Thompson, Julian Howard Atherden (Oral history)

British officer cadet trained at Royal Marine Infantry Training Centre at Lympstone, GB, 1952-1954; officer served with 40 Commando, Royal Marines in the Canal Zone, Egypt and Malta, 1954-1955; student attended Winter Warfare and Officers Training Package Courses in GB, 1955-1956; served as instructor with 42 Commando at Bickleigh, GB, 1957; served with 40 Commando in Libya, Malta and Cyprus, 1957-1959; served as housemaster with Junior Wing, Royal Marines Depot, Deal, GB, 1959-1961; served with 45 Commando, Royal Marines in Aden, 1961-1962; served as adjutant with 43 Commando, Royal Marines in GB, 1962-1964; student at Staff College, Camberley in GB, 1965; served as staff officer with Headquarters, Far East Land Forces in Singapore and Aden, 1965-1967; served with 40 Commando, Royal Marines in Middle East and Far East, 1967-1969; served as instructor with Officers' Training Wing, Lympstone, GB, 1969-1970; served as Secretary to the Chiefs of Staff at Ministry of Defence in London, GB, 1970-1972; served as brigade major with 3 Commando Bde in GB, Mediterranean and Norway, 1972-1973; served as instructor with Directing Staff of Joint Services Staff College, Camberley in GB, 1973-1975; commanded 40 Commando, Royal Marines in GB, Caribbean, Northern Ireland and Mediterranean, 1975-1978; served as staff officer with Headquarters, Commando Forces in Plymouth, GB, 1978-1979: student with Royal College of Defence Studies, London, GB, 1979-1980; commanded 3 Commando Bde in GB and during Falklands War, 1980-1983; commanded Training Reserve Forces and Special Forces, Royal Marines in Portsmouth, GB, 1983-1986

REEL 1 Background in India and GB, 1934-1952: father's military service during First World War; education in India; impressions of GB on arrival, 1945; syllabus of training with CCF at Sherborne School; degree of awareness of Korean War. Aspects of enlistment into Royal Marines, 1952: selection process; attending Admiralty Interview Board. Recollections of training as officer cadet with Royal Marine Infantry Training Centre at Lympstone, GB, 1952-1953: age and background of recruits; emphasis on physical fitness; cleaning kit; weapons training; how sporting background aided fitness; commanding sections during recruit training; commando training at Bickleigh; forced march to Bickleigh. REEL 2 Continues: speed and route marching; fighting order; accommodation and rations; presence of experienced instructors; training as section commander; weapons training; origins of marine recruits; cooking arrangements in field; types of night exercises carried out; commando training; cliff climbing; night raid exercise; syllabus of course; thirty mile march across Dartmoor; field firing and night firing demonstration on Dartmoor. REEL 3 Continues: use of tracer to indicate target; use of rifle and bren groups in sections; passing out of commando course; reaction to training with landing craft at Portsmouth. Aspects of period of sea training aboard HMS Implacable in GB coastal waters and Caribbean, 1953: use of hammocks; seamanship training; run ashore in Scilly Isles; embarkation of 1st Bn Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders on board for voyage to Caribbean; impressions of Fleet Air Arm and Royal Navy personnel; contrast between Royal Marine and Royal Navy officers; training of National Service officers in Royal Marines; disembarkation of 1st Bn Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders in Trinidad; visit to Trinidad; embarkation of 1st Bn Royal Fusiliers on board; amusing story of discovery of exotic pet; social life and entertainment on board; duration of sea training. Aspects of period of troop commander training at Lympstone in GB, 1953-1954: pattern of training. REEL 4 Continues: nature of exercises with troops; tactical exercises without troops. Recollections of operations as officer with 40 Commando in Canal Zone, Egypt and Malta, 1954: posting to unit, 4/1954; flight from GB to Egypt; initial impressions of Egypt; organisation of commando and attachment to Support Troop; reasons for absence of A Troop; nature of guard duties at ordnance depot; ambushes outside wire; perimeter defences; patrol in unmarked minefield; theft of telephone cables; static nature of guard duties; Egyptian attempts to drive vehicles off road; incident of opening fire on Egyptian truck that attempted to barge his vehicle off the road; checkpoints; relations with Mauritian guards at depot; headquarters and messes; degree of knowledge of chain of command; organisation of morning 'O' groups; role of unit. REEL 5 Continues: relations with Egyptian Police; joining A Troop in Malta; impressions of Malta; character of St Andrew's Barracks; entertainment in Malta; officers in troop; organisation of unit; return to Canal Zone; move to Camp Fuad; work in vehicle park; visits to Port Said; move to Malta; reasons for commando being confined to barracks; character of St Patrick's Barracks; occupations during period of commando being confined to barracks; move to Libya for training; nature of desert exercises in Libya; terrain in Libya; co-operation with armoured cars and tanks. REEL 6 Continues: infantry armour tactics employed; radio communications; internal security training; leading reconnaissance patrol during exercise in Libya; problems of operating in desert; navigation in desert; degree of experience of troop members; character of maps in Libya; description of slit