbledown Mountain, seven kilometers to the West of Port Stanley
During the assault, Lance Sergeant DAVIDSONs Section became pinned down by accurate enemy sniper fire. Showing a total disregard for his own safety, Lance Sergeant DAVIDSON moved amongst his men encouraging and steadying them. Inspired by his courageous example, they fought their way forward and destroyed two enemy positions.
For his courage under fire and selfless leadership, Lance Sergeant DAVIDSON is strongly recommended for mention in Despatches
CLARK MITCHELL - MID (Postumous)
On the night of 13/14 June 1982, on the Island of east Falkland, the 2nd Battalion Scots Guards attacked well entrenched enemy position on the craggy ridge feature of Tumbledown Mountain, seven kilometers to the West of Port Stanley. Lance Sergeant MITCHELL and his section were amongst the leading elements.
During the assault he personally located and killed several enemy snipers. Thereafter, as he led his section against an entrenched position, he accounted for several enemy with his rifle and grenades. A short while later, again to the fore in the assault, he was killed.
For his courageous actions under fire and inspiring leadership, Lance Sergeant MITCHELL, is strongly recommended for Postumous Mention in Despatches.
ALAN CHARLES EWING DALGLEISH - MID
On the night of 13/14 June 1982, on the Island of east Falkland, the 2nd Battalion Scots Guards attacked well entrenched enemy position on the craggy ridge feature of Tumbledown Mountain, seven kilometers to the West of Port Stanley
During the assault, whilst closing on a strongly held enemy Platoon position, Lance Sergeant DALGLEISH's section came under heavy enemy artillery and mortar fire. Disregarding the dangers and despite being heavily outnumbered he rallied his section in the attack and overran the enemy's position. Their brave action contributed significantly to the successful outcome of the battle.
For his fine leadership and courage under fire, Lance Sergeant DALGLEISH is strongly recommended for Mention in Despatches.
During the assault, whilst closing on a strongly held enemy Platoon position, Lance Sergeant DALGLEISH's section came under heavy enemy artillery and mortar fire. Disregarding the dangers and despite being heavily outnumbered he rallied his section in the attack and overran the enemy's position. Their brave action contributed significantly to the successful outcome of the battle.
For his fine leadership and courage under fire, Lance Sergeant DALGLEISH is strongly recommended for Mention in Despatches.
JAMES DOUGLAS STUART - MID
On the night of 13/14 June 1982, on the Island of east Falkland, the 2nd Battalion Scots Guards attacked well entrenched enemy position on the craggy ridge feature of Tumbledown Mountain, seven kilometers to the west of port Stanley
During the assault Second Lieutenant STUART and his Platoon were in the front line of the attack. Suddenly, at close quarters, the enemy opened fire. His Platoon Sergeant was killed instantly and several men were wounded. Undeterred by his losses, he exhorted his Platoon to follow his example in pressing home the attack. Subsequently, he and his Platoon were again to the fore in the successful assault by his company on their main objective.
Second Lieutenant STUART demonstrated considerable qualities of character, leadership and courage under fire. He is strongly recommended for Mention in Despatches.
During the assault Second Lieutenant STUART and his Platoon were in the front line of the attack. Suddenly, at close quarters, the enemy opened fire. His Platoon Sergeant was killed instantly and several men were wounded. Undeterred by his losses, he exhorted his Platoon to follow his example in pressing home the attack. Subsequently, he and his Platoon were again to the fore in the successful assault by his company on their main objective.
Second Lieutenant STUART demonstrated considerable qualities of character, leadership and courage under fire. He is strongly recommended for Mention in Despatches.
IAN ANDERSON BRYDEN - MID
On the night of 13/14 June 1982, on the Island of East Falkland, the 2nd Battalion Scots Guards attacked well entrenched enemy position on the craggy ridge feature of Tumbledown Mountain, seven kilometers to the west of port Stanley
Captain BRYDEN was at the front of his company, closing rapidly with the enemy's position. Suddenly he was confronted by three enemy. Reacting immediately and decisively, he shot and killed two of them and overcame the third in hand to hand fighting. Shortly afterwards, his company successfully secured its objective.
