Letters from the Front: From the First World War to the Present Day

by Roberts, Andrew

  The next day we caught it again, this time it was school children from Kyrenia. This was the incident on the news, not half as bad as the day before, not so many stones and more clumps of earth. I was in my Blues, best hat, etc, and got very dirty again. Again we did not have enough people to do anything about it.

  They threw a bomb at some of my platoon last night. They were in a truck and the bomb blew a great hole in it. No one was hurt, just luck. Everything they do they seem to get away with. They killed 24 troops last year and we only killed 6.

  Further east the Protectorate of Aden was the main British base in the Middle East following the withdrawal from Suez in 1956. In 1963 an insurgency erupted against British rule in the area, which ended with a unilateral British withdrawal in 1967.

  Flying Officer Anne Peterkin served with Princess Mary’s Royal Air Force Nursing Service based at the RAF hospital, Khormaksar, in Aden and had to deal with the casualties arising from the conflict.

  Officers Mess

  RAF Hospital

  Khormaksar Beach

  Aden

  16-5-65

  Dearest family,

  Again, many thanks for your letters… News from the Middle East:

  … The ward has been exceptionally busy this last week. We had several very badly injured men admitted having been attacked by mortar fire up country. In fact the worst battle casualties I’ve seen!

  They were brought down by helicopter and the pilots got a terrific appraisal on the local news as they picked them up under fire.

  Today there is a marked improvement in their conditions but it is sad to see a young officer of 21 and an 18-year-old so ill.

  Again, as always when we’re busy the air conditioning failed and we’ve been working in tremendous heat. In fact today is the hottest day it’s been. Mind you, I am very lucky as I don’t find it too bad as long as I swig plenty of fluid…

  Well, think that’s all the news there is for now. Sorry no photo this week.

  All the best to William in his exams.

  Much love to all,

  Annie

  The issue of the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands has been a subject of both discourse and dispute since the very first settlers landed there in the second half of the 18th century. Great Britain has held the islands continuously from 1833 onwards in the face of Argentinian territorial claims and the issue has been a source of intermittent tension between the two countries ever since. On 2 April 1982 the Argentinians invaded the Falklands Islands, sparking a conflict that involved a British Task Force being mobilised and then racing to the Islands to protect British interests.

  Nick Van der Bijl was a staff sergeant in the Intelligence Corps who was attached to HQ 3 Commando, Royal Marines, for the duration of the campaign. He travelled south to the Falklands aboard HMS Fearless from where he wrote home to his family.

  HMS Fearless

  BFPO 666

  Dearest Penny and Imogen,

  It is now Saturday, the day before Easter Sunday and we have been at sea for four days. At present we are somewhere off the North-West African coast. It is beautiful and hot upstairs and the sea is a deep blue azure. It contrasts quite nicely with the grey paint of the warships that are all around. Something straight out of World War Two!...

  We have been working extraordinarily hard trying to catch up on years of collation and recording. Unfortunately some of the channels of communication are suspect and so not all the information that is being produced is actually reaching us at sea. It makes one’s life very hard especially because we cannot disseminate information… On the whole the Army, Marines and Air Force are working very well together but the Navy are proving very difficult – falling into line, so much so that important information is being withheld because ‘they did not think you needed it’…

  Today ships from the Gibraltar / Mediterranean joined us at first light and our Task Force is now in convoy configuration with warships, destroyers, RFAs and LSLs. It is quite extraordinary and I am not quite sure I believe it. In fact … this is no exercise – it is a real operation. We continue to pick up the BBC and understand that the Government are still maintaining an offensive posture, as are the Argentinians. I expect much will depend on Gen Haig and the 200-mile limit warnings that come into force on Monday.

  Sunday now… This morning HMS Antelope, another frigate, came alongside and a package was passed by heavy line. The Navy remain full of tradition and as the ship left the officers saluted each other and the Bosun blew his whistle. Talking about the Navy; they are probably the least aware of the problem at the moment and do seem disinclined to believe that we may be sailing to a shooting war…

  Monday today… We still do not know really what is going to happen as we receive the BBC news only. Obviously our Lnt tells us a bit more but the political manoeuvring does not give us too much. The word at present on Fearless is censorships. We have all been told what we are not allowed to write about – [but] most of [what] I am not meant to tell you, you will obtain from the TV…

  Wednesday evening and really the first time since Monday that I have had time to write. We have had a good deal of work to do, although we do not seem to be any nearer a solution as to activities or the objective. I am now beginning to feel rather tired… The trouble is that there does not appear to be any end to the work, it just seems to come pouring – mind you, I am not complaining because this is ‘for real’ and the way that the Government have dug their heels in it may end in some form of confrontation…

  Just heard the news that Mr Haig has returned to the US to report to Reagan.* I imagine that this might be a bit depressing for you – perhaps hoping that a solution will be arrived at. It is clear that UK and Argentina are miles apart. UK has mounted a massive military and naval operation and is committed to retaking the Falklands and Argentina is committed to retaining, and perhaps defending this barren but minerally rich island. Somewhere there is a solution. Rest assured that before any amphibious forces move the naval and air battle must be won…

  Miss you, love you and see you soon. Adore you both.

  Nick

  By the end of April the Task Force was within striking distance of the Falklands, though the threat posed by Argentinian Exocet missiles was all too real, and on 4 May HMS Sheffield was hit by two missiles which caused the death of 20 of her crew and the ship had to be abandoned. On the same day the first Sea Harrier was lost over Goose Green.

