Thread by @FAB87F

OTD May 29th 1982 - The Falklands War - From the War Diaries of Admiral Woodward

Early on the morning of 29th May, Major Chris Keeble, the battalion 2IC who took over when H Jones was killed, wrote his grim ultimatum to the defenders of Goose Green -
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To the Commander Argentine Forces, Goose Green

From the Commander British Forces, Goose Green Area

Military Options

We have sent a POW to you under a White Flag of Truce to convey the following:

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1) That you surrender your force to us by leaving the township, forming up in a military manner, removing your helmets and laying down your weapons.
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You will give prior notice of this intention by returning the POW under the White Flag, with him briefed as to the formalities, no later than 0830 local time.
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2) You refuse in the first case to surrender and take the inevitable consequences. You will give prior notice of this intention by returning the POW without his White Flag, although his neutrality will be respected, no later than 0830 hrs local time.
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3) In any event & in accordance with the terms of the Geneva Conventions & the laws of war, you shall be held responsible for the fate of any civilians in Goose Green & we, in accordance with the laws, do give you prior notice of our intention to bombard Goose Green.
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Signed C Keeble
Commander, British Forces, Goose Green Area.

Morning of 29th May saw the 690 men of 2 Para awaiting the appearance of their POW who had been sent in with a message to the Argentine Commander that unless he surrendered they would bombard Goose Green.
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The Argentine forces, known as Task Force Mercedes, consisted of two companies of Lieutenant-Colonel Italo Piaggi's 12th Infantry Regiment (IR12) & a company of the Ranger-type 25th Infantry Regiment (IR25).
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Air defence was provided by a battery of six 20 mm Rheinmetall manned by Air Force personnel & two radar-guided Oerlikon 35 mm anti-aircraft guns from the 601st Anti-Aircraft Battalion that would be employed in a ground role in the last stages of the fighting.
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There was also one battery of three OTO Melara Mod 56 105 mm pack howitzers from the 4th Airborne Artillery Regiment. Total forces under Piaggi's commanded numbered 1083 men.
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On receiving the terms, Piaggi concluded "..The battle had turned into a sniping contest. They could sit well out of range of our soldiers' fire and, if they wanted to, raze the settlement.
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I knew that there was no longer any chance of reinforcements from 6th [Compañía 'Piribebuy'] Regiment's B Company and so I suggested to Wing Commander [Vice Commodore] Wilson Pedrozo that he talk to the British. He agreed reluctantly."
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To the Paras amazement & relief the POW appeared carrying the White Flag, indicating the surrender of the Argentine force. Pedrozo held a short parade and then all on parade laid down their weapons and helmets as required.
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After burning their regimental flag Piaggi led the troops and Officers into captivity.

Between 45 and 55 argentines were killed and about 86 wounded. The British lost 18 killed and 64 wounded.

29th May was Argentine National Army Day.

Group of 2 Para Medics at Darwin Hill.
Martin Bentley, Steven Hughes, Medic Private Irvine Gibson, Medic Private Mark Polkey, Medic Private Phil Clegg, Padres bodyguard, L/Cpl Tam Thornborrow, RMO's Signaller Peter Hall

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Private Hilton, A Company, 2 Para on reverse slope of Darwin Hill

2 Para Memorial at Darwin

Colonel H Jones Memorial at Darwin / Goose Green.