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.
5th Infantry Brigade In The Falklands War
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About the Author
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.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By N. Anderson
Format:Hardcover
Whilst this book adds a welcome degree of detail about 5th Infantry Brigade's activities that has been missing from other Falklands books, it does not contain any meaningful revelations, spends too much time covering ground dealt with better by other books and fails to draw any conclusions or explain why the brigade's CO was overlooked after the war (strangely the authors site the bold jump towards Fitzroy as a credit to Wilson - it was nothing of the sort and the Para officers deserve the credit for their own decision). The authors also make some shocking factual errors as regards incidents in the war (for example, the exocet hit Glamorgan at the angle that it did because the Navigating Officer carried out a classic defensive manoeuvre, not because it was deflected by a Seacat missle as the authors suggest) and make derogatory comments about the efforts of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Field Dressing Station at Ajax bay - all unmerited and demonstrating a lack of knowledge of and respect for other services and units. If you have read many other Falklands War books then this book may add a little to the overall picture, but as a starting point it is not recommended.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Peter Weedon
Format:Hardcover
This is a super book which is essential reading for anyone interested in the Falklands campaign.
Who and what comprised 5th Infantry Brigade is set out in great detail. The chopping and changing of components that took place in the UK and down in the South Atlantic is well described, as is the evident confusion about what the role of the Brigade was intended to be. Was it to garrison the Falklands when the war was won, or to help win that battle?
One cannot but feel sympathy for Brigadier Wilson and his Brigade, fighting a war for which they had not trained with assets that were either unfamiliar (amphibious ships) or in short supply (helicopters). The coordination with 3 Commando Brigade is also covered.
Despite the title, this book is much more than the story of "5th Infantry Brigade in the Falklands War." There is extensive detail on the strengths of the Argentine units, with first-hand accounts from the defenders. Input from the other British commanders paints a sympathetic but also honest account of the campaign.
Yes, there are errors and I would reject the authors' assertion that it was "one of the most pointless wars of the 20th Century." British forces emerged victorious for good reason and many were rewarded with honours. Julian Thompson, the shrewd and astute head of 3 Commando Brigade, has been very candid since the war ended on the successes and mistakes involved, including his own. It is a pity that Tony Wilson's voice is yet to be heard and that others tell the tale. This book is highly recommended.
Who and what comprised 5th Infantry Brigade is set out in great detail. The chopping and changing of components that took place in the UK and down in the South Atlantic is well described, as is the evident confusion about what the role of the Brigade was intended to be. Was it to garrison the Falklands when the war was won, or to help win that battle?
One cannot but feel sympathy for Brigadier Wilson and his Brigade, fighting a war for which they had not trained with assets that were either unfamiliar (amphibious ships) or in short supply (helicopters). The coordination with 3 Commando Brigade is also covered.
Despite the title, this book is much more than the story of "5th Infantry Brigade in the Falklands War." There is extensive detail on the strengths of the Argentine units, with first-hand accounts from the defenders. Input from the other British commanders paints a sympathetic but also honest account of the campaign.
Yes, there are errors and I would reject the authors' assertion that it was "one of the most pointless wars of the 20th Century." British forces emerged victorious for good reason and many were rewarded with honours. Julian Thompson, the shrewd and astute head of 3 Commando Brigade, has been very candid since the war ended on the successes and mistakes involved, including his own. It is a pity that Tony Wilson's voice is yet to be heard and that others tell the tale. This book is highly recommended.
6 of 8 people found the following review helpful
By Martin Mahle
Format:Hardcover
The book is a very fine detailed description of all the actions taken by 5th Inf Brig in this war.
The authors are showing recognizable sympathies towards the then commander, Brigadier Tony Wilson. But although they are describing many decisions to the last detail, unfortunately they themselves don't bring new light in the fact that and above all why Wilson was ignored when the awards were given. So it is up to every reader to judge whether the decision to overlook Wilson with any awards was correct - or not. And so we've to wait again until Brigadier Wilson will sometime reveal his own story.
The authors are showing recognizable sympathies towards the then commander, Brigadier Tony Wilson. But although they are describing many decisions to the last detail, unfortunately they themselves don't bring new light in the fact that and above all why Wilson was ignored when the awards were given. So it is up to every reader to judge whether the decision to overlook Wilson with any awards was correct - or not. And so we've to wait again until Brigadier Wilson will sometime reveal his own story.
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
Good factual account of the Falklands conflict by a man who was there and not by some back office man.
Listmania!
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