Captain BRYDEN's personal courage was an example to all; he is strongly mentioned for Mention in Despatches.
ANDREW SAMUEL PENGELLY - MM
On the night of 13/14 June 1982, on the Island of east Falkland, the 2nd Battalion Scots Guards attacked well entrenched enemy position on the craggy ridge feature of Tumbledown Mountain, seven kilometers to the west of port Stanley
During the assault, leading elements came under fire from a sniper hidden high up in nearby rocky crags. Guardsman PENGELLY reacted immediately: abondoning his machine gun and armed with grenades, he climbed up the wet and slippery tocks toward the enemy position. Reaching the top, he hurled a grenade and killed the sniper. As he threw the grenade he was hit and badly wounded by enemy mortar fire. His courageous action was a significant individual contribution of a high order, to the success of the battle.
For his outstanding courage under fire and in the face of the enemy, Guardsman PENGELLY is very strongly recommended for the award of a Military Medal
ROBERT WHITE JACKSON - MM
On the night of 13/14 June 1982, on the Island of east Falkland, the 2nd Battalion Scots Guards attacked well entrenched enemy position on the craggy ridge feature of Tumbledown Mountain, seven kilometers to the west of port Stanley
During the assault, leading elements came under intense enemy machine gun fire which was preventing any further advance. Sergeant JACKSON reacted instantly: discarding his rifle and armed only with grenades, he clambered forward under fire over wet and slippery rocks towards the foot of the enemy's position forty meters away. having climbed fully fifteen meters up into the rocky crags, single handed, he attacked and destroyed the enemy's position with his grenades.
For his outstandingly courageous action under fire in the face of the enemy, Sergeant JACKSON is strongly recommended for the award of a Military Medal.
ROBERT ALISTAIR LAWRENCE - MC
On the night of 13/14 June 1982, on the Island of east Falkland, the 2nd Battalion Scots Guards attacked well entrenched enemy position on the craggy ridge feature of Tumbledown Mountain, seven kilometers to the west of port Stanley. Lieutenant LAWRENCE and his platoon were amongst leading elements in the assault.
As they come up to an area of prominent rocky crags they came under intense fire from an enemy machine gun position. Lieutenant LAWRENCE, to the fore throughout, immediately led a counter attack. Throwing grenades onto the enemy's position as he went, in the heat of the fire fight he continued to exhort his platoon to follow him in the assault. In capturing the position their attack accounted for two enemy.
Firm on that position, he gathered up a handful of his men and began to work his way along the ridge to engage an enemy sniper. As they closed and just before he could attack, Lieutenant LAWRENCE was severely wounded.
His actions were an outstanding example of leadership under fire and courage in the face of the enemy. For his resolute devotion to duty, Lieutenant LAWRENCE is very strongly recommended for the award of a Military Cross.
JOHN PANTON KISZELY - MC
On the night of 13/14 June 1982, on the Island of East Falkland, the 2nd Battalion Scots Guards attacked well entrenched enemy positions on the cracky ridge feature of Tumbledown Mountain, seven kilometers to the west of Port Stanley. Major KISZELY was commanding the Leading Company as they neared the last phase of the assault.
Despite heavy artillery fire from our own guns, the enemy continued to fight back. Major KISZELY immediately appreciated that direct action was essential to maintain the momentum of the attack. Under fire and with a complete disregard for his own safety, he led a group of his men up a gully towards the enemy. Despite men falling wounded beside him he continued his charge, throwing grenades as he went. Arriving on the enemy position, he killed two enemy with his rifle and a third with his bayonet. His courageous action forced the surrender of the remainder. His was the culminating action in the Battalion successfully seizing its objective.
Major KISZELY, by his outstanding leadership and heroic example was an inspiration to his men. His bravery and courage under fire were of an exceptionally high order. He is strongly recommended for the award of a Military Cross.
MICHEAL IAN ELDON SCOTT - DSO
Lieutenant Colonel Scott was in command of 2nd Battalion Scots Guards when they captured Tumbledown Mountain on East Falklands by a battalion night attack on 13 June 1982. This was part of the 5 Brigade plan to secure the last vital ground on the approach to Port Stanley.
