Battle of San Carlos (1982): Difference between revisions
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|combatant2={{flag|Argentina}} |
|combatant2={{flag|Argentina}} |
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|commander1={{flagicon|United Kingdom}} [[Sandy Woodward]]<br>{{flagicon|United Kingdom}} [[Jeremy Moore]]<br>{{flagicon|United Kingdom}} [[Michael Clapp]] |
|commander1={{flagicon|United Kingdom}} [[Sandy Woodward]]<br>{{flagicon|United Kingdom}} [[Jeremy Moore]]<br>{{flagicon|United Kingdom}} [[Michael Clapp]] |
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|commander2={{flagicon|Argentina}} Gen[[Mario Menendez]] <br> {{flagicon|Argentina}} Brig. [[Ernesto Crespo]] |
|commander2={{flagicon|Argentina}} Gen. [[Mario Menendez]] <br> {{flagicon|Argentina}} Brig. [[Ernesto Crespo]] |
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|strength1=2 destroyers<br>7 frigates<br>11 Landing ships<br>Sea Harrier CAPs |
|strength1=2 destroyers<br>7 frigates<br>11 Landing ships<br>Sea Harrier CAPs |
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|strength2=90 fighter-bombers on mainland<br>2 KC-130 Hercules tankers<br>10 attack aircraft on the islands |
|strength2=90 fighter-bombers on mainland<br>2 KC-130 Hercules tankers<br>10 attack aircraft on the islands |
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{{Campaignbox Falklands War}} |
{{Campaignbox Falklands War}} |
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The '''Battle of San Carlos''' |
The '''Battle of San Carlos''' was a major battle between aircraft and ships that lasted from 21 to 25 May 1982 during the British landings on the shores of [[San Carlos Water]] (which became known as "Bomb Alley"<ref>{{cite book | last = Yates | first = David | title = Bomb Alley - Falkland Islands 1982 | publisher = Pen and Sword | year = 2006 | isbn = 9781844154173 }}{{pn}}</ref><ref name = "BBC">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/297414.stm |title=Americas | Charles ends Falklands tour on sombre note |publisher=BBC News |date=1999-03-15 |accessdate=2010-02-07}}</ref>) in the 1982 [[Falklands War]] ({{lang-es|Guerra de las Malvinas}}). Low-flying land-based Argentine jet aircraft made repeated attacks on ships of the British Task Force. It was the first time in history that a modern surface fleet armed with [[surface-to-air missiles]] and with air cover backed up by STOVL carrier-based aircraft defended against full-scale air strikes. The British sustained severe losses and damage, but were able to create and consolidate a beachhead and land troops. |
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==Background== |
==Background== |
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After the [[1982 invasion of the Falkland Islands|Argentine invasion]] of the [[Falkland Islands]] the United Kingdom initiated [[Operation Corporate]] sending a Task Force [[British logistics in the Falklands War|12000 km south]] in order to retake the islands. Under the codename [[Operation Sutton]] |
After the [[1982 invasion of the Falkland Islands|Argentine invasion]] of the [[Falkland Islands]] the United Kingdom initiated [[Operation Corporate]] sending a Task Force [[British logistics in the Falklands War|12000 km south]] in order to retake the islands. Under the codename [[Operation Sutton]] the British forces planned [[amphibious landing]]s around [[San Carlos, Falkland Islands|San Carlos]], on an inlet located off [[Falkland Sound]], the strait between [[East Falkland]] and [[West Falkland]]. The location was chosen as the landing force would be protected by the terrain against [[Exocet]] and [[submarine]] attacks, and it was distant enough from [[Stanley, Falkland Islands|Stanley]] to prevent a rapid reaction from Argentine land troops stationed there<ref>[http://www.clarin.com/diario/2007/04/09/elpais/p-01415.htm clarin: Julian Thompson interview]</ref>. The landing took the Argentines completely by surprise; Argentine Navy officers had considered that the location was not a good choice for such an operation, and had left the zone without major defences, <ref> Commodore Ruben Oscar Moro: La Guerra Inaudita, ISBN 987-96007-3-8, ''... consideraban que el desembarco Britanico no podia ser alli ... debido a un concepto naval que asociaba la capacidad de una flota con su espacio de maniobra para un desembarco ...'' </ref> |
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===Argentine |
===Argentine aircraft=== |
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{{main|Argentine air forces in the Falklands War}} |
{{main|Argentine air forces in the Falklands War}} |
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Argentine forces operated under range and payload limitations as they had limited refueling resources and were operating at maximum range. |
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* [[A-4 Skyhawk]]: The A-4 was used by both the [[Argentine Air Force]] (FAA) and [[Argentine Naval Aviation]] (COAN). In spite of using two 295 |
* [[A-4 Skyhawk]]: The A-4 was used by both the [[Argentine Air Force]] (FAA) and [[Argentine Naval Aviation]] (COAN). In spite of using two 295-gallons drop tanks, they needed [[aerial refuelling]] twice during missions. Bomb load used during the conflict was one British-made 1000 lb (Mk 17) [[unguided bomb]] or four [[Snake_eye#Retarded_versions|227 kg]] Spanish/American built retarding tail bombs. The aircraft were armed with two 20mm [[Colt Mk 12 cannon]] |
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* [[IAI Dagger]]: The Israeli-built Mirage 5 did not have aerial refuelling capacity and even using two 550-gallon drop tanks to carry extra fuel, they were flying at the absolute limit of their range. Their main weapon during the conflict was the British-made 1000 lb (Mk 17) unguided bomb. They retained their 30 mm [[DEFA cannon]] |
* [[IAI Dagger]]: The Israeli-built Mirage 5 did not have aerial refuelling capacity, and even using two 550-gallon drop tanks to carry extra fuel, they were flying at the absolute limit of their range. Their main weapon during the conflict was the British-made 1000 lb (Mk 17) unguided bomb. They retained their 30 mm [[DEFA cannon]]<sup>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knVGQ3zl7lI Gun camera video]</sup> |
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* [[Mirage III|Mirage IIIEA]]: The French-built interceptor has |
* [[Mirage III|Mirage IIIEA]]: The French-built interceptor has an internal fuel tank smaller than that of the Dagger, so they could not fly low enough to escort the strike aircraft. They carried a pair of [[R550 Magic]] IR missiles in their high-altitude flights to the islands, but the British Harrier [[combat air patrol]]s concentrated on the low-flying bombers. |
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* [[FMA IA-58 Pucara]]: The Argentine-built [[counter-insurgency aircraft]] operated from the [[Goose Green]] grass airstrip during the battle. The aircraft were armed with rocket pods, two 20 mm cannons and four 7.62 mm machine guns. |
* [[FMA IA-58 Pucara]]: The Argentine-built [[counter-insurgency aircraft]] operated from the [[Goose Green]] grass airstrip during the battle. The aircraft were armed with rocket pods, two 20 mm cannons and four 7.62 mm machine guns. |
