5th Infantry Brigade in the Falklands War - Tapa dura

For many people it was 3 Commando Brigade, that recaptured the Falklands. Yet 5th Infantry Brigade, hastily cobbled together and rushed south, played a key and until now little acknowledged role in this extraordinary saga. Many felt it was inadequately trained when it sailed from Southampton on the QE2 and this view was given substance by early disasters such as the tragedy at Bluff Cove. Yet by the end, its contribution, of which Tumbledown is the best known, could not be denied, and it is here described for the first time.

Nick Van der Byl, who served in the Intelligence Corps in the Falklands is the author of Nine Battles to Stanley (Pen & Sword 1999). He lives in Somerset. David Aldea, co-author, now lives in Australia.