Tumbledown Mountain was known to be held by the enemy in considerable strength. It was equally certain that this enemy had been alerted to the likelihood of a renewed British offensive at that time because of the nature and timing of operations two nights previously.
Lieutenat Colonel Scott had planned his attack with meticulous care. The battalion took their first objective without opposition.
As they moved towards their second objective the Scots Guards were bet by a heavy concentration of artillery, mortar and machine gun fire. Well positioned enemy snipers dominated the difficult, rising ground over which the Guards had to advance, and harrassed exposed movement. The nature of the ground on the flanks and the weight of enemy fire upon it made manoeuvre impossible. A battle of attrition developed and the success of the Brigade plan hung in the balance. This phase lasted for six hours. Throughout, although constantly under artillery fire himself, Lieutenant Colonel Scott led his battalion in an outstanding manner. He personally directed and encouraged the leading Company Commander and his exaample and coolness inspired and steadied all around him. He caused artillery fire to be brought down with surgical precission close to his forward troops so that they were eventually able to close with the enemy and defeat them. it was due to Lieutenant Colonel Scott's personal determination and leadership that the Scots Guards were able to achieve a break through at this vital point and so capture their main objective.
In this their first action during the Falklands campaign, the Battalion distinguished itself by winning a battle lasting nine hours overall under the most adverse conditions. The outcome of this engagement was instrumental in breaking the enemy's will to fight and their final surrender was achieved within a matter of hours.
The conduct of the Scots Guards during this protracted and exhausting night engagement was exemplary and much of the credit rests with their Commanding Officer. he is strongly recommended for the award of the DSO.
Wednesday, 7 March 2012
New photo of me in the falklands
Once again a huge thanks to Lee Willacy who has found another picture of me in the Falklands.
This one was taken outside the main entrance to the refrigeration plant at Ajax Bay. It was probably taken after the prisoners had left so is sometime in July.
Tuesday, 7 February 2012
WILLIAM NICOL - DCM
WO2 Nicol was the CSM of Left Flank, 2nd Battalion Scots Guards throughout the campaign in the Falkland Islands. During the whole of this time he maintained exemplary standards of personal courage and leadership which inspired similar standards in all members of his company. Three particular occasions stand out:
On 6 June after a 6 hour sea voyage at night in open boats in which most men were completely soaked, the Battalion was ordered to occupy defensive positions on high ground in freezing rain and sleet. Although a number of exposure casualties were taken in other companies, none occurred in Left Flank. This was due to CSM Nicol's tireless efforts in controlling and encouraging his company throughout the night, despite the appaling weather and the fact that he himself was almost at the point of exhaustion.
On 8 June some 12 enemy aircraft involved in the attack on shipping at Fitzroy flew in three sorties at lowlevel over the comapny's position at Bluff Cove. No warning of the enemy aircraft was received but despite this CSM Nicol so rapidly and skilfully organised and controlled his company in firing rifles and machine guns, moving from sangar to sangar with no thought for his own safety, that 2 or 3 enemy aircraft were brought down by the Battalion.
Finally, at Tumbledown Mountain on 14 June his company were ordered to take a strong enemy position as part of a Battalion night attack.
After the initial assault, the company came under constant and devastating machine gun and sniper fire. One of the platoon sergeants was wounded, and subsequently died, and CSM Nicol went forward under sniper fire to rescue him. Wounded in the hand while doing so, he continued to tend the dying sergeant.
He remained cool and calm under heavy fire encouraging and exhorting his men and at the same time advising one of the young platoon commanders how to defeat a seemingly impregnable enemy position.
He remained unperturbed by the weight of enemy small arms fire, artillery and mortar fire thus installing great confidence in men who might well have been frightened. He refused to be evacuated himself, although the pain must have been intense until all other casualties in the company (26 in all) had been evacuated. CSM Nicol's distinguished conduct and conspicious personal bravery throughout the campaign in particular on the three occasions described above have proved an inspiration and example to all ranks and have made an outstanding contribution to his comapny's exceptional achievements
On 6 June after a 6 hour sea voyage at night in open boats in which most men were completely soaked, the Battalion was ordered to occupy defensive positions on high ground in freezing rain and sleet. Although a number of exposure casualties were taken in other companies, none occurred in Left Flank. This was due to CSM Nicol's tireless efforts in controlling and encouraging his company throughout the night, despite the appaling weather and the fact that he himself was almost at the point of exhaustion.