  5 May 82

  HMS Fearless

  BFPO 666

  My darling Penny and Imogen,

  It happened. The abandoning of Sheffield and the shooting down of the [Harrier], tragic though it is, has finally bought it home that this is a serious situation and real live bullets are being used and this inevitably means loss of life. The ‘gungho’ ‘we can win’ spirit has gone to be replaced by a stunned realization that things are not going to be that easy. Fortunately the ground troops and those who have been to Northern Ireland, where lives are lost, are virtually unaffected by it all. There is a degree of anger and frustration but at least a few realize that we are now at the mercy of cynical politicians and that to escalate the situation might encourage a superpower clash… As you probably are aware there is no way we can go ashore unless air superiority is gained. I met a couple of the Harrier pilots during the voyage out and then they virtually claimed that they could win all by themselves. Bags of confidence and Battle of Britain stuff, but hardly the ingredients for a political confrontation…

  By the time you receive this letter I shall probably be out of contact for some time, and so there will be little, if any, opportunity for discussion… Today I sorted out my kit for going ashore… Apart from the task I told you about earlier, I shall be part of the Bde Cmd Tactical HQ, a group of six to eight people who set up a small HQ prior to the main HQ moving ashore… My kit is quite heavy and we have still to be issued with our quota of ammo and rations. Regrettably I cannot tell you more because I do not know about any more. All that I can
recommend is listen to the BBC, preferably Radio 4, which generally gives an accurate view of events, without the frills of some of the more popular media outlets...

  On 21 May the British went ashore in large numbers. Around 3,000 troops from 2 Para, 3 Para and 3 Commando Brigade (consisting of 40, 42 and 45 Royal Marine Commandos) landed as part of an amphibious force in San Carlos Bay.

  3 Cde Bde

  BFPO 666

  Darling,

  A very rapid letter. Went ashore during evening of D-Day. For us ashore all is OK although we have dug in deep. The Argentinians are continuing to attack the shipping and a very predictable fight it is, Skyhawk and Mirage weaving their way through the sky, dropping bombs. So far no attack against me. Have interrogated a Sgt POW who surrendered.

  Rather tired and dirty although a shower has just improved the situation. The weather, fortunately, is good – we are all hoping for rain and fog – then no flying. Learning to live in holes in the ground…

  I have been under fire with four near misses on Fearless. A bit of a hole. But very glad to be ashore. Do not worry; I am well. LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU! Please tell my mother the contents of this letter, please do not become concerned. Must go – my boat awaits me.

  All my love,

  Nick xxxx

  The landing of the Task Force on East Falkland provoked a tough response from the Argentinian Air Force, with the amphibious group and its escorts taking casualties at a level that had not been experienced by the British since the battle for Crete in May 1941.

  May 82

  HQ 3 Cde Bde

  BFPO 666

  Darling Penny and Imogen,

  Air raid warning just gone. It’s 10pm and it is a dark starlight night. I hope you received my scribbled letter from Fearless. Today I went onto LSL Belvedere to brief some reinforcements. I had just entered the interior when the first raid came in with no warning. Guns opened up and I literally threw myself to the floor and waited. The aircraft screamed overhead. One was shot down just in front and the pilot made a POW! While I was aboard – 4 air raid warnings in three hours. Everyone was very tense. When I was picked up … we went to Red Beach where Cdr Log was and there was a warning. Later heard that the aircraft had attacked HMS Coventry. There is anger because the Argies are getting through and it does seem that the Harrier screen and warships are not between us and the mainland. Therefore they have an easy run in. At least they have not gone for us. The Bde HQ is dug in below ground… We are settled into a routine now of living below ground in trenches and deep pits. We watch all the raids going in and a very spectacular business it is. Their Navy pilots are the best and all their pilots are brave men. The odds are against them but the attacks continue. Wherever an aircraft is hit or trailing smoke everybody cheers. It is like something out of Star Wars … tracers and bombs flying all over the place and the noise is incredible. We watch from the top of our trenches with tin hats on…

  I am well – dirty, not tired, not hungry. Everything is going well although only half IR Section ashore. There is a lot of work, though I suppose I am rather enjoying the experience… So do not worry about anything… Meanwhile LOVE and MISS YOU BOTH and look forward to seeing you.

  Love and kisses,

  Nick

  xxxxxxx

  Glenn Canham was a radio operator on board HMS Arrow during the campaign. This ship fired the first shot against Port Stanley on 1 May, and was also on the scene when HMS Sheffield was hit on 4 May and helped to take off the survivors.

  Tuesday 11th May

  RO (T) G. Canham

  D175294N

  3 Mess

  HMS Arrow

  BFPO Ships

  London

  Dear Mum, Dad and Ash,

  Hope all is well at home and everyone is bearing up under the strain.

  Sorry I haven’t written for a while, you’re probably getting worried, but as you have no doubt heard on the news things have been, to say the least, ‘Hectic’. I’ll start at the beginning of the month as good a place as any I suppose.

  1st May we entered the Total Exclusion Zone (TEZ) for the first time in a solid group. Immediately we had established a standing off area, three of our ships were sent in to bombard the Airfield at Stanley. We arrived off the coast just after dinner time… For a couple of hours the three of us sat there sending off about 50 shells apiece. We then turned tail and started heading out to sea, when out from the side of the Island came two jet fighters. They missed the Glamorgan but caught us right across the funnel and just aft