trenches used; construction of sangars; hygiene arrangements; clothing worn in Libya; daily issue of water; visits to Tarhuna; Christmas celebrations in Malta, 12/1954; work as duty officer; training facilities in Malta. REEL 7 Continues: restrictions on use of private land in Malta. Aspects of period on Winter Warfare Course in GB, 1955: move to Scotland; preparations for course on Dartmoor; use of special boots; ski training at Aviemore; technique for building snow caves and snow holes; conditions at Aviemore; winter clothing worn; care of weapons and optical instruments; cooking and feeding arrangements; problems obtaining water. Aspects of period attending Officers Training Package Courses in GB, 1955-1956: courses attended; syllabus of Junior Officers War Course at Royal Naval College at Greenwich; syllabus of Platoon Commanders' course at Warminster; changes in battle drills; Company Commanders' course running in parallel with Platoon Commanders' Course. REEL 8 Continues: troops' reaction to being led by students; techniques used during street fighting training in Imber; supporting armour in street fighting exercises; artillery support in urban areas; request to return to 40 Commando; attending Machine Gun Officers' course at Netheravon; role and use of machine guns; clearing stoppages on Vickers Machine Gun; number of machine guns in detachment; cooling system on Vickers Machine Gun; use of machine guns in attack and defence; firing of Vickers Machine Gun; servicing and maintenance; live firing exercises on Salisbury Plain; characteristics of machine gun pits; degree of instruction on anti-aircraft role of Vickers Machine Gun. Aspects of period as instructor with 42 Commando at Bickleigh, GB, 1957: posting to unit as instructor on commando course, 1/1957. REEL 9 Continues: cadre form of commando; listening to accounts of marines from Suez operations; status of National Service Royal Marines; nature of Royal Marine Reserve; physical state of recruits; discipline; personal treatment of awkward squads; variations in training programme; clash with officer running cliff climbing and raiding exercise. Aspects of period as officer with 40 Commando in Libya and Malta, 1957-1958: posting to unit; desert training in Libya; state of maps and discovery of minefields from Second World War; training cycle in Libya. REEL 10 Continues: use of notional fire support; degree of contact with local population; defects of Austin Champ; organisation of Support Troop; wireless sets used; return to Malta; Christmas celebrations in Malta, 12/1957. Recollections of operations as officer with 40 Commando in Cyprus, 1958-1959: move to Cyprus in LSTs; taking over monastery from 1st Bn Royal Ulster Rifles; character of area of responsibility including roads and forest; maps used; villages; behaviour of Greek Cypriots; meetings with Mukhtars; quality of police; role of unit; searches; question of quality of intelligence on EOKA; estimate of EOKA strength in area. REEL 11 Continues: estimates of EOKA's intentions and actions; daily clearance patrols and perimeter; nature of EOKA observation posts and hides; strength and duration of patrols; night infiltrations into villages; ambushes; communications; organisation of recreational activities; character of Operation Kingfisher; introduction of night sights; introduction of snap cordons; capture of known EOKA suspect; search techniques; EOKA hides in villages. REEL 12 Continues: villagers' response to arrests; own quarters in monastery; rations and cooking facilities; nature of Troodos area; character of amphibious training exercises in Malta and on Libyan coast; deployment to Troodos Mountains as troop commander; nature of area of responsibility including nature of villages; area divided into platoon sectors; headquarters in ski centre chalets; daily conduct of operations; visits to platoons. REEL 13 Continues: situation in Cyprus. Aspects of period as housemaster with Junior Wing, Deal, 1959-1961: duties; status of boy entrants; syllabus; role of house sergeant; origins of juniors; selection of junior musicians; discipline; visits to barrack rooms before lights out; senior boys allowed civilian uniform; responsibility for moral welfare. Aspects of period on support platoon commanders course at Netheravon in GB, 1961: changes in organisation for support; character of 120mm MOBAT; changes in WOMBAT; role supervising use of support weapons; troops view of WOMBAT. REEL 14 Continues: Recollections of operations as officer with 45 Commando in Aden, 1961-1962: role of garrison at Little Aden; basing of commando at Dala on frontier with Yemen; situation in Aden and effects of Egyptian policy on neighbouring Yemen; nature of terrain; defenses based on sangars; system of picketing heights and recovering pickets; sniping from tribesmen and method of dealing with them; story illustrating Emir of Dala's idea of justice; Federal Army operations; contrasts in desert terrain in Aden with North Africa; character of exercises including co-operation with armour; anticipation of deployment to Kuwait. REEL 15 Continues: degree of contact with local civilians. Recollections of period as adjutant with 43 Commando, Royal Marines in GB, 1962-1964: posting to commando as adjutant; duties as adjutant; court martials; role of assistant adjutant and orderly room colour sergeant; duties of regimental sergeant major; duties running headquarters in field including equipment and battle boards; headquarters protection party