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===British |
===British amphibious force=== |
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{{main|Operation Sutton}} |
{{main|Operation Sutton}} |
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⚫ | |||
⚫ | |||
⚫ | * Landing force: [[HMS Fearless (L10)|HMS ''Fearless'']], [[HMS Intrepid (L11)|HMS ''Intrepid'']], [[RFA Sir Geraint (L3027)|RFA ''Sir Geraint'']], [[RFA Sir Tristram (L3505)|RFA ''Sir Tristram'']], [[RFA Sir Galahad (1966)|RFA ''Sir Galahad'']], [[RFA Sir Percivale (L3036)|RFA ''Sir Percivale'']], [[RFA Sir Lancelot (L3029)|RFA ''Sir Lancelot'']], [[SS Canberra|SS ''Canberra'']], [[RFA Fort Austin (A386)|RFA ''Fort Austin'']], ''Europic Ferry 4'' and ''Elk 5''. |
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⚫ | * Escort force: [[HMS Antrim (D18)|HMS ''Antrim'']], [[HMS Coventry (D118)|HMS ''Coventry'']], [[HMS Broadsword (F88)|HMS ''Broadsword'']], [[HMS Brilliant (F90)|HMS ''Brilliant'']], [[HMS Ardent (F184)|HMS ''Ardent'']], [[HMS Antelope (F170)|HMS ''Antelope'']], [[HMS Argonaut (F56)|''HMS Argonaut'']], [[HMS Plymouth (F126)|HMS ''Plymouth'']] and [[HMS Yarmouth (F101)|HMS ''Yarmouth'']] |
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[[file:DN-SC-87-05770.JPEG|thumb|rgiht|[[800 Naval Air Squadron|800 NAS]] Sea Harrier FRS1 from HMS ''Hermes'']] |
[[file:DN-SC-87-05770.JPEG|thumb|rgiht|[[800 Naval Air Squadron|800 NAS]] Sea Harrier FRS1 from HMS ''Hermes'']] |
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* Air Cover: |
* Air Cover: |
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** [[HMS Hermes (R12)|HMS ''Hermes'' (R12)]] |
** Aircraft carrier [[HMS Hermes (R12)|HMS ''Hermes'' (R12)]] |
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*** 800 Squadron ([[BAE Sea Harrier]]) |
*** 800 Squadron ([[BAE Sea Harrier]]) |
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*** 809 Squadron (BAE Sea Harrier) |
*** 809 Squadron (BAE Sea Harrier) |
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** [[HMS Invincible (R05)|HMS ''Invincible'' (R05)]] |
** Aircraft carrier [[HMS Invincible (R05)|HMS ''Invincible'' (R05)]] |
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*** 801 Squadron (BAE Sea Harrier) |
*** 801 Squadron (BAE Sea Harrier) |
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*** 809 Squadron (BAE Sea Harrier) |
*** 809 Squadron (BAE Sea Harrier) |
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⚫ | * Landing force: [[HMS Fearless (L10)|HMS ''Fearless'']], [[HMS Intrepid (L11)|HMS ''Intrepid'']], [[RFA Sir Geraint (L3027)|RFA ''Sir Geraint'']], [[RFA Sir Tristram (L3505)|RFA ''Sir Tristram'']], [[RFA Sir Galahad (1966)|RFA ''Sir Galahad'']], [[RFA Sir Percivale (L3036)|RFA ''Sir Percivale'']], [[RFA Sir Lancelot (L3029)|RFA ''Sir Lancelot'']], [[SS Canberra|SS ''Canberra'']], [[RFA Fort Austin (A386)|RFA ''Fort Austin'']], ''Europic Ferry 4'' and ''Elk 5''. |
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⚫ | * Escort force: [[HMS Antrim (D18)|HMS ''Antrim'']], [[HMS Coventry (D118)|HMS ''Coventry'']], [[HMS Broadsword (F88)|HMS ''Broadsword'']], [[HMS Brilliant (F90)|HMS ''Brilliant'']], [[HMS Ardent (F184)|HMS ''Ardent'']], [[HMS Antelope (F170)|HMS ''Antelope'']], [[HMS Argonaut (F56)|''HMS Argonaut'']], [[HMS Plymouth (F126)|HMS ''Plymouth'']] and [[HMS Yarmouth (F101)|HMS ''Yarmouth'']] |
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==Engagements== |
==Engagements== |
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===May 21=== |
===May 21=== |
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The [[Argentine Army]] force on site was a section from the 25th Infantry Regiment |
The [[Argentine Army]] force on site was a section from the 25th Infantry Regiment named ''Combat team Güemes'' ({{lang-es|Equipo de Combate [[Martín Miguel de Güemes|Güemes]]}}) located at Fanning Head. The British fleet entered San Carlos during the night and at 02:50 was spotted by ''EC Güemes'' which opened fire with [[M252 mortar|81mm mortars]] and two [[M40 recoilless rifle|recoilless 105mm rifles]]. They were soon engaged by British naval gunfire and a 25-man [[Special Boat Service|SBS]] team and forced to retreat, losing their communications equipment but shooting down two [[Aérospatiale Gazelle|Gazelle]] helicopters with small-arms fire. |
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1st Lt Carlos Daniel Esteban |
1st Lt Carlos Daniel Esteban from ''EC Güemes'' informed [[Goose Green]] garrison about the landings at 08:22 (he was finally evacuated by helicopter on May 26). The Argentine high command at [[Stanley, Falkland Islands|Stanley]] initially suggested that a landing operation was not feasible at San Carlos and the operation was just a diversion. Finally, at 10:00, a COAN [[Aermacchi MB-339]] jet based on the islands was dispatched to San Carlos on a reconnaissance flight. In the meantime, the FAA had already started launching their mainland-based aircraft at 09:00. |
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[[File:Aermacchi MB 339 "VELTRO" 4-A-117.jpg|thumb|Naval Aviation Aermacchi MB-339]] |
[[File:Aermacchi MB 339 "VELTRO" 4-A-117.jpg|thumb|Naval Aviation Aermacchi MB-339]] |
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* 10:15 : COAN [[Aermacchi MB-339|MB339]] 4-A-115. Lt Guillermo Owen Crippa in a reconnaissance flight |
* 10:15 : COAN [[Aermacchi MB-339|MB339]] 4-A-115. Lt Guillermo Owen Crippa in a reconnaissance flight flew over the landing force twice to determine the exact composition of the fleet, earning the highest national military decoration, the [[Argentine Nation to the Heroic Valour in Combat Cross]]. He attacked [[HMS Argonaut (F56)|HMS ''Argonaut]] and an unidentified RFA ship with guns and [[Zuni (rocket)|rockets]], then withdrew. [http://solomaquetas.com/board/lofiversion/index.php?t1503.html Painting of Lt Crippas solo attack on the frigate "Argonaut"] |
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* 10:15 : FAA [[FMA IA-58 Pucara|Pucara]] ''Tigre''. Three (of |
* 10:15 : FAA [[FMA IA-58 Pucara|Pucara]] ''Tigre''. Three (of four) planes scramble from Goose Green and are engaged by gunfire from HMS ''Ardent''. Cpt Benítez is shot down by a [[Stinger_missile#Service|Stinger missile]] fired by the [[Special Air Service]]; he ejected and walked back to his base, arriving at 19:00. The other two pilots, Mj Tomba and 1st Lt Micheloud, fired [[Mk 4/Mk 40 Folding-Fin Aerial Rocket|2.75 inch rockets]] at a shed apparently used by British forces as an [[observation post]], but were intercepted by two [[Sea Harrier]]s during their escape. Mj Tomba was shot down (ejecting safely) by pilot [[Nigel Ward]],<ref>{{ cite web | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/spl/hi/pop_ups/07/in_pictures_traces_of_conflict/html/3.stm | title=Major Carlos Tomba’s Pucara | accessdate=2009-06-24 | work=BBC News}}</ref> while Lt Micheloud escaped and landed at Port Stanley's airfield. |
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* 10:20 : FAA [[Mirage III|MIIIEA]]. Four aircraft as diversion flights flying north of the islands. |
