Reasons in Writing: Commando's View of the Falklands War - Tapa dura

Ewen Southby-Tailyour, a Royal Marines commando and landing-craft officer with a string of campaigns under his belt, in 1977 found himself posted to the Falkland Islands to command the small Royal Marines detachment stationed there. He was ordered by the Foreign Office and Ministry of Defence to reassess the passive defence of the Islands, make recommendations for a positive and active defence, and, once it had been approved, implement this new concept of operations. His unrealistic remit was to "buy bargaining time in the United Nations" while keeping at bay a determined enemy "for three weeks". There would be no increase in the size of the detachment (42 marines) and no defence-weapons or stores. A keen sailor and navigator, Southby-Tailyour took the opportunity to sail round the Islands, charting many of the bays and beaches for private use, while carrying on a ceaseless battle with the then Governor, and Whitehall, over their differing interpretations of his orders. To say that he became unpopular would be putting it mildly - not least because he smuggled out his wife and family (courtesy of the Argentinian Air Force) to join him in what was an "unaccompanied posting". When the Argentinians invaded the Falklands, it took the MOD little time to realize that they had on hand, since the day he had returned to the UK, the only person who knew the detailed geography of the Islands. And so, on the day of the invasion, Southby-Tailyour was sent for. He found that not all of his advice was appreciated. At one stage Admiral Woodward dismissed his maps and charts, saying that they were too untidy, despite the fact that they were the only ones available in the required detail. Southby-Tailyour was party to nearly all the planning discussions - and arguments. In the end it was generally accepted that he knew more about the Islands than anyone except the Falklanders themselves, who were incommunicado, and so, after helping to plan the initial assault, he was ordered to lead it. Subsequently he helped to plan, and then commanded, all the major seaborne moves of the land forces, including those of Bluff Cove and Fitzroy. This account includes Southby-Tailyour's criticisms of those about him, and also records his love of the Falklands and their abundant wildlife, stark landmass and turbulent waters, as well as the appalling dangers faced by the members of the Task Force in carrying out their duties. That they succeeded was in so small way due to the author, whose efforts were recognized with the award of a modest OBE.

Ewen Southby-Tailyour is a retired senior Royal Marine officer who played a leading role in the Falklands War. Among his previously published works are Reasons in Writing, Blondie - The Life of Commando Blondie Haslar of Cockershall Heroes fame and HMS Fearless (all with Pen and Sword).