On 8 June some 12 enemy aircraft involved in the attack on shipping at Fitzroy flew in three sorties at lowlevel over the comapny's position at Bluff Cove. No warning of the enemy aircraft was received but despite this CSM Nicol so rapidly and skilfully organised and controlled his company in firing rifles and machine guns, moving from sangar to sangar with no thought for his own safety, that 2 or 3 enemy aircraft were brought down by the Battalion.
Finally, at Tumbledown Mountain on 14 June his company were ordered to take a strong enemy position as part of a Battalion night attack.
After the initial assault, the company came under constant and devastating machine gun and sniper fire. One of the platoon sergeants was wounded, and subsequently died, and CSM Nicol went forward under sniper fire to rescue him. Wounded in the hand while doing so, he continued to tend the dying sergeant.
He remained cool and calm under heavy fire encouraging and exhorting his men and at the same time advising one of the young platoon commanders how to defeat a seemingly impregnable enemy position.
He remained unperturbed by the weight of enemy small arms fire, artillery and mortar fire thus installing great confidence in men who might well have been frightened. He refused to be evacuated himself, although the pain must have been intense until all other casualties in the company (26 in all) had been evacuated. CSM Nicol's distinguished conduct and conspicious personal bravery throughout the campaign in particular on the three occasions described above have proved an inspiration and example to all ranks and have made an outstanding contribution to his comapny's exceptional achievements
JAMES BOYLE CURRAN REYNOLDS - DCM (Postumous)
On the night of 13/14 June 1982, on the Island of East Falkland, the 2nd Battalion Scots Guards attacked well entrenched enemy positions on the craggy ridge of Tumbledown Mountain, seven kilometres to the West of Port Stanley
During the attack, Guardsman REYNOLDS' platoon came under fire from a group of enemy snipers. His Platoon Sergeant was killed instantly. A confused situation developed and his section became seperated. Guardsmen REYNOLDS immediately took command. Having located the enemy snipers he silenced several of them himself.
That done and showing a complete disregard for his own safety, he moved forward to render first aid to a wounded comrade. He himself was wounded in the hand by enemy sniper fire, but continued to aid his colleague. Whilst doing so he was killed by enemy mortar fire.
For his leadership and courage under fire; also his unselfish regard for his wounded comrade, Guardsman REYNOLDS is strongly recommended for the postumous award of a Distinguished Conduct Medal.
National Archives
I have recently been helping Bruce Kilshaw (the archivist for the Tumbledown Veterans Association) with collecting some material for his archives. In the process he has been extremely kind and generous to give me copies of some of the documents he has from the National Archives.
So watch this space for details of all the citations for the medals and mention in dispatches for 2SG.
So watch this space for details of all the citations for the medals and mention in dispatches for 2SG.
Recently gave a talk at Swedish MOD
Every year I attend a church service here in Stockholm that celebrates Santa Lucia. It's a very atmospheric and traditional service that I make every effort to attend.
So why do I mention this? Well this year when I left I bumped into an old colleague from my days at IBM and EHPT who it turns out now works at the Swedish MOD (Försvarets materielverk). After catching up he mentioned that he was about to go on holiday to the Falkland Islands. So I couldn't resist mentioning that I had served there during the war.
This led to an invite to come and talk at his office to a small group of friends who were coming with him to the Falklands. Meantime he had mentioned to his boss, one of the few generals in the Swedish Army, and he would like me to come back and talk to his department of about 120 officers later this year :)
So watch this space
So why do I mention this? Well this year when I left I bumped into an old colleague from my days at IBM and EHPT who it turns out now works at the Swedish MOD (Försvarets materielverk). After catching up he mentioned that he was about to go on holiday to the Falkland Islands. So I couldn't resist mentioning that I had served there during the war.
This led to an invite to come and talk at his office to a small group of friends who were coming with him to the Falklands. Meantime he had mentioned to his boss, one of the few generals in the Swedish Army, and he would like me to come back and talk to his department of about 120 officers later this year :)
So watch this space
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