* 10:20 : FAA [[Mirage III|MIIIEA]]. Four aircraft as diversion flights flying north of the islands. |
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* 10:25 : FAA [[IAI Nesher|Dagger]] ''Leon''. From [[Puerto San Julián|San Julian]], Cpt Dimeglio and Lt Castillo attack HMS ''Antrim'' with their 30mm |
* 10:25 : FAA [[IAI Nesher|Dagger]] ''Leon''. From [[Puerto San Julián|San Julian]], Cpt Dimeglio and Lt Castillo attack HMS ''Antrim'' with their 30mm cannon. Their 1000 lb bombs failed to explode. |
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* 10:30 : FAA [[IAI Nesher|Dagger]] ''Ñandu''. From [[Rio Grande, Tierra del Fuego]], Cpt Rodhe and Lt Bean attacked HMS ''Argonaut'', Lt Bean is shot down by |
* 10:30 : FAA [[IAI Nesher|Dagger]] ''Ñandu''. From [[Rio Grande, Tierra del Fuego]], Cpt Rodhe and Lt Bean attacked HMS ''Argonaut'', Lt Bean is shot down by a Sea Wolf SAM from HMS ''Broadsword''; ''Broadsword'' is attacked by pilot Cpt Janet. |
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[[File:HMS Fearless, San Carlos, 1982.JPG|thumb|right|HMS ''Fearless'' at San Carlos]] |
[[File:HMS Fearless, San Carlos, 1982.JPG|thumb|right|HMS ''Fearless'' at San Carlos]] |
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* 10:35 : FAA [[IAI Nesher|Dagger]] ''Zorro''. Cpt Dellepine, Cpt Diaz and Cpt Aguirre-Faget |
* 10:35 : FAA [[IAI Nesher|Dagger]] ''Zorro''. Cpt Dellepine, Cpt Diaz and Cpt Aguirre-Faget bomb and strafe HMS ''Brilliant'' but the bombs hang-up. |
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* 10:50 : FAA [[IAI Nesher|Dagger]] ''Perro''. Mj Martinez, Cpt Moreno and Lt Volponi attacked HMS ''Antrim''. Their 1000 lb bombs did not explode, but one of them hit the stern of the destroyer, which also received damaged from 30 mm strafing. During their escape, Sea Harriers launched [[AIM-9_Sidewinder#AIM-9L|Sidewinders]] against the Daggers but they fell short. |
* 10:50 : FAA [[IAI Nesher|Dagger]] ''Perro''. Mj Martinez, Cpt Moreno and Lt Volponi attacked HMS ''Antrim''. Their 1000 lb bombs did not explode, but one of them hit the stern of the destroyer, which also received damaged from 30 mm strafing. During their escape, Sea Harriers launched [[AIM-9_Sidewinder#AIM-9L|Sidewinders]] against the Daggers but they fell short. |
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* 12:45 : FAA [[A-4 Skyhawk|A-4C]] ''Pato''. Cpt Almoño, Cpt Garcia, 1st Lt Daniel Manzotti and Lt Nestor Lopez intercepted by Sea Harriers |
* 12:45 : FAA [[A-4 Skyhawk|A-4C]] ''Pato''. Cpt Almoño, Cpt Garcia, 1st Lt Daniel Manzotti and Lt Nestor Lopez intercepted by Sea Harriers; Manzotti and López shot down and killed by Sidewinders. |
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* 12:45 : FAA [[A-4 Skyhawk|A-4B]] ''Mula''. Cpt [[Pablo Carballo|Carballo]] and Ensign Carmona. ''Mula 2'' attacked an unknown ship, most probably the abandoned Argentine cargo vessel ''Rio Carcaraña'', |
* 12:45 : FAA [[A-4 Skyhawk|A-4B]] ''Mula''. Cpt [[Pablo Carballo|Carballo]] and Ensign Carmona. ''Mula 2'' attacked an unknown ship, most probably the abandoned Argentine cargo vessel ''Rio Carcaraña'', and withdrew,<ref>[http://www.fuerzaaerea.mil.ar/conflicto/dias/may21b.html Some sources identify this ship as the ''Rio Carcaraña'' but other sources place the cargo vessel in Bahía Rey ( [[King George Bay]] ? ) at the time]</ref> Carballo continued alone and attacked [[HMS Ardent (F184)|HMS ''Ardent'']] straddling her with two [[dumb bomb|bombs]], both of which failed to explode.<ref>[http://www.mod.uk/NR/rdonlyres/3412C18F-3DDE-4C30-B469-03B8AB5BE7B8/0/boi_hms_ardent.pdf Board of Inquiry - Report into the Loss of HMS Ardent, page 2]</ref> |
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* 13:37 : FAA [[A-4 Skyhawk|A-4B]] ''Leo''. 1st Lt Filippini, Lt Autiero, Lt Osses, Lt Robledo and Ensign Vottero hit HMS ''Argonaut'' with 1000 lbs bombs which did not explode, with one crashing through her [[Sea Cat missile|Sea Cat]] magazine, detonating two missiles and causing damage. |
* 13:37 : FAA [[A-4 Skyhawk|A-4B]] ''Leo''. 1st Lt Filippini, Lt Autiero, Lt Osses, Lt Robledo and Ensign Vottero hit HMS ''Argonaut'' with 1000 lbs bombs which did not explode, with one crashing through her [[Sea Cat missile|Sea Cat]] magazine, detonating two missiles and causing damage. |
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* 14:30 : FAA [[Mirage III|MIIIEA]]. Two aircraft as diversion flights |
* 14:30 : FAA [[Mirage III|MIIIEA]]. Two aircraft as diversion flights |
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* 14:35 : FAA [[IAI Nesher|Dagger]] ''Cueca'' Cpt Mir Gonzales, Cpt Robles, 1st Lt Luna and Lt Bernhard are intercepted by Sea Harriers and Lt Luna is hit by a Sidewinder and ejected safely. The other three pilots attack HMS ''Ardent'' and return to base. |
* 14:35 : FAA [[IAI Nesher|Dagger]] ''Cueca'' Cpt Mir Gonzales, Cpt Robles, 1st Lt Luna and Lt Bernhard are intercepted by Sea Harriers, and Lt Luna is hit by a Sidewinder and ejected safely. The other three pilots attack HMS ''Ardent'' and return to base. |
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[[Image:Márquez-A4Q.jpg|thumb|right|Gate guardian painted in the colours of ''3-A-314'', the last A-4Q to attack HMS ''Ardent'']] |
[[Image:Márquez-A4Q.jpg|thumb|right|Gate guardian painted in the colours of ''3-A-314'', the last A-4Q to attack HMS ''Ardent'']] |
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* 14:53 : FAA [[IAI Nesher|Dagger]] ''Laucha'' Mj Puga, 1st Lt Román attack HMS ''Brilliant''. The third pilot attacks an unknown ship, probably HMS ''Antrim''. |
* 14:53 : FAA [[IAI Nesher|Dagger]] ''Laucha'' Mj Puga, 1st Lt Román attack HMS ''Brilliant''. The third pilot attacks an unknown ship, probably HMS ''Antrim''. |
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* 14:58 : FAA [[IAI Nesher|Dagger]] ''Raton'' Mj Piuma, Cpt Donadille and 1st lt Senn are intercepted by Sea Harriers of [[Nigel Ward]] and Lt Thomas. The Daggers drop their ordinance (2 fuel tanks and one 1000 bomb) and |
* 14:58 : FAA [[IAI Nesher|Dagger]] ''Raton'' Mj Piuma, Cpt Donadille and 1st lt Senn are intercepted by Sea Harriers of [[Nigel Ward]] and Lt Thomas. The Daggers drop their ordinance (2 fuel tanks and one 1000 bomb) and try to escape, but the three are shot down by Sidewinders, with all pilots ejecting safely. After recovering the pilots, the FAA realized that the San Julian-based Daggers' approach corridor had been discovered and made efforts to correct the situation. |
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* 15:15 : COAN [[A-4 Skyhawk|A-4Q]] ''Tabanos''. Cpt Philipi, Lt Arca and Lt Marquez hit HMS ''Ardent'' with several bombs and cannon fire. Two aircraft are shot down by Sea Harriers during their escape killing Lt Marcelo Márquez |