and watchkeepers; signalling capacity of headquarters; role of unit as part of UK Strategic Reserve; helicopter training from HMS Albion in Libya; character of subsequent helicopter exercises; organisation of helicopter assaults; conditions on board HMS Albion; summer exercise in Norway. REEL 16 Continues: outcome of exercise against Norwegian Bde; question of Norwegian skills and limitations; incident of being taken prisoner during exercise; character of prior exercise in Norway; playing enemy to 19 Infantry Bde in Stamford Training Area; lessons learnt during period as adjutant; question of what makes good and bad troop and company commanders; taking staff college examinations including courses and correspondence; tutorial visits and guest speakers; preference to being sent to Staff College at Camberley; attending preliminary course at Shrivenham. REEL 17 Continues: attitude to preliminary course. Aspects of period as student at Staff College, Camberley, GB, 1965: syllabus of course; breakdown of terms; method of instruction; use of syndicates; written work. Aspects of period staff officer with Headquarters, Far East Land Forces in Singapore and Aden, 1966-1967: reasons for preference for far eastern posting; duties; involvement in contingency plans for Indonesian Confrontation, Hong Kong and Pacific; reporting to DQMG; manning of army operations room; role of Sea Transport Cell at headquarters; logisitical problems in Far East; air supply; reinforcement of Hong Kong garrison; conduct of business at headquarters; life in Singapore; end of Indonesian Confrontation. REEL 18 Continues: lack of contingency plans for consequences of internal disorders in Indonesia; special needs for troops in Borneo; contingency SEATO plans for defence of Thailand; observing exercise in Australia; question of deficiencies of firebase concept; limitations of intelligence from Americans and SEATO; concerns over disorder in Hong Kong; planning for withdrawal from Aden, 1967; logistical aspects of withdrawal from Aden; role of 40 Commando, Royal Marines as covering force; situation in Aden; return to Singapore. Recollections of period as officer with 40 Commando in Middle East, 1967-1968: move to commando; continuing role as covering force off Aden; move to Bahrain. REEL 19 Continues: conditions on board HMS Bulwark; return to Singapore; rapid recall to covering force off Aden; training exercise in Australia; duties as adjutant; extended time in Singapore; characteristics of LSLs; landing exercises from LSLs; terrain in Australian bush; character of exercise in Australia; exercise of Malayan coast. Aspects of period as instructor with Officers Training Wing at Lympstone, GB, 1969-1970: designing changes to courses; training reduction from eighteen months to a year; changes in syllabus; changes in courses; test week of commando course. REEL 20 Continues: effects of reduction in time for training; improvement in calibre of officer candidates; measures to attract graduates; introduction of remedial physical training; rate of drop out for physical problems. Aspects of period as Secretary to Chief of Staffs at Ministry of Defence in London, GB, 1970-1972: posting as Secretary of Chief of Staffs; division of work; business of day finished in the day; took minutes of meetings in longhand; methods of work; role of serving tea and biscuits; meetings; reasons for wanting Sultan of Oman deposed; dealing with crisis on Indian sub continent and Middle East; Shah of Iran's ambitions in Gulf. REEL 21 Continues: anti-ambush drills in Aden and Cyprus; nature of Burami Oasis Crisis; threat to regional stability during Indo-Pakistan War, 1971; character of Indo-Pakistan conflict; watching brief during conflict; degree of co- operation with Defence Attaches; situation in Oman; presence of Special Air Service in Oman; opinion of Denis Healey; change in government and arrival of new Secretary of State, Lord Carrington; initial briefing with Lord Carrington. REEL 22 Continues: policy towards Iran and behaviour of Shah of Iran; situation in Northern Ireland; complaints from NATO at reduction of British Army of the Rhine; degree of responsibility for Northern Ireland; duties as duty officer in Defence Operations Centre; co-operation with Air Force Operations Room; crisis over Palestinian Liberation Army member Leila Khaled attempt to hijack aircraft; consequences of incident including Palestinian Liberation Army's actions including expulsion from Jordan; awareness of changes in airport security; Resident clerks at Ministry of Defence and Foreign Office. REEL 23 Continues: Recollections of period as brigade major with 3 Command Bde in GB and Mediterranean, 1972-1973: value of appointment and range of duties; new role of brigade to reinforce NATO southern and northern flanks; prior recollection of visit to American air bases in Thailand, 1971; assessment of threats to NATO flanks in Europe; tensions between Greeks and Turks in NATO; exercises in Greece, Turkey and Cyprus; NATO doctrine driven by Americans; strength of national contingents during NATO exercises in Mediterranean; American morale and problems in military forces; drug incident with US troops in Sardinia. REEL 24 Continues: recruiting problems faced by US Marines; effects of rapid expansion of US Marines during Vietnam; racial tensions in US Marines; deterrent landings and cross training; withdrawal to ships; qualities of Turkish troops; relations with Turkish military; opinion of Greek