Falklands 82: Stories from the South Atlantic

What role did Gurkha soldiers play in the Falklands conflict?On the 12th April 1982 soldiers from 1st Battalion, 7th Duke of Edinburgh’s Own Gurkha Rifles set sail from Southampton to join the British Task Force deploying to the South Atlantic to take back the Falkland Islands from Argentina.These Gurkhas from 7GR pre-dominantly come from the east of Nepal which is 16 thousand kilometres away from the Falkland Islands.When the conflict began, like many British servicemen, these Gurkhas didn’t even know where the islands were.So what was it like to travel to a warzone, the other side of the world?Listen as Gurkha veterans tell their stories, 40 years on.Presented by Binoddhoj Kadkha (with an introduction from Ben Coley)Written and produced by Binoddhoj Kadkha and Bhim Atreya from BFBS Gurkha Network.This is a BFBS original podcast.

14th June 1982, Liberation Day. British troops reach their objective and white flags fly over Port Stanley. Argentinian forces sign the declaration of surrender at Government House and history is made as the British reclaim the Falkland Islands. The resilience of the taskforce is met with respite as they lay down their weapons and begin the long journey back home. It was a conflict that came with consequences; more than 900 people lost their lives. But the lasting legacy of peace and prosperity continues for those who live there now. This is an original podcast from BFBS.Presented by Ben ColeyProduced by Ben Coley, Jess Bracey, Jade Callaway, Gini Carlin, Tim Humphries and Hal StewartSound Design by Joe Carden Edited by Josella WaldronWith thanks to Paul Condon and Jane Franklin at Forces News.For more about the 40th Anniversary of the Falklands Conflict: https://www.forces.net/falklands40If you have been affected by anything you have heard in this series, please look at our website where you can find many organisations who can help. www.bfbs.com/audience-support

While British and Argentinian Forces were fighting it out, the islanders were engaged in their own battles.From being bombed by the RAF, held hostage by enemy soldiers to working undercover with the British Army, these islanders have their own stories about the conflict.Gini Carlin tells Ben Coley all about her recent visit to the islands where she spoke to Tim Miller, Trudi McPhee, John Pole-Evans, Patrick Watts and Lisa Pole-Evans.This is an original podcast from BFBS.Presented by Ben ColeyProduced by Ben Coley, Jess Bracey, Jade Callaway, Gini Carlin and Tim HumphriesSound Design by Sean HarperEdited by Josella WaldronWith thanks to Paul Condon and Jane Franklin at Force News.For more about the 40th Anniversary of the Falklands Conflict: https://www.forces.net/falklands40

After the Battle of Goose Green concluded, conflict continued at sea and on land - but not without its challenges and continued loss of life. With the attack of Sir Galahad and Sir Tristram, doctors and nurses rescued those in need. Meanwhile, the advance took troops further to their target of Stanley.But what of the home front?This is an original podcast from BFBS.Presented by Ben Coley.Produced by Ben Coley, Jess Bracey, Jade Callaway, Gini Carlin, Sean Harper, Hal Stewart and Tim Humphries.Sound Design by Joe Carden.Edited by Josella Waldron.With thanks to Paul Condon and Jane Franklin at Force News.For more about the 40th Anniversary of the Falklands Conflict: forces.net/falklands40Get in touch: [email protected]

It’s time to get boots on the ground, but some British troops find the terrain and the weather a bit of a challenge.Meanwhile in the sky, RAF Vulcan bombers take on the most daring raid since the dambusters and fly into the record books.The war at sea intensifies for the Royal Navy while the Paras make their way towards Goose Green.The Yomp continues…This is an original podcast from BFBS.Presented by Ben ColeyProduced by Ben Coley, Jess Bracey, Jade Callaway, Gini Carlin, Sean Harper and Tim HumphriesSound Design by Joe CardenEdited by Josella WaldronWith thanks to Paul Condon and Jane Franklin at Force News. For more about the 40th Anniversary of the Falklands Conflict: forces.net/falklands40Get in touch: [email protected]

The British Task Force makes its way down south, but it appears not everybody understands where they are going.The eight-thousand-mile journey means there’s plenty of time to look at a map. There’s also time for some unconventional training which makes for a surreal experience when it’s happening on board a luxury cruise liner.Many of the troops don’t believe they’re headed to battle, until there’s news of Britain’s first attack swiftly followed by Argentina’s retaliation.This is an original podcast from BFBS.Presented by Ben ColeyProduced by Ben Coley, Jess Bracey, Jade Callaway, Gini Carlin, Sean Harper and Tim HumphriesSound Design by Joe CardenEdited by Josella WaldronWith thanks to Paul Condon and Jane Franklin at Force News and the Falkland Islands Radio ServiceFor more about the 40th Anniversary of the Falklands Conflict: forces.net/falklands40

Today there are more than a thousand British military servicemen and women stationed on the Falkland Islands. But why are they there?Ben Coley finds out how the Falklands Conflict began 40 years ago.Listen as the Falkland Islanders themselves recall what happened when Argentinian forces arrived on their shores, while military commanders along with ordinary soldiers, sailors and airmen remember finding out they were being sent eight thousand miles away from home to fight a most unexpected battle.This is an original podcast from BFBS.Presented by Ben ColeyProduced by Ben Coley, Jess Bracey, Jade Callaway, Gini Carlin, Sean Harper and Tim HumphriesSound Design by Joe CardenEdited by Josella WaldronMajor General Julian Thompson spoke to Paul Condon and Jane Franklin at Forces NewsWith thanks to Falkland Islands Radio Service for Patrick Watts archive materialFor the full story about what happened on South Georgia listen to: Tea and Medals, Keith Mills DSC, South Georgia Invasion. radio.bfbs.com/podcasts/tea-medals

On the 2nd of April 1982 Argentina invaded the Falkland Islands.A British military task force was sent eight thousand miles down to the South Atlantic to take them back.Listen as military commanders, ordinary soldiers, sailors and airmen as well as the Falkland Islanders themselves reflect on their roles in the 1982 Falklands Conflict, 40 years on.Follow now so you never miss an episode of this original podcast series from BFBS.