* 15:15 : COAN [[A-4 Skyhawk|A-4Q]] ''Tabanos''. Cpt Philipi, Lt Arca and Lt Marquez hit HMS ''Ardent'' with several bombs and cannon fire. Two aircraft are shot down by Sea Harriers during their escape, killing Lt Marcelo Márquez. Lt. Philippi ejected safely and, after being sheltered by local farmer Tony Blake during the night,<ref>[http://www.elchenque.com.ar/his/temrel/03/pilobahie.htm#prof ''La balada del piloto bahiense y el estanciero kelper''] {{es}}</ref> he rejoined the Argentine forces. The third A-4Q, Lt Arca, was damaged and the pilot baled out into the sea approximately 800 to 1,000 meters off the coast of Port Stanley. Arca was rescued from the water by Capt. Jorge “Picho” Svendsen's Huey [[UH-1H]] from the Army's [[601 Assault Helicopter Battalion|601 Helicopter Battalion]]. Both crew were decorated with the [[Argentine_Nation_to_the_Valour_in_Combat_Medal|Valour in Combat Medal]]. |
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* 17:02 : FAA [[A-4 Skyhawk|A-4C]] : No ships found. |
* 17:02 : FAA [[A-4 Skyhawk|A-4C]] : No ships found. |
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* 17:12 : FAA [[A-4 Skyhawk|A-4B]] : No ships found. |
* 17:12 : FAA [[A-4 Skyhawk|A-4B]] : No ships found. |
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===May 22=== |
===May 22=== |
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Bad weather over the Patagonia airfields prevented the Argentines from carrying out most of their air missions |
Bad weather over the Patagonia airfields prevented the Argentines from carrying out most of their air missions; only a few Skyhawks managed to reach the islands. The British completed their surface-to-air [[Rapier missile#Combat history|Rapier battery]] launcher deployments. |
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===May 23=== |
===May 23=== |
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[[File:HMS Antelope (F170).png|thumb|right|HMS ''Antelope'']] |
[[File:HMS Antelope (F170).png|thumb|right|HMS ''Antelope'']] |
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* 13:30 : FAA [[A-4 Skyhawk|A-4B]] ''Nene''. Four A- |
* 13:30 : FAA [[A-4 Skyhawk|A-4B]] ''Nene''. Four A-4Bs ([[Pablo Carballo|Carballo]], 1st Lt Guadagnini, Lt Rinke and Ensign Gomez) attacked [[HMS Broadsword (F88)|HMS ''Broadsword'']] and HMS ''Antelope''. Carballo's plane was damaged by a [[Sea Cat missile]], fired from ''Antelope'', during his bombing run, so he broke off the attack and returned to [[Rio Gallegos]]. A second Argentine plane dropped a bomb on ''Antelope''s starboard side, killing Crewman Mark R. Stephens. Lieutenant Guadagnini was hit and killed by [[HMS Antelope (F170)|HMS Antelope]]'s [[Oerlikon 20 mm cannon|20mm cannon]] and crashed through her main mast while carrying out his bombing run; his bombs pierced the frigate's hull without exploding.<ref>[http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=es&u=http://www.cacheirofrias.com.ar/guadagnini.htm&ei=eWo3S6-NK5Cu4Qax2OCqCA&sa=X&oi=translate&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CA4Q7gEwAA&prev=/search%3Fq%3DPrimer%2BTeniente%2BGuadagnini%26hl%3Den%26rls%3Dcom.microsoft:en-gb:IE-ContextMenu%26rlz%3D1I7GGLL_en-GB Primer Teniente Guadagnini]</ref> After the attack, one of these detonated while being defused, sinking the ship. |
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* 13:45 : COAN [[A-4 Skyhawk|A-4Q]] ''Tabanos''. Cpt Castro Fox, Cpt Zubizarreta and Lt Benitez attacked HMS ''Broadsword'', [[HMS Yarmouth (F101)|HMS ''Yarmouth'']] and HMS ''Antelope'' without visible success. Cpt Carlos María Zubizarreta was killed in [[Rio Grande, Tierra del Fuego]] when his parachute did not fully open after he ejected from his A-4Q due to a tyre bursting on landing with his bombs still loaded. |
* 13:45 : COAN [[A-4 Skyhawk|A-4Q]] ''Tabanos''. Cpt Castro Fox, Cpt Zubizarreta and Lt Benitez attacked HMS ''Broadsword'', [[HMS Yarmouth (F101)|HMS ''Yarmouth'']] and HMS ''Antelope'' without visible success. Cpt Carlos María Zubizarreta was killed in [[Rio Grande, Tierra del Fuego]] when his parachute did not fully open after he ejected from his A-4Q due to a tyre bursting on landing with his bombs still loaded. The plane stopped by itself and did not suffer any damage. <ref> [http://www.institutoaeronaval.org/Malvinas/Malvinas/3ra.-Escuadrilla-Aeronaval-de-Caza-y-Ataque.html ''3ra. Escuadrilla Aeronaval de Caza y Ataque'']</ref> <ref>{{ cite web | url=http://www.ejection-history.org.uk/project/year_pages/1982.htm | title= Carlos Zubizarreta| accessdate=2009-December-06}}</ref> |
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* 15:10 : FAA [[IAI Dagger|Dagger]] ''Puñal''. Mj Martinez and Lt Volponi intercepted by Sea Harriers, which shot down the second aircraft, whilst Martinez returned to base. |
* 15:10 : FAA [[IAI Dagger|Dagger]] ''Puñal''. Mj Martinez and Lt Volponi intercepted by Sea Harriers, which shot down the second aircraft, whilst Martinez returned to base. |
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* 15:10 : FAA [[IAI Dagger|Dagger]] ''Daga''. Struck targets inside Ajax Bay |
* 15:10 : FAA [[IAI Dagger|Dagger]] ''Daga''. Struck targets inside Ajax Bay |
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[[File:IAI Dagger.jpg|thumb|right|IAI Dagger]] |
[[File:IAI Dagger.jpg|thumb|right|IAI Dagger]] |
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*10:15 FAA [[A-4 Skyhawk|A-4B]] ''Chispa''. Four A- |
*10:15 FAA [[A-4 Skyhawk|A-4B]] ''Chispa''. Four A-4Bs (Com Mariel, 1st Lt Sanchez, Lt Roca, Lt Cervera and Ensign Moroni) attacked ships inside the bay. RFA ''Sir Lancelot'' is hit by a 1000 lbs bomb, which does not explode. Two LCUs are also attacked. |
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*11:02 FAA [[IAI Dagger|Dagger]] ''Azul''. Cpt Mir Gonzalez, Cpt Maffeis, Cpt Robles and Lt Bernhardt attacked |
*11:02 FAA [[IAI Dagger|Dagger]] ''Azul''. Cpt Mir Gonzalez, Cpt Maffeis, Cpt Robles and Lt Bernhardt attacked unidentified ships, probably RFA ''Sir Bedivere'', inside the bay. |
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*11:07 FAA [[IAI Dagger|Dagger]] ''Plata''. Cpt Dellepiane, 1st Lt Musso and Lt Callejo strike ground targets with 227 kgs retarding tail bombs. |
*11:07 FAA [[IAI Dagger|Dagger]] ''Plata''. Cpt Dellepiane, 1st Lt Musso and Lt Callejo strike ground targets with 227 kgs retarding tail bombs. |
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*11:08 FAA [[IAI Dagger|Dagger]] ''Oro''. Mj Puga, Cpt Diaz and 1st Lt Castillo intercepted and shot down by Sea Harriers. Castillo was killed |
*11:08 FAA [[IAI Dagger|Dagger]] ''Oro''. Mj Puga, Cpt Diaz and 1st Lt Castillo intercepted and shot down by Sea Harriers. Castillo was killed and the other two ejected safely. |
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*11:20 FAA [[A-4 Skyhawk|A-4C]] ''Halcon''. Cpt Pierini, 1st Lt Ureta and Lt Mendez intercepted by Sea Harriers but managed to return to base. |
*11:20 FAA [[A-4 Skyhawk|A-4C]] ''Halcon''. Cpt Pierini, 1st Lt Ureta and Lt Mendez intercepted by Sea Harriers but managed to return to base. |
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*11:30 FAA [[A-4 Skyhawk|A-4C]] ''Jaguar''. 1st Lt Vazques, Lt Bono and Ensign Martinez attacked unidentified ships, possibly RFA ''Sir Galahad'', inside the bay. The three aircraft all received battle damage with Bono's aircraft crashing during the return flight. The other two |