marines; occasion when Italian troops interrupted exercise for lunch; opinion of French Foreign Legion; story illustrating humour of French Foreign Legion personnel; amusing incident when officer built block across railway tunnel; arrangements for brigade commander's lunch; character of brigade headquarters in field; plans for arrangements in wartime; use of lightweight Landrovers; provision for radio sets and camouflage; furniture in CP tent; over emphasis on co-ordination with air support. REEL 25 Continues: inevitability of errors in co-ordination; communication; aware of observation by Warsaw Pact; discussions on amphibious operations doctrine at Headquarters AF South in Naples, Italy; value of pamphlet on doctrine; role of naval gunfire forward observers; size and organisation of commando artillery; emergence of commitment to northern flank of NATO; strategic situation in northern Norway; decision to use LPD at Dartmouth Training Ship; insufficient airlift available to Royal Marines; character of amphibious exercise in Norway; opinion of training of and postings in Norwegian Army. REEL 26 Continues: attachment of Dutch unit attached to brigade, 1974; adoption of Dutch Marines of British tactics; opinion of Dutch training; tradition of Dutch Marines of ship's detachments and small raiding operations; mixture of regulars and conscripts in Dutch contingent; influence of trade unionism in Dutch armed service; formulation of orders for exercises; his introduction of system of mutual testing of headquarters; character of his brigade commanders; helicopter accident with Dutch Marines at sea; difficulties of having shore headquarters during exercises in Norway; desire to land near opposing forces during exercises; limitations of exercises and study of Warsaw Pact forces; comparison between working with AF North and AF South. REEL 27 Continues: situation in Malta during 1970s; running to top of Rock of Gibraltar; exercises in GB. Recollections of period as instructor with Directing Staff of Joint Services Staff College, Camberley in GB, 1973-1975: reaction to posting to college; running Joint Team; concentration on armoured divisions with British Army of the Rhine; concern of Royal Navy on North Atlantic; effects of Treasury pressure on armed forces spending; strategic interests in Europe; counter insurgency teaching related to Northern Ireland; the commandant and status of directing staff; quality of students; memories of students; career minded students working the system; restrictions on students of non GB, American and Commonwealth status; telephone battles. REEL 28 Continues: TEWTs exercises; battlefield tour of Normandy; lecture on stress of battle; written work; syndicate teaching; visits with staff including US Army in Germany. Recollections of period commanding 40 Commando, Royal Marines in GB and Caribeanean, 1975-1976: deployment to West Indies; visit to Dutch authorities in Curacao; terrain in Aruba; exercise in Aruba; organisation of headquarters; advantages of command and method of command; composition of support company; role of Intelligence officer; duties of regimental sergeant-major on exercise; problems of digging in during exercises on Aruba; role of operations officer; use of written orders. REEL 29 Continues: method of giving orders; location as commander during exercise or action; use of artillery support; rate of movement during an advance to contact; problems of not being able to simulate indirect fire during exercise; use of headquarters trailer on exercise; opinion of using helicopter as command post; exercise with American Caribbean Ready Group brigade; experiment with company column during night advance; night sights on Wombat; co-ordination with Americans; lack of American radio discipline; exchanges of kit with American personnel. REEL 30 Continues: move to Andros Island in Bahamas; nature of terrain on Andros Island; effect of terrain in restricting movement and exercises; Bahamian Police role during exercise; recreational visit to Jamaica; reasons for discouraging run ashore by marines; injured driver rescued by Jamaicans; rest period in Fort Lauderdale in Florida; marine view of Gibraltar; ashore in Gibraltar; training for presentation of new colours. Recollections of operations commanding 40 Commando, Royal Marines in Northern Ireland, 1976: training in search techniques prior to deployment; similarity of Devon countryside to South Armagh; lectures; protection of vehicle checkpoints; first use of information technology; special characteristics of South Armagh; need to move by helicopter; farmers beating of hedges with dogs everyday to discourage surveillance; his tour priorities. REEL 31 Continues: his reconnaissance; support from Special Air Service squadron; reasons for increase in size of Reconnaissance Troop; character of civilian population of South Armagh; Royal Ulster Constabulary's role in South Armagh; conditions in Crossmaglen; exclusion of Ulster Defence Regt from is area of operations; use of patrol to protect railway; attempted attack on railway protection team with improvised explosive device; assessment of IRA intentions during attempted attack; briefing on hand over by 3rd Bn Parachute Regt; character of IRA in South Armagh; civilian population in Newry; personal reconnaissance for deployment; arrival of advanced party; use of helicopter to join patrols in the field; concentration in training on shooting in urban environment during training for Northern Ireland; live