Ghost of a flea: The Falklands Radio Line

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December 11, 2007

The Falklands Radio Line

The Times of London reports on a previously undisclosed war fighting ability provided by submarines in the British liberation of the Falkland Islands. In Royal Navy, A Global Force, former second-in-command of HMS Conqueror, now Vice-Admiral Sir Tim McClement poses the threat of attack by the Argentine air force and the lack of an early warning system for the fleet.

The presence of five nuclear-powered submarines – HMS Conqueror, HMS Splendid, HMS Spartan, HMS Courageousand HMS Valiant,and one conventional diesel-electric submarine, HMS Onyx – provided the solution. In the early part of the conflict, most of the submarines were engaged in other, priority missions. HMS Conqueror was trailing the Argentine cruiser, General Belgrano, and on May 2 fired two Mark 8 torpedoes, sinking the ship, with the loss of 323 sailors. HMS Splendid and HMS Spartan were involved in the search for the Argentine aircraft carrier 25 de Mayo, which was suspected of lurking in the mist north of the Falklands, preparing for a pincer movement together with the Belgranoagainst the task force. HMS Onyx was engaged in top-secret special forces operations.

However, eventually the five nuclear-powered submarines took up positions on the Argentine 12-mile limit to act as early-warning platforms.

The resulting picket provided 25 minutes warning of Argentine attack. While not quite the logistic feat that was a Vulcan bomber raid in the same context; yet another example of the British armed forces improvising mightily when they were needed most. Such is the Dunkirk spirit. Perhaps one day the armed forces will be properly supported such that every hour of England's greatest need not be the same skin of the teeth prospect. There is such a thing as tempting Fate.

Posted by Ghost of a flea at December 11, 2007 07:01 AM