*11:30 FAA [[A-4 Skyhawk|A-4C]] ''Jaguar''. 1st Lt Vazques, Lt Bono and Ensign Martinez attacked unidentified ships, possibly RFA ''Sir Galahad'', inside the bay. The three aircraft all received battle damage with Bono's aircraft crashing during the return flight. The other two Skyhawks were rescued by a KC-130 tanker, which approached the islands and delivered 30,000 litres of fuel while accompanying them to the airfield at San Julian. |
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On May 24 night there was a kind of mutiny between the Argentine pilots on the continent, who |
On May 24 night there was a kind of mutiny between the Argentine pilots on the continent, who said they would refuse to continue flying if the Army and Navy did not join the battle. General [[Galtieri]], acting president of Argentina, decided to visit [[Comodoro Rivadavia]] the next day, May 25 (Argentina's [[National Day]]), to try to convince them to keep fighting, but when he arrived in the morning the pilots had changed their minds and were already flying to the islands<ref>[Guerra Bajo la Cruz del Sur, Eduardo Jose Costa ISBN 950-614-749-3]</ref>. |
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===May 25=== |
===May 25=== |
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[[File:13 skyhawk.jpg|thumb|Skyhawk departing to the islands]] |
[[File:13 skyhawk.jpg|thumb|Skyhawk departing to the islands]] |
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* 09:00 FAA [[A-4 Skyhawk|A-4B]] ''Marte''. Cpt Hugo Palaver's aircraft was damaged in a [[friendly fire]] incident when he and Lt Daniel Gálvez accidentally flew over Goose Green and strafed the pier there, in the belief that they were over Ajax Bay.<ref>[http://www.fuerzaaerea.mil.ar/conflicto/caidos/25_5.html Official site of the Argentine Air Force: ''Fuerza Aérez Argentina - Martes 25 de Mayo''] {{es}}</ref> The main anti-aircraft artillery identified the fighters as friendly and did not fire, but soldiers on the ground engaged with small arms fire.<ref>Piaggi, Italo A. (1986). ''Ganso Verde''. Ed. Planeta, p. 83. ISBN 9503701864. {{es}}</ref> When they returned to the strait, Palaver was shot down by a [[Sea Dart missile]] |
* 09:00 FAA [[A-4 Skyhawk|A-4B]] ''Marte''. Cpt Hugo Palaver's aircraft was damaged in a [[friendly fire]] incident when he and Lt Daniel Gálvez accidentally flew over Goose Green and strafed the pier there, in the belief that they were over Ajax Bay.<ref>[http://www.fuerzaaerea.mil.ar/conflicto/caidos/25_5.html Official site of the Argentine Air Force: ''Fuerza Aérez Argentina - Martes 25 de Mayo''] {{es}}</ref> The main anti-aircraft artillery identified the fighters as friendly and did not fire, but soldiers on the ground engaged with small arms fire.<ref>Piaggi, Italo A. (1986). ''Ganso Verde''. Ed. Planeta, p. 83. ISBN 9503701864. {{es}}</ref> When they returned to the strait, Palaver was shot down by a [[Sea Dart missile]] fired by [[HMS Coventry (D118)|HMS Coventry]] |
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* 12:25 FAA [[A-4 Skyhawk|A-4C]] ''Toro''. Cpt Garcia, Lt Lucero (C-319<sup>[http://a4skyhawk.org/5e/g148435/html/148553a.htm USN pic]</sup>), Lt Paredi and Ensign Issac |
* 12:25 FAA [[A-4 Skyhawk|A-4C]] ''Toro''. Cpt Garcia, Lt Lucero (C-319<sup>[http://a4skyhawk.org/5e/g148435/html/148553a.htm USN pic]</sup>), Lt Paredi and Ensign Issac attack ships inside the bay, probably RFA ''Sir Lancelot''; after the attack Lucero is shot down by a [[Sea_Cat_missile#Service|Sea Cat missile]] fired from [[HMS Yarmouth (F101)|HMS Yarmouth]]. He successfully ejects over the landing force <ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzdrUG7kVWY Cpt Tomas Lucero interview]</ref>, is rescued, then transferred to [[hospital ship]] [[SS Uganda]]. Another Sea Dart, fired by HMS Coventry, shoots down Garcia, whos aircraft had been damaged by small arms fire during the attack, to the North of San Carlos. Cpt Garcia ejects, but is not recovered and dies. Ensign Isaac was losing fuel but was rescued by the KC-130, which accompanied him to his base while refuelling him in flight. |
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* 15:20 FAA [[A-4 Skyhawk|A-4B]] ''Volcano''. Cpt [[Pablo Carballo|Carballo]] and Lt Carlos Rinke attacked [[HMS Broadsword (F88)|HMS ''Broadsword'']] |
* 15:20 FAA [[A-4 Skyhawk|A-4B]] ''Volcano''. Cpt [[Pablo Carballo|Carballo]] and Lt Carlos Rinke attacked [[HMS Broadsword (F88)|HMS ''Broadsword'']],<sup>[http://www.hmsbroadsword.co.uk/gallery/falklands82/coventry/cov2.htm picture from ship]</sup>damaging the frigate's communication systems and hydraulics and electrics<ref>[http://www.hmsbroadsword.co.uk/gallery/falklands82/damage/MVC-693F.JPG HMS Broadsword damage control]</ref> and shattering the nose of her [[Westland Lynx|Sea Lynx]] helicopter<sup> [http://www.hmsbroadsword.co.uk/gallery/falklands82/damage/damage.htm Pictures of the Damage] </sup> |
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* 15:20 FAA [[A-4 Skyhawk|A-4B]] ''Zeus''. 1st Lt Velazco and Ensign Barrionuevo sink |
* 15:20 FAA [[A-4 Skyhawk|A-4B]] ''Zeus''. 1st Lt Velazco and Ensign Barrionuevo sink destroyer [[HMS_Coventry_(D118)#25_May_1982|HMS ''Coventry'']] <sup>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlWWyq_50r4 video]</sup> |
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==Aftermath== |
==Aftermath== |
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{{cquote| I think the Argentine pilots are showing great bravery, it would be foolish of me to say anything else|4=[[John Nott]] British Defence Minister <ref>[http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1828&dat=19820526&id=CNAhAAAAIBAJ&sjid=xZ4FAAAAIBAJ&pg=1465,10774806 Los Angeles times, May 27 1982]</ref>}} |
{{cquote| I think the Argentine pilots are showing great bravery, it would be foolish of me to say anything else|4=[[John Nott]] British Defence Minister <ref>[http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1828&dat=19820526&id=CNAhAAAAIBAJ&sjid=xZ4FAAAAIBAJ&pg=1465,10774806 Los Angeles times, May 27 1982]</ref>}} |
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In spite of the massive air defence network, the Argentine pilots were able to attack their targets but, although undoubtedly brave, some serious procedural failures prevented them from getting better results - most notably problems with their bombs' fuses. Thirteen bombs <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.naval-history.net/F62brshipslost.htm |title=British Ships Sunk and Damaged - Falklands War 1982 |publisher=Naval-history.net |date= |accessdate=2010-02-07}}</ref> hit British ships without detonating. [[David Craig, Baron Craig of Radley|Lord Craig]], the retired [[Marshal of the Royal Air Force]], is said to have remarked: "Six better {{sic|fuses|hide=y|nolink=y}} and we would have lost"<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.scotsman.com/topics.cfm?tid=291&id=365372002|title=Would British forces be able to retake the Falklands today?|date=5 April 2002|work=[[The Scotsman]]|archiveurl=http://gateway.proquest.com/openurl?ctx_ver=Z39.88-2003&res_dat=xri:pqil:res_ver=0.2&res_id=xri:newsuk&rft_id=xri:newsuk:newsart:112991016|archivedate=5 April 2002|format=subscription required to access archive service|page=12|author=Gethin Chamberlain}}</ref> . |