firing exercises in protected place; training for riot drills; opinion of training. REEL 32 Continues: further details of attempted attack on railway protection team; use of observation posts; purpose of stakeout operations; nature of IRA booby traps; method of blocking radio signals; recovery of deployed parties; helicopter landing zones; nature of threat in Newry; visits to Newry; use of permanent vehicle control point on road to Republic of Ireland; character of shootings in Newry; threat of sniping in Crossmaglen and surrounding area; opinion of skill of IRA snipers; threat of improvised explosive devices; arrest figures during tour; drill for response to snipers; arrest of IRA men by Reconnaissance Troop; interrogation of suspects by Special Branch; sources of unit intelligence. REEL 33 Continues: organisation of unit intelligence; strength of company intelligence cells and use of 'farmers' daughters patrols'; attending incident of improvised explosive device at Warrenpoint; reasons for patrols on Corlingford Lough; making of snap vehicle checks on coast road; character of IRA mortar attacks and types of improvised mortars used; effects of loss of covert observation posting in attic of Sinn Fein headquarters in Crossmaglen; question of catching IRA mortar team; lack of contact with security forces in Republic; reaction to incidents; rocket propelled grenade and small arms attacks on helicopters; duties during rally by Women's Peace Movement in Newry and IRA attempt to disrupt it. REEL 34 Continues: character of Women's Peace Movement; issues giving rise to riots; dealing with riots; meetings with Protestant and Catholic communities; memories of Roman Catholic Brigade Chaplain; nature of unit communications; recommendation for six month tours; hand over procedure; importance of achieving 'a seamless' hand over; use of contractors; method of re- stocking contractors; achievements of unit during tour; differences in populations of Crossmaglen and Forkhill. REEL 35 Continues: marines' views of IRA and Protestant population. Aspects of period as commanding officer of 40 Commando in GB and Mediterranean, 1976-1978: conducting Tactical Exercises Without Troops; training routine; exercise for Brigade Medical Services; exercise with HMS Hermes; use of hovercraft during Exercise Whiskey Galore in the Hebrides; reasons for Royal Navy not adopting hovercraft on large scale; mobilisation role of brigade; use of Salisbury Plain for training; raiding training; exercises at Warminster in which officers acted as marines; participation in Silver Jubilee celebrations, 1977; providing cover during fireman's strike in Scotland, 1977. REEL 36 Continues: personnel in Fire Control Room; dealing with incidents; role of marines as fire support and attitude to work; reasons for most fires dealt with; question of pay; duration of fire fighting duties; role of marine bandsmen; lessons of involvement in fire fighting; prior recollection of contact with media in Northern Ireland; prior recollection of unit observation post opening fire on duck hunters in Northern Ireland; training for television interviews; nature of fireman's strike; return to military training, 1/1978; preparations for exercise in Mediterranean; importance of maintaining basic skills through training especially shooting. REEL 37 Continues: move to Sardinia; exercises in Mediterranean with US Marines; morale of US Marines; conditions for US Marines at sea; character of NATO exercise in Greece; handing over command, 6/1978. Aspects of period as officer with Headquarters, Commando Forces in GB, 1978-1979: duties; policy; question of Army concept of Field Force; cancellation of plans for conversion RFA freighter to amphibious role; staff at headquarters. Aspects of period as student with Royal College of Defence Studies in London, GB, 1979- 1980: nature of course at Royal College of Defence Studies; tour of Yugoslavia, Austria, Portugal and Spain; visit to Yugoslavia. REEL 38 Continues: impressions of Austrian forces; character of visit to Portugal; visits to Spanish military forces including contact with veteran officers of Spanish Blue Division; impressions of Spanish Army, 1980; presence of foreign students on course. Recollections of period commanding 3 Commando Bde in GB and Norway, 1981-1982: taking command, 1/1981; character of exercise in Norway; content of Arctic Warfare Training Course; rates of movement on skis; precautions against injury, overheating and sweating. REEL 39 Continues: checks for frostbite; importance of drinking liquid; clothing; avalanche training; question of learning ice climbing; character of NATO exercise in Norway including presence of tanks and air support; opinion of performance of Norwegians; behaviour of reservists from US Marines; effects of unionisation on Dutch Marines; no attempt to simulate Russian tactics; nature of NATO exercises; brigade exercise on Salisbury Plain including building in uncertainties to create more realistic conditions. REEL 40 Continues: aim of exercise; question of officers being placed under pressure; planning and reconnaissance visits for winter deployment to Norway; duties as umpire during NATO exercise in Norway; reasons for getting Minister of Defence John Nott to observe amphibious exercise, 3/1982; potential future role of brigade. Recollections of operations commanding 3 Commando Bde during Falklands War, 1982: beginning of Falklands Crisis; planning for embarkation of brigade, 4/1982; need for additional