I Was There

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A look back in time with the voices of the people who can say "I was there".

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I Was There: The Falklands War

31/03/2022

The Falklands War

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Series where people recall their presence at a major moment. They can say, 'I was there.'

The series where people recall their presence at a major moment. They can say, 'I was there.' This episode marks the 40th anniversary of the Falklands War.

Mai Davies revisits a significant event in Welsh history through the memories of those who could say "I Was There". This episode marks the 40th anniversary of the Falklands War.

On April 2nd 1982 Argentinian forces invaded the British overseas territory of the Falkland Islands. Argentina had claimed sovereignty over Las Malvinas – as it called them – for many years. And its ruling military junta did not believe Britain would attempt to regain these tiny islands, 400 miles off the tip of South America, by force.

But the invasion sparked a political and media backlash in Britain and, under the leadership of Margaret Thatcher, the government swiftly assembled a taskforce of warships and refitted merchant ships. Within a matter of days, the first elements of this taskforce embarked an on 8,000-mile journey to retake the Falklands.

Mai talks to two Welshmen who both had parts to play in those extraordinary events of 40 years ago.   

By the time he ended his naval career Chris Parry had risen to the rank of Rear Admiral. But back in 1982 he was a 28-year-old junior officer who would be mentioned in dispatches for his role in rescuing 16 SAS troopers and becoming the first person to disable an enemy submarine since the Second World War.

Irfon Higgins’ route to the Falklands came via the Royal Marines Commando Band. The saxophonist turned soldier ended up guarding 4,500 prisoners of war and formed an unlikely friendship with an Argentinian PoW. It is a bond that transcended the conflict and continues to this day.

Chris and Irfon share their memories of this undeclared war that lasted 10 weeks but whose legacy will never be forgotten by the Welsh men who fought it 8,000 miles from home.

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