In spite of the massive air defence network, the Argentine pilots were able to attack their targets but, although undoubtedly brave, some serious procedural failures prevented them from getting better results - most notably problems with their bombs' fuses. Thirteen bombs <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.naval-history.net/F62brshipslost.htm |title=British Ships Sunk and Damaged - Falklands War 1982 |publisher=Naval-history.net |date= |accessdate=2010-02-07}}</ref> hit British ships without detonating. [[David Craig, Baron Craig of Radley|Lord Craig]], the retired [[Marshal of the Royal Air Force]], is said to have remarked: "Six better {{sic|fuses|hide=y|nolink=y}} and we would have lost"<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.scotsman.com/topics.cfm?tid=291&id=365372002|title=Would British forces be able to retake the Falklands today?|date=5 April 2002|work=[[The Scotsman]]|archiveurl=http://gateway.proquest.com/openurl?ctx_ver=Z39.88-2003&res_dat=xri:pqil:res_ver=0.2&res_id=xri:newsuk&rft_id=xri:newsuk:newsart:112991016|archivedate=5 April 2002|format=subscription required to access archive service|page=12|author=Gethin Chamberlain}}</ref> . The British warships, although themselves suffering most of the attacks, were successful in keeping the strike aircraft away from the landing ships, which were well inside the bay <ref>Pablo Carballo: Halcones sobre Malvinas</ref>. With the British troops on Falklands soil, a land campaign followed until Argentine General [[Mario Menéndez]] surrendered to British Major General [[Jeremy Moore]] on June 14 in Stanley. |
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The subsonic [[Harrier jump-jet]], armed with |
The subsonic [[Harrier jump-jet]], armed with the most advanced variant of the Sidewinder air-to-air missile, proved capable as an air superiority fighter. |
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The actions had |
The actions had a profound impact on later naval practice. During the 1980s most warships from navies around the world were retrofitted with [[close-in weapon system]]s and guns for self-defence. First reports of the number of Argentine aircraft shot down by British missile systems were subsequently revised down.<ref> ''Of 14 kills and 6 probables, only one Argentine aircraft was shot down by Rapier, as originally noted by Ethell and Price. Similar discrepancies arose over other weapons systems, notably [[Blowpipe missile|Blowpipe]] (one confirmed kill as against nine confirmed and two probables in the White Paper) and [[Sea Cat missile|Sea Cat]] (zero to one against eight confirmed and two probables in the White Paper). FREEDMAN, Sir Lawrence, ''The Official History of the Falklands Campaign'' (Abingdon, 2005). Volume II, page 732-735</ref> |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
Revision as of 22:00, 7 August 2010
Battle of San Carlos | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Part of Falklands War | |||||||
File:Fotoametralladora Dagger Malvinas.jpg Argentine Air Force Dagger gun camera on May 24 | |||||||
| |||||||
Belligerents | |||||||
United Kingdom | Argentina | ||||||
Commanders and leaders | |||||||
Sandy Woodward Jeremy Moore Michael Clapp |
Gen. Mario Menendez Brig. Ernesto Crespo | ||||||
Strength | |||||||
2 destroyers 7 frigates 11 Landing ships Sea Harrier CAPs |
90 fighter-bombers on mainland 2 KC-130 Hercules tankers 10 attack aircraft on the islands | ||||||
Casualties and losses | |||||||
1 destroyer sunk 2 frigates sunk 8 ships damaged 4 helicopters lost 49 killed |
22 aircraft lost[1] 11 pilots killed |
The Battle of San Carlos was a major battle between aircraft and ships that lasted from 21 to 25 May 1982 during the British landings on the shores of San Carlos Water (which became known as "Bomb Alley"[2][3]) in the 1982 Falklands War (Spanish: Guerra de las Malvinas). Low-flying land-based Argentine jet aircraft made repeated attacks on ships of the British Task Force. It was the first time in history that a modern surface fleet armed with surface-to-air missiles and with air cover backed up by STOVL carrier-based aircraft defended against full-scale air strikes. The British sustained severe losses and damage, but were able to create and consolidate a beachhead and land troops.
Background
After the Argentine invasion of the Falkland Islands the United Kingdom initiated Operation Corporate sending a Task Force 12000 km south in order to retake the islands. Under the codename Operation Sutton the British forces planned amphibious landings around San Carlos, on an inlet located off Falkland Sound, the strait between East Falkland and West Falkland. The location was chosen as the landing force would be protected by the terrain against Exocet and submarine attacks, and it was distant enough from Stanley to prevent a rapid reaction from Argentine land troops stationed there[4]. The landing took the Argentines completely by surprise; Argentine Navy officers had considered that the location was not a good choice for such an operation, and had left the zone without major defences, [5]
Argentine aircraft
Argentine forces operated under range and payload limitations as they had limited refueling resources and were operating at maximum range.
- A-4 Skyhawk: The A-4 was used by both the Argentine Air Force (FAA) and Argentine Naval Aviation (COAN). In spite of using two 295-gallons drop tanks, they needed aerial refuelling twice during missions. Bomb load used during the conflict was one British-made 1000 lb (Mk 17) unguided bomb or four 227 kg Spanish/American built retarding tail bombs. The aircraft were armed with two 20mm Colt Mk 12 cannon
- IAI Dagger: The Israeli-built Mirage 5 did not have aerial refuelling capacity, and even using two 550-gallon drop tanks to carry extra fuel, they were flying at the absolute limit of their range. Their main weapon during the conflict was the British-made 1000 lb (Mk 17) unguided bomb. They retained their 30 mm DEFA cannonGun camera video
- Mirage IIIEA: The French-built interceptor has an internal fuel tank smaller than that of the Dagger, so they could not fly low enough to escort the strike aircraft. They carried a pair of R550 Magic IR missiles in their high-altitude flights to the islands, but the British Harrier combat air patrols concentrated on the low-flying bombers.
- FMA IA-58 Pucara: The Argentine-built counter-insurgency aircraft operated from the Goose Green grass airstrip during the battle. The aircraft were armed with rocket pods, two 20 mm cannons and four 7.62 mm machine guns.
British amphibious force
British air cover was provided for the first time by "Harrier carriers". These small carriers deployed only short-takeoff, vertical-landing Harriers, subsonic aircraft with less range and payload than land or conventional carrier-based aircraft.
- Air Cover:
- Aircraft carrier HMS Hermes (R12)
- 800 Squadron (BAE Sea Harrier)
- 809 Squadron (BAE Sea Harrier)
- Aircraft carrier HMS Invincible (R05)
- 801 Squadron (BAE Sea Harrier)
- 809 Squadron (BAE Sea Harrier)
- Aircraft carrier HMS Hermes (R12)
- Landing force: HMS Fearless, HMS Intrepid, RFA Sir Geraint, RFA Sir Tristram, RFA Sir Galahad, RFA Sir Percivale, RFA Sir Lancelot, SS Canberra, RFA Fort Austin, Europic Ferry 4 and Elk 5.