ships; recalling of troops on leave; loading of ships. REEL 41 Continues: pressure to accelerate loading; reasons for initial misunderstanding by command of need for more shipping; reasons for survival of Royal Marines; question of defence policy towards amphibious operations from mid 1950s; initial preparations for Falklands operations; method of giving orders at brigade headquarters; security considerations; complications of loading merchant vessels; provision of shipping; measures to prepare Canberra; explanation of Initiating Directive; character of briefing to commanding officers in brigade; importance of training on board ship; sources of information about Argentineans; Spanish speakers on brigade staff; geographical intelligence provided by Ewen Southby-Tailyour. REEL 42 Continues: role and duties of deputy brigade commander on board Canberra; provision of two squadrons of Special Air Service; organisation and equipment of Special Boat Service; limitations of radio communications; role of Special Boat Service; method of surveying beach gradients; other potential roles of Special Boat Service; potential problems occurring during amphibious operations; joint visit with Michael Clapp to Northwood and subsequent presentation given; question of appointment of Admiral Sandy Woodward to command Task Force; lack of information available about situation in Falklands; meeting with returning Royal Marines detachment from Falklands at RAF Brize Norton and reasons for meeting being cut short. REEL 43 Continues: difficulty with loading readiness; degree of information available from Falkland Islanders; reasons for forbidding contact between Special Forces and Falkland Islanders; formation of J Coy in 42 Commando, Royal Marines; further details of meeting with returned Royal Marine detachment at RAF Brize Norton; helicopter flight to HMS Fearless with Michael Clapp and Michael Rose; situation aboard HMS Fearless; details of Special Air Service deployment; division of responsibilities in tasking of Special Air Service and Special Boat Service; proposal to attack South Georgia; question of attacking Argentinean mainland; visit by Admiral Sandy Woodward; command structure; proposal by Field Marshal John Fieldhouse to construct airfield on West Falklands; arrival on Ascension Island; visit to Ascension Island by Field Marshal John Fieldhouse and his subsequent briefing. REEL 44 Continues: offer of another battalion by Jeremy Moore; reported concern of air superiority; Sandy Woodward's concern over submarine and Exocet threats and neglecting of air threat; discounting of plan to construct airfield on West Falklands; discussion of time needed for reconnaissance; question of timing of landings and promise of air superiority; purpose of Battlegroup moving to Falklands; importance of re-stowing at Ascension Islands; factors involved in re-stowing and procedures established; loading drills for Canberra; training exercises ashore on Ascension Island; decision to use LCUs during amphibious landings. REEL 45 Continues: capacity of LCU and use of CVRTs; reaction to sudden order to sail within 24 Hours; preferred landing options; reasons for preferred option being San Carlos Water; intelligence picture of Argentinean forces; character of amphibious operations room in HMS Fearless; need to increase size of intelligence room; landing of Special Air Service and Special Boat Service on Falklands Islands from 2/5/1982; problems with communications; incident of helicopter landing on Special Boat Service observation post; discovery of Argentine detachment on Fanning Head; role naval gunfire support forward observers; bombardment of Stanley and Goose Green, 1/5/1982; question of Secretary of State announcing sailing of amphibious Task Force from Ascension Island, 6/5/1982. REEL 46 Continues: lack of mission statement; reasons for sending letter to Jeremy Moore; change in command structure; lack of concern of submarine threat; question of timing of landing in San Carlos Water; receiving first mission statement; reads directive from Jeremy Moore; reasons for querying operation order; difficulties arising from lack of overall in theatre commander; holding 'O' group, 18/5/1982; emphasis on not halting advance for casualties; plans for landing; contrast between his operational order and naval operational order; plans for landing of 3rd Bn Parachute Bn at San Carlos; Argentinean use of civil airliners for reconnaissance; sending out confirmations of new landing timings; details of final plans for landings at San Carlos Water. REEL 47 Continues: delay in 2nd Bn Parachute Regt receiving orders to change timing; capacity of Argentinean 105mm anti-tank weapon on Fanning Head; scheme to call for surrender before bombardment; first use of thermal imaging; HMS Fearless' overshooting entrance to San Carlos Water; anchoring of ships in San Carlos Water; Argentinean force on Fanning Head; bombardment of Fanning Head and armament of HMS Antrim; capture of Argentinean troops on Fanning Head; assessment of Argentinean intentions; technical problem with dock on board HMS Fearless. REEL 48 Continues: process of embarking on landing craft; atmosphere amongst marines; question of marines lacking experience of high intensity conflict; uncertainty countered by unit collective solidarity; types and characteristics of landing craft; reasons for delay in 2nd Bn Parachute Regt embarking onto landing craft; requesting second in command Tom Seacombe accompany first