Operation Sheepskin: Difference between revisions
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{{about|the military operation in Anguilla|Greek stay-behind network|Operation Gladio#Greece}} |
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'''Operation Sheepskin''' was a [[United Kingdom|British]] military operation in the Caribbean, aimed at restoring British rule to the island of [[Anguilla]], after the island had declared itself as an independent Republic. The British government dispatched two [[Royal Navy]] ships and 300 soldiers of the [[2nd Battalion, Parachute Regiment]] and 22 officers of the [[Metropolitan Police]] to restore order to the island. The operation was a success and British troops were welcomed by the islanders, as they had wanted the island to remain a British territory, separate from [[Saint Christopher-Nevis-Anguilla|Saint Kitts and Nevis]], of which they were a part.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.caribbean-beat.com/issue-100/anguilla-smallest-revolution|title=Anguilla: the Smallest Revolution|first=Montague|last=Kobbe|date=November 1, 2009}}</ref> |
'''Operation Sheepskin''' was a [[United Kingdom|British]] military operation in the Caribbean, aimed at restoring British rule to the island of [[Anguilla]], after the island had declared itself as an independent Republic. The British government dispatched two [[Royal Navy]] ships and 300 soldiers of the [[2nd Battalion, Parachute Regiment]] and 22 officers of the [[Metropolitan Police]] to restore order to the island. The operation was a success and British troops were welcomed by the islanders, as they had wanted the island to remain a British territory, separate from [[Saint Christopher-Nevis-Anguilla|Saint Kitts and Nevis]], of which they were a part.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.caribbean-beat.com/issue-100/anguilla-smallest-revolution|title=Anguilla: the Smallest Revolution|first=Montague|last=Kobbe|date=November 1, 2009}}</ref> |
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==Background== |
==Background== |
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Revision as of 18:14, 20 June 2021
| Operation Sheepskin | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 United Kingdom |
 Republic of Anguilla | ||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
|
Anthony Lee (British Commissioner) |
Ronald Webster | ||||||
| Strength | |||||||
| 2 Royal Navy frigates, 300 troops of the Parachute Regiment and 22 police officers[1] | Anguilla Police | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| None | Ronald Webster flees the island. | ||||||
Operation Sheepskin was a British military operation in the Caribbean, aimed at restoring British rule to the island of Anguilla, after the island had declared itself as an independent Republic. The British government dispatched two Royal Navy ships and 300 soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, Parachute Regiment and 22 officers of the Metropolitan Police to restore order to the island. The operation was a success and British troops were welcomed by the islanders, as they had wanted the island to remain a British territory, separate from Saint Kitts and Nevis, of which they were a part.[2]
Background
On 27 February 1967, Britain granted the territory of Saint Christopher-Nevis-Anguilla the status of "associated state", with its own constitution and a considerable degree of self-government. Many Anguillans strenuously objected to the continuing political subservience to Saint Kitts, and on 30 May (known as Anguilla Day), the Saint Kitts police were evicted from the island.[3] The provisional government requested United States administration, which was declined. On 11 July 1967, a referendum on Anguilla's secession from the fledgling state was held. The results were 1,813 votes for secession and 5 against. A declaration of independence (written mainly by Harvard Law professor Roger Fisher) was read publicly by Walter Hodge Declaring Anguilla as an independent Republic.[4]
The Operation
On 19 March 1969, a contingent of 300 2nd Battalion, Parachute Regiment, plus 22 London Metropolitan Police peacefully landed by helicopter and landing craft on the island from the 2 frigates, ostensibly to "restore order".[5] Not a single shot was fired during the operation and British troops were welcomed by the people of Anguilla. The British soldiers then worked on a 'hearts and minds' campaign whilst on the island to improve relations with the islanders. 6 weeks after the operation had taken place, the initial paratroopers were flown back to Britain and a 2nd force of paratroopers (B Company) stayed on the island until 14 September 1969 to maintain security. The islanders were happy with the political situation and no more civil strife took place following the operation. The island remains a British territory to this day.[6]
References
- ^ "OPERATION SHEEPSKIN - THE INVASION OF ANGUILLA [Allocated Title]". Imperial War Museums.
- ^ Kobbe, Montague (November 1, 2009). "Anguilla: the Smallest Revolution".
- ^ David X. Noack: Die abtrünnige Republik Anguilla, amerika21.de 2016-09-27. Retrieved on 2017-04-23.
- ^ Westlake, Donald (1972). Under an English Heaven. New York: Simon & Schuster. pp. 78–79. ISBN 0-671-21311-3.
- ^ "The story of a farcical British invasion forgotten by many". The National.
- ^ "Anguilla (Operation Sheepskin) | ParaData". www.paradata.org.uk.