- Escort force: HMS Antrim, HMS Coventry, HMS Broadsword, HMS Brilliant, HMS Ardent, HMS Antelope, HMS Argonaut, HMS Plymouth and HMS Yarmouth
Engagements
This is a list of the main sorties carried out by Argentine air units showing approximate local time, Aircraft and Call signal.
May 21
The Argentine Army force on site was a section from the 25th Infantry Regiment named Combat team Güemes (Spanish: Equipo de Combate Güemes) located at Fanning Head. The British fleet entered San Carlos during the night and at 02:50 was spotted by EC Güemes which opened fire with 81mm mortars and two recoilless 105mm rifles. They were soon engaged by British naval gunfire and a 25-man SBS team and forced to retreat, losing their communications equipment but shooting down two Gazelle helicopters with small-arms fire.
1st Lt Carlos Daniel Esteban from EC Güemes informed Goose Green garrison about the landings at 08:22 (he was finally evacuated by helicopter on May 26). The Argentine high command at Stanley initially suggested that a landing operation was not feasible at San Carlos and the operation was just a diversion. Finally, at 10:00, a COAN Aermacchi MB-339 jet based on the islands was dispatched to San Carlos on a reconnaissance flight. In the meantime, the FAA had already started launching their mainland-based aircraft at 09:00.
- 10:15 : COAN MB339 4-A-115. Lt Guillermo Owen Crippa in a reconnaissance flight flew over the landing force twice to determine the exact composition of the fleet, earning the highest national military decoration, the Argentine Nation to the Heroic Valour in Combat Cross. He attacked HMS Argonaut and an unidentified RFA ship with guns and rockets, then withdrew. Painting of Lt Crippas solo attack on the frigate "Argonaut"
- 10:15 : FAA Pucara Tigre. Three (of four) planes scramble from Goose Green and are engaged by gunfire from HMS Ardent. Cpt Benítez is shot down by a Stinger missile fired by the Special Air Service; he ejected and walked back to his base, arriving at 19:00. The other two pilots, Mj Tomba and 1st Lt Micheloud, fired 2.75 inch rockets at a shed apparently used by British forces as an observation post, but were intercepted by two Sea Harriers during their escape. Mj Tomba was shot down (ejecting safely) by pilot Nigel Ward,[7] while Lt Micheloud escaped and landed at Port Stanley's airfield.
- 10:20 : FAA MIIIEA. Four aircraft as diversion flights flying north of the islands.
- 10:25 : FAA Dagger Leon. From San Julian, Cpt Dimeglio and Lt Castillo attack HMS Antrim with their 30mm cannon. Their 1000 lb bombs failed to explode.
- 10:30 : FAA Dagger Ñandu. From Rio Grande, Tierra del Fuego, Cpt Rodhe and Lt Bean attacked HMS Argonaut, Lt Bean is shot down by a Sea Wolf SAM from HMS Broadsword; Broadsword is attacked by pilot Cpt Janet.
- 10:35 : FAA Dagger Zorro. Cpt Dellepine, Cpt Diaz and Cpt Aguirre-Faget bomb and strafe HMS Brilliant but the bombs hang-up.
- 10:50 : FAA Dagger Perro. Mj Martinez, Cpt Moreno and Lt Volponi attacked HMS Antrim. Their 1000 lb bombs did not explode, but one of them hit the stern of the destroyer, which also received damaged from 30 mm strafing. During their escape, Sea Harriers launched Sidewinders against the Daggers but they fell short.
- 12:45 : FAA A-4C Pato. Cpt Almoño, Cpt Garcia, 1st Lt Daniel Manzotti and Lt Nestor Lopez intercepted by Sea Harriers; Manzotti and López shot down and killed by Sidewinders.
- 12:45 : FAA A-4B Mula. Cpt Carballo and Ensign Carmona. Mula 2 attacked an unknown ship, most probably the abandoned Argentine cargo vessel Rio Carcaraña, and withdrew,[8] Carballo continued alone and attacked HMS Ardent straddling her with two bombs, both of which failed to explode.[9]
- 13:37 : FAA A-4B Leo. 1st Lt Filippini, Lt Autiero, Lt Osses, Lt Robledo and Ensign Vottero hit HMS Argonaut with 1000 lbs bombs which did not explode, with one crashing through her Sea Cat magazine, detonating two missiles and causing damage.
- 14:30 : FAA MIIIEA. Two aircraft as diversion flights
- 14:35 : FAA Dagger Cueca Cpt Mir Gonzales, Cpt Robles, 1st Lt Luna and Lt Bernhard are intercepted by Sea Harriers, and Lt Luna is hit by a Sidewinder and ejected safely. The other three pilots attack HMS Ardent and return to base.
- 14:53 : FAA Dagger Laucha Mj Puga, 1st Lt Román attack HMS Brilliant. The third pilot attacks an unknown ship, probably HMS Antrim.
- 14:58 : FAA Dagger Raton Mj Piuma, Cpt Donadille and 1st lt Senn are intercepted by Sea Harriers of Nigel Ward and Lt Thomas. The Daggers drop their ordinance (2 fuel tanks and one 1000 bomb) and try to escape, but the three are shot down by Sidewinders, with all pilots ejecting safely. After recovering the pilots, the FAA realized that the San Julian-based Daggers' approach corridor had been discovered and made efforts to correct the situation.
- 15:15 : COAN A-4Q Tabanos. Cpt Philipi, Lt Arca and Lt Marquez hit HMS Ardent with several bombs and cannon fire. Two aircraft are shot down by Sea Harriers during their escape, killing Lt Marcelo Márquez. Lt. Philippi ejected safely and, after being sheltered by local farmer Tony Blake during the night,[10] he rejoined the Argentine forces. The third A-4Q, Lt Arca, was damaged and the pilot baled out into the sea approximately 800 to 1,000 meters off the coast of Port Stanley. Arca was rescued from the water by Capt. Jorge “Picho” Svendsen's Huey UH-1H from the Army's 601 Helicopter Battalion. Both crew were decorated with the Valour in Combat Medal.
- 17:02 : FAA A-4C : No ships found.
- 17:12 : FAA A-4B : No ships found.
May 22
Bad weather over the Patagonia airfields prevented the Argentines from carrying out most of their air missions; only a few Skyhawks managed to reach the islands. The British completed their surface-to-air Rapier battery launcher deployments.
May 23
- 13:30 : FAA A-4B Nene. Four A-4Bs (Carballo, 1st Lt Guadagnini, Lt Rinke and Ensign Gomez) attacked HMS Broadsword and HMS Antelope. Carballo's plane was damaged by a Sea Cat missile, fired from Antelope, during his bombing run, so he broke off the attack and returned to Rio Gallegos. A second Argentine plane dropped a bomb on Antelopes starboard side, killing Crewman Mark R. Stephens. Lieutenant Guadagnini was hit and killed by HMS Antelope's 20mm cannon and crashed through her main mast while carrying out his bombing run; his bombs pierced the frigate's hull without exploding.[11] After the attack, one of these detonated while being defused, sinking the ship.
- 13:45 : COAN A-4Q Tabanos. Cpt Castro Fox, Cpt Zubizarreta and Lt Benitez attacked HMS Broadsword, HMS Yarmouth and HMS Antelope without visible success. Cpt Carlos María Zubizarreta was killed in Rio Grande, Tierra del Fuego when his parachute did not fully open after he ejected from his A-4Q due to a tyre bursting on landing with his bombs still loaded. The plane stopped by itself and did not suffer any damage. [12] [13]
- 15:10 : FAA Dagger Puñal. Mj Martinez and Lt Volponi intercepted by Sea Harriers, which shot down the second aircraft, whilst Martinez returned to base.