wave; decision not to delay H Hour; sea conditions during initial assault waves; initial reports that first wave was ashore and had met no opposition; reasons for further delays to landings; withdrawal of Argentinean forces from area; arrival of ships in San Carlos Water; view of ships from bridge of HMS Fearless; first Argentinean air raid. REEL 49 Continues: methods taken to protect ships in San Carlos Water; presence of Sea Harriers over San Carlos Water; description of landing by stream; unloading Rapier missile; problems with deployment of Rapier system; tactical limitations of Rapier; problems with Royal Navy's missile defences; use of General Purpose Machine Guns for anti-aircraft defence; lack of effectiveness of Argentinean air attacks; method of approach used by Argentinean aircraft; Argentinean air attacks on ground troops; reasons for bombing of airfield at Port Stanley; threat from Argentinean Pucara aircraft. REEL 50 Continues: use of General Purpose Machine Guns and Blowpipes to engage Argentinean aircraft; reasons for holding back helicopters and armoured reconnaissance vehicles; priority to establish beach-head perimeter; lack of communications on first day; deployment of troops in bridgehead; character of settlements at San Carlos and Port San Carlos; priority given to engineer defence stores; use of Combat Engineer Tractors; reasons for not using mines; left commanding officers to deploy own units; loss of helicopters during landings; sense of frustration at lack of communication; use of helicopter to visit units in beach-head; reasons for moving reconnaissance forward 40 kilometres; role of Special Boat Service at Teal Inlet; strength and character of reconnaissance troop. REEL 51 Continues: night visibility; incident of penguins being taken for Argentinean patrol; sources and supply of intelligence; capture of Argentinean Special Forces observation post; threat from Argentinean 'strategic reserve'; removal of flagpole next to headquarters in San Carlos settlement; layout of headquarters; organisation of headquarters; effect of short notice that Canberra and Norland were to sail out of San Carlos Water; organisation of logistic area; medical arrangements; decision to remove Canberra from San Carlos Water; unloading ships using mexifloats and helicopters; effect of lack of air defence; damage limited due to incorrectly fused Argentinean bombs; reasons for refusing use of Red Cross on dressing station; work of bomb disposal teams. REEL 52 Continues: attack on HMS Antelope and subsequent sinking; impact on morale of sinking of HMS Antelope; fuel supply and delivery; airstrip constructed at San Carlos; delivery of fuel by helicopter; question of using armoured vehicles; visit to civilians at San Carlos; lack of Argentinean attacks on San Carlos settlement; civilian use of tractors to move ammunition; premature change in command structure; reads directive of 12/5/1982; interpretation of directive; ordering raid by 2nd Bn Parachute Regt on Goose Green; problems with helicopter supply after sinking of Atlantic Conveyor and subsequent effect on operations; background to 2nd Bn Parachute Regt being ordered to attack Goose Green. REEL 53 Continues: problems of communications between HMS Fearless and Northwood; orders to move out of beach-head and capture Goose Green; start of 2nd Bn Parachute Regt march towards Goose Green; terrain; reasons for lack of supporting armoured vehicles and loss of 2nd Bn Parachute Regts guns and mortars; Argentinean positions around Goose Green; role of liaison officer attached to 2nd Bn Parachute Regt; use of helicopters to maintain lines of communication; request for Harrier support; pinning down of 2nd Bn Parachute Regt on forward slope; Argentinean reinforcement of Goose Green by helicopter; surrender of Argentinean garrison at Goose Green; question of Argentinean defenders lacking mental flexibility; approach to Goose Green in daylight; degree to which morale was affected by loss of commanding officer; handling of Argentinean POWs. REEL 54 Continues: facilities for confinement of POWs; treatment of Argentinean POWs; story illustrating low standard of medical treatment amongst Argentinean POWs; responsibility for POWs; relief at arrival of Divisional headquarters; dealing with Argentinean Special Forces patrol at Top Malo House; effects of attack on Argentineans; question of Ministry of Defence giving out sensitive information; near friendly fire incident; transfer of 2nd Bn Parachute Regt to 5 Bde; presence of embedded journalists; role of press liaison officer and opinion of Ministry of Defence 'minders'; dealing with journalists; journalists adjustment to field conditions; personal living conditions. REEL 55 Continues: daily routine; personal reconnaissance by helicopter; purpose of visiting units; activities on return to headquarters; types of patrols; problems with waterlogged ground; evening briefings and discussions; evening meals; sleeping arrangements; hearing of naval gunfire support through peat; Argentinean positions; conduct of 'O' groups; discussing plans with brigade major and artillery officer; reasons for delay of advance from Teal Inlet; setting up command post in civilian house at Teal; 42 Commando, Royal Marines move forward by helicopter to secure Mount Kent; patrolling to explore Argentinean positions around Mount Kent. REEL 56 Continues: successful one man reconnaissance patrol; unmarked minefields; use of deception by 42 Commando, Royal Marines