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Every member of the armed forces who took part in the Falklands Campaign of 1982 can claim that his particular role was unique in that it was experienced by himself alone. But in so far as it is possible for one thing to be more unique than another Ewen Southby-Tailyour's role certainly qualifies for that accolade. In 1977 he was ordered to the Falkland Islands to command the Royal Marines detachment then stationed there and to restructure the defence procedures for the Islands over the following year. During this time he also conducted an exhaustive study of the coastline, carrying out the only detailed survey to be made of many of the beaches and their immediate approaches since the mid-nineteenth century. He returned to England in 1979 and when the Argentinians invaded the Islands three years later he immediately put his unquestionably unique experience and information at the disposal of the Task Force then being rapidly assembled. He added one priviso, that he be allowed to accompany the Force. Brigadier (then) Julian Thompson had no hesitation in accepting both his offer and his terms, and in very short time he was heading south once more. Reasons in Writing tells his story largely through the medium of diaries and letters written during his peacetime tour of duty in the seventies and the war itself. As he explains, his somewhat maverick role did not always met with the approval of some of the more conventionally-minded senior officers, but although modesty restrains him from making such a claim, there can be no doubt that, without his unrivalled knowledge of the Islands, the job which the Task Force so successfully accomplished would have been immeasurably more difficult and takenconsiderably longer. Reasons in Writing, is unlikely to be rivaled for its immediacy, insight and deep and genuine feeling for the Islands themselves, based on experience gained (unlike any other participant civilian or service) before, during and after that austral winter of 1982.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Reasons in Writing is an extraordinary book written by an extraordinary man.
Many books have been written about the battle to regain the Falkland Islands following the Argentinean invasion in 1982. Ewen Southby-Tailyour had a unique perspective. During the conflict his military role was that of amphibious warfare; leading landing craft ashore in San Carlos and Bluff Cove. Of equal importance was his part as an expert adviser to the task force planners on the suitability of beaches and sea passages. His knowledge of the littoral waters around the islands was gleaned whilst he was in charge of the Royal Marine detachment prior to the outbreak of hostilities.
Reasons in Writing covers Ewen's time on the Falkands before and during the war in great detail. His love of the service, sea, yachting and wildlife are apparent. Written a decade after the conflict the author makes use of his detailed diary to accurately tell the story from his point of view as well as bringing in accounts from other writers on the war.
One of the most tragic episodes in the Falklands War was the attack on the Sir Galahad ship which cost the lives of dozens of Welsh Guardsmen when it was attacked at anchor in Bluff Cove by Argentinean Skyhawk aircraft on 8th June 1982. Ewen explains frankly the events which led to this disaster. Since the conflict blame has attempted to be apportioned by some in the media. Reading Ewen's account you will be able to form your own conclusion.
Reasons in Writing is a compelling and fascinating book written in a no-nonsense style which may be a little uncomfortable for some "top brass" readers.
Many books have been written about the battle to regain the Falkland Islands following the Argentinean invasion in 1982. Ewen Southby-Tailyour had a unique perspective. During the conflict his military role was that of amphibious warfare; leading landing craft ashore in San Carlos and Bluff Cove. Of equal importance was his part as an expert adviser to the task force planners on the suitability of beaches and sea passages. His knowledge of the littoral waters around the islands was gleaned whilst he was in charge of the Royal Marine detachment prior to the outbreak of hostilities.
Reasons in Writing covers Ewen's time on the Falkands before and during the war in great detail. His love of the service, sea, yachting and wildlife are apparent. Written a decade after the conflict the author makes use of his detailed diary to accurately tell the story from his point of view as well as bringing in accounts from other writers on the war.
One of the most tragic episodes in the Falklands War was the attack on the Sir Galahad ship which cost the lives of dozens of Welsh Guardsmen when it was attacked at anchor in Bluff Cove by Argentinean Skyhawk aircraft on 8th June 1982. Ewen explains frankly the events which led to this disaster. Since the conflict blame has attempted to be apportioned by some in the media. Reading Ewen's account you will be able to form your own conclusion.
Reasons in Writing is a compelling and fascinating book written in a no-nonsense style which may be a little uncomfortable for some "top brass" readers.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I purchased the book as I had been on one of the landing crafts when the Scots Guards had an overnight cold shower for a number of hours, described in the book. The author has strong opinions and is not PC, but gives an honest description of his experiences.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
An excellent, concise account of a brutal little war largely forgotten about.
The Author is a Career Soldier, and product of a 'Military Family' and educated accordingly (long time since I read it, but included University of Grenoble I recall). He was then processed by the Green Machine of the UK Forces. But perhaps more importantly, retained his personal interest in small boat sailing.
What appeared to be a chance (and deliberate) 'bad posting' by a higher rank "Desk Driver" placed the Author in The Falklands - well before the conflict.
A thoughtful and precise man, he followed his hobby sailing and charting the waters around the islands including a wealth of data on harbours inlets and possible landing spots.
Then it happened, and his efforts helped Britain.
It is amazing to realise now that it is almost thirty years since this war. The book is most enjoyable, and I am sorry I sent mine to the charity shop.
Somewhere it contains part of a haunting poem 'The Dead Marine' (no not the hundreds of schmaltzee web ones - this is a well written one about British Royal Marines going back Centuries). Let me know if you find it or the author.
The Author is a Career Soldier, and product of a 'Military Family' and educated accordingly (long time since I read it, but included University of Grenoble I recall). He was then processed by the Green Machine of the UK Forces. But perhaps more importantly, retained his personal interest in small boat sailing.
What appeared to be a chance (and deliberate) 'bad posting' by a higher rank "Desk Driver" placed the Author in The Falklands - well before the conflict.
A thoughtful and precise man, he followed his hobby sailing and charting the waters around the islands including a wealth of data on harbours inlets and possible landing spots.
Then it happened, and his efforts helped Britain.
It is amazing to realise now that it is almost thirty years since this war. The book is most enjoyable, and I am sorry I sent mine to the charity shop.
Somewhere it contains part of a haunting poem 'The Dead Marine' (no not the hundreds of schmaltzee web ones - this is a well written one about British Royal Marines going back Centuries). Let me know if you find it or the author.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Reasons in Writing
`Reasons in Writing' by Ewen Southby-Tailyour (Pen & Sword 1993, ppbk 2003 £14.95)
S-T believes, with Ratty, that there is nothing half so much worth doing as simply... Read more
S-T believes, with Ratty, that there is nothing half so much worth doing as simply... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Seaweed
A Falkland Love Affair
This is one of the best books about the Falklands war I have read. The author, who seems to be a dashing fellow and a great sailor, really takes the islands to his heart - and so... Read more
Published on 28 Jun 2009 by Timothy R. Chilvers
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