- 15:10 : FAA Dagger Daga. Struck targets inside Ajax Bay
- 15:10 : FAA Dagger Coral. Struck targets inside Ajax Bay
May 24
- 10:15 FAA A-4B Chispa. Four A-4Bs (Com Mariel, 1st Lt Sanchez, Lt Roca, Lt Cervera and Ensign Moroni) attacked ships inside the bay. RFA Sir Lancelot is hit by a 1000 lbs bomb, which does not explode. Two LCUs are also attacked.
- 11:02 FAA Dagger Azul. Cpt Mir Gonzalez, Cpt Maffeis, Cpt Robles and Lt Bernhardt attacked unidentified ships, probably RFA Sir Bedivere, inside the bay.
- 11:07 FAA Dagger Plata. Cpt Dellepiane, 1st Lt Musso and Lt Callejo strike ground targets with 227 kgs retarding tail bombs.
- 11:08 FAA Dagger Oro. Mj Puga, Cpt Diaz and 1st Lt Castillo intercepted and shot down by Sea Harriers. Castillo was killed and the other two ejected safely.
- 11:20 FAA A-4C Halcon. Cpt Pierini, 1st Lt Ureta and Lt Mendez intercepted by Sea Harriers but managed to return to base.
- 11:30 FAA A-4C Jaguar. 1st Lt Vazques, Lt Bono and Ensign Martinez attacked unidentified ships, possibly RFA Sir Galahad, inside the bay. The three aircraft all received battle damage with Bono's aircraft crashing during the return flight. The other two Skyhawks were rescued by a KC-130 tanker, which approached the islands and delivered 30,000 litres of fuel while accompanying them to the airfield at San Julian.
On May 24 night there was a kind of mutiny between the Argentine pilots on the continent, who said they would refuse to continue flying if the Army and Navy did not join the battle. General Galtieri, acting president of Argentina, decided to visit Comodoro Rivadavia the next day, May 25 (Argentina's National Day), to try to convince them to keep fighting, but when he arrived in the morning the pilots had changed their minds and were already flying to the islands[14].
May 25
- 09:00 FAA A-4B Marte. Cpt Hugo Palaver's aircraft was damaged in a friendly fire incident when he and Lt Daniel Gálvez accidentally flew over Goose Green and strafed the pier there, in the belief that they were over Ajax Bay.[15] The main anti-aircraft artillery identified the fighters as friendly and did not fire, but soldiers on the ground engaged with small arms fire.[16] When they returned to the strait, Palaver was shot down by a Sea Dart missile fired by HMS Coventry
- 12:25 FAA A-4C Toro. Cpt Garcia, Lt Lucero (C-319USN pic), Lt Paredi and Ensign Issac attack ships inside the bay, probably RFA Sir Lancelot; after the attack Lucero is shot down by a Sea Cat missile fired from HMS Yarmouth. He successfully ejects over the landing force [17], is rescued, then transferred to hospital ship SS Uganda. Another Sea Dart, fired by HMS Coventry, shoots down Garcia, whos aircraft had been damaged by small arms fire during the attack, to the North of San Carlos. Cpt Garcia ejects, but is not recovered and dies. Ensign Isaac was losing fuel but was rescued by the KC-130, which accompanied him to his base while refuelling him in flight.
- 15:20 FAA A-4B Volcano. Cpt Carballo and Lt Carlos Rinke attacked HMS Broadsword,picture from shipdamaging the frigate's communication systems and hydraulics and electrics[18] and shattering the nose of her Sea Lynx helicopter Pictures of the Damage
- 15:20 FAA A-4B Zeus. 1st Lt Velazco and Ensign Barrionuevo sink destroyer HMS Coventry video
Aftermath
I think the Argentine pilots are showing great bravery, it would be foolish of me to say anything else
In spite of the massive air defence network, the Argentine pilots were able to attack their targets but, although undoubtedly brave, some serious procedural failures prevented them from getting better results - most notably problems with their bombs' fuses. Thirteen bombs [20] hit British ships without detonating. Lord Craig, the retired Marshal of the Royal Air Force, is said to have remarked: "Six better fuses and we would have lost"[21] . The British warships, although themselves suffering most of the attacks, were successful in keeping the strike aircraft away from the landing ships, which were well inside the bay [22]. With the British troops on Falklands soil, a land campaign followed until Argentine General Mario Menéndez surrendered to British Major General Jeremy Moore on June 14 in Stanley.
The subsonic Harrier jump-jet, armed with the most advanced variant of the Sidewinder air-to-air missile, proved capable as an air superiority fighter.
The actions had a profound impact on later naval practice. During the 1980s most warships from navies around the world were retrofitted with close-in weapon systems and guns for self-defence. First reports of the number of Argentine aircraft shot down by British missile systems were subsequently revised down.[23]
See also
External links
- Interview Video on HMS Ardent attack
- Bomb Alley video - Lt Tomas Lucero rescued by HMS Fearless
References
- Commodore Ruben Oscar Moro: La Guerra Inaudita, ISBN 987-96007-3-8
- Commodore Pablo Marcos Carballo: Dios Y Los Halcones, ISBN 987963361X
- ^ [9 Dagger, 5 A-4C, 3 A-4Q, 3 A-4B & 2 Pucara]
- ^ Yates, David (2006). Bomb Alley - Falkland Islands 1982. Pen and Sword. ISBN 9781844154173.[page needed]
- ^ "Americas | Charles ends Falklands tour on sombre note". BBC News. 1999-03-15. Retrieved 2010-02-07.
- ^ clarin: Julian Thompson interview
- ^ Commodore Ruben Oscar Moro: La Guerra Inaudita, ISBN 987-96007-3-8, ... consideraban que el desembarco Britanico no podia ser alli ... debido a un concepto naval que asociaba la capacidad de una flota con su espacio de maniobra para un desembarco ...
- ^ Argentine Airpower in the Falklands War: An Operational View
- ^ "Major Carlos Tomba's Pucara". BBC News. Retrieved 2009-06-24.
- ^ Some sources identify this ship as the Rio Carcaraña but other sources place the cargo vessel in Bahía Rey ( King George Bay ? ) at the time
- ^ Board of Inquiry - Report into the Loss of HMS Ardent, page 2
- ^ La balada del piloto bahiense y el estanciero kelper Template:Es
- ^ Primer Teniente Guadagnini
- ^ 3ra. Escuadrilla Aeronaval de Caza y Ataque
- ^ "Carlos Zubizarreta". Retrieved 2009-December-06.
{{cite web}}
: Check date values in:|accessdate=
(help) - ^ [Guerra Bajo la Cruz del Sur, Eduardo Jose Costa ISBN 950-614-749-3]
- ^ Official site of the Argentine Air Force: Fuerza Aérez Argentina - Martes 25 de Mayo Template:Es
- ^ Piaggi, Italo A. (1986). Ganso Verde. Ed. Planeta, p. 83. ISBN 9503701864. Template:Es
- ^ Cpt Tomas Lucero interview
- ^ HMS Broadsword damage control
- ^ Los Angeles times, May 27 1982
- ^ "British Ships Sunk and Damaged - Falklands War 1982". Naval-history.net. Retrieved 2010-02-07.
- ^ Gethin Chamberlain (5 April 2002). "Would British forces be able to retake the Falklands today?". The Scotsman. p. 12. Archived from the original (subscription required to access archive service) on 5 April 2002.
- ^ Pablo Carballo: Halcones sobre Malvinas
- ^ Of 14 kills and 6 probables, only one Argentine aircraft was shot down by Rapier, as originally noted by Ethell and Price. Similar discrepancies arose over other weapons systems, notably Blowpipe (one confirmed kill as against nine confirmed and two probables in the White Paper) and Sea Cat (zero to one against eight confirmed and two probables in the White Paper). FREEDMAN, Sir Lawrence, The Official History of the Falklands Campaign (Abingdon, 2005). Volume II, page 732-735