at Mount Kent; siting of Argentinean machine guns; reasons for attacking at night; use of Carl Gustav and 81mm anti-tank weapons to attack Argentinean positions; development of fire teams using General Purpose Machine Guns; use of grenade launchers; effects of patrolling; Argentinean and British attitudes to patrolling and night fighting; advantages of fighting at night; collation of intelligence from patrols; quality of intelligence. REEL 57 Continues: move of headquarters from Teal Inlet to Mount Kent; premature advance of 3rd Bn Parachute Regt in direction of Mount Longdon; building up of supplies by helicopter; a narrowly averted friendly fire incident; Argentinean operational dilemma; helicopter flying and technique of 'clagging'; reasons for loss of helicopter to HMS Cardiff; awareness of 5 Bde movement to Fitzroy and how move reinforced false perception; psychological effects of bombing of LSLs at Bluff Cove; effects of loss of HMS Sheffield; question of influence of war veterans in War Cabinet; nature of Argentinean defensive positions including use of unmarked minefields; attitude to living outdoors; problems with troops' feet in waterlogged conditions. REEL 58 Continues: pause in advance to bring up artillery ammunition; orders to wait to allow 5 Bde to build up supplies; reasons for delays in movement of 5 Bde; lack of effects on morale of delay to advance and weather deteriorating; plan for brigade attack; reasons for detachment of 40 Commando, Royal Marines; question of using logistic units and battle casualty replacements to secure beach-head; allocation of rifle companies from 40 Commando, Royal Marines to reinforce 1st Bn Welsh Guards; plan for brigade attack; conduct of 'O'group and arrangements; reasons for attack starting in silence; control of artillery fire and role of forward observation officer; character of fire plan; deployment of Argentinean artillery out of range around Port Stanley. REEL 59 Continues: defects of Green Archer radar; own location at headquarters during attack; character of 3rd Bn Parachute Regt's attack on Mount Longdon; character of 42 Commando, Royal Marines attack on Twin Sisters; casualty evacuation; Argentinean attempt to mount counter attack; opinion of 42 Commando, Royal Marine's attack and reasons for success; reasons for delay of 5 Bde in next phase of advance; providing new axis of attack. REEL 60 Continues: preparations for assault on hills surrounding Port Stanley; attack on headquarters by Argentinean Air Force and subsequent effect on operations; attack on Wireless Ridge by 2nd Bn Parachute Regt; attending meeting with Jeremy Moore; incident of being ordered to get off skyline on Wireless Ridge; advance into Port Stanley and orders to wait at race course; reasons for staying out of negotiations with General Menendez; organising 'O'group with commanding officers; hearing of Argentinean surrender from BBC World Service; Argentinean destruction of unit colours to avoid capture; use of Argentinean rations; demeanour of Argentinean troops; smell in Port Stanley; Argentinean fear of Gurkhas on Mount William; Jeremy Moore's surrender negotiations with General Mendendez; opinion of Argentinean defences and laying of minefields. REEL 61 Continues: disarmament of Argentineans by 42 Commando, Royal Marines; opinion of Argentinean Marines; behaviour of Argentinean troops on night prior to surrender; movements of British units; enforcement of curfew; some looting of Argentinean stores; threatening of looter; insistence on strict discipline; question of temptation to loot; insistence that brigade go home assembled; writing up of citations; producing report on action; debriefing with troops on equipment; use of captured Argentinean Mercedes jeeps; own mental and physical condition; state of health in Port Stanley. Aspects of period commanding 3 Commando Bde in GB, 1982-1983: return to GB; giving lectures on Falklands in US and Canada. REEL 62 Continues: US Marine Corps interest in Falklands War; empathy between Royal Marines and US Marines; lessons learnt from Falklands War; changes to training on return from Falklands; quality of General Purpose Machine Gun; use of Bren Gun; use of Argentinean FALs. Recollections of period as commanding Training Reserve Forces and Special Forces, Royal Marines in Portsmouth, GB, 1983-1986: duties including commanding Special Forces; operational training for Special Boat Service; demonstration for Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher; command and control exercises; lessons of working with police; development of maritime counter- terrorism; contacts and relations with Special Air Service. REEL 63 Continues: selection and recruiting to Special Boat Service; escort duty for movements of nuclear weapons and waste; debate over role; regional characteristics and reasons for joining reserves; training; organisation of Special Boat Service; security of harbours and key points; liaising with Home Office; own chain of command; interest in development of Special Boat Service; reporting to Defence Intelligence Service; question of training foreign Special Forces; issue of bullying during training; improvements to training and changes in character of recruits. REEL 64 Continues: changes in training; pressure to lower standards from senior naval officers; declined chance to become Commandant General of Royal Marines; retirement and adjustment to civilian life; impressions of civilian employment and advantages of service career.