Crosland, John Harry (Oral history)

British officer commanded B Coy, 2nd Bn Parachute Regt during Falklands War, 4/1982-6/1982

REEL 1 Recollections of operations as commanding B Coy, 2nd Bn Parachute Regt during Falklands War, 4/1982-5/1982: reaction to hearing of crisis in South Atlantic; Lieutenant Colonel Herbert 'H' Jones agitating to get unit included in South Atlantic Task Force; embarking on board MV Norland; relations with Captain Don Ellerby of MV Norland; training programme aboard MV Norland including dealing with casualties; his position as most experienced officer in unit; Argentinean superiority during campaign; arrival of RAF helicopter personnel; attendance of Chaplain David Cooper's services; reaction to loss of HMS Sheffield, 10/5/1982. REEL 2 Continues: attitude towards sinking of Argentine Navy cruiser ARA General Belgrano, 2/5/1982; weather conditions on approach to Falkland Islands; preparations for landings at San Carlos Water; nature of landings at San Carlos Water, 21/5/1982; meeting with special forces group; strafing by Argentinean Air Force aircraft on approach to Sussex Mountain; firing on Argentinean aircraft attacking ships in Falkland Sound. Recollections of operations commanding of B Coy, 2nd Bn Parachute Regt during Battle of Goose Green, Falkland Islands, 28/5/1982-29/5/1982: situation on Sussex Mountain prior to attack; lack of military support for operation; reasons for attacking Goose Green from north; adjusting of troops to sight and sounds of battlefield; arrival at Camilla Creek House; reaction of Colonel Herbert 'H' Jones to announcement of unit's position by BBC World Service. REEL 3 Continues: age of battalion personnel; number of Argentinean defenders in comparison with attacking forces; preparations for attack; fire support for operation; reasons for delays in approach to start line; company assault with A Coy; significance of loss of fire support from HMS Arrow; assault on Argentinean positions; clearing Argentinean anti-aircraft position; nature of night attacks; effect of D Coy's suppressing fire; type of terrain crossed; change in nature of battle with coming of daylight; company casualties near Boca House; Colonel Herbert 'H' Jones' reaction to loss of momentum in attack; use of anti-tank weapons against Argentinean positions in Boca House area; regrouping of battalion by Major Chris Keeble after Lieutenant Colonel Herbert 'H' Jones' death; company advance through minefield to outflank Argentinean forces. REEL 4 Continues: destruction of Argentinean FMA IA 58 Pucara aircraft; effect of British Aerospace Sea Harrier FRS Mk 1 attack on Goose Green; arrival of Argentinean reinforcements; state of battalion at night fall; withdrawal to positions further north; opinion of helicopter evacuation of wounded; conditions during night; reaction to surrender of Argentinean forces at Goose Green, 29/4/1982; question of tactical nature of operation and its effect; situation in Goose Green; clearing up after battle and opinion of Argentinean officers; question of keeping momentum of attack. Recollections of operations commanding of B Coy, 2nd Bn Parachute Regt on Falkland Islands, 5/1982-6/1982: arrival of new commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel David Chaundler; move to Wireless Ridge area; plan for attacks in mountains west of Port Stanley; reconnaissance and fire support for operation to attack Wireless Ridge; plan for attack on Wireless Ridge; contrast in attacks on Goose Green and Wireless Ridge; character of advance from start line to Wireless Ridge. REEL 5 Continues: method of crossing minefield; casualties from Argentinean counter-battery fire; Argentinean retreat into Port Stanley; advance into western outskirts of Port Stanley; atmosphere in Port Stanley prior to surrender; finding accommodation in Port Stanley; need to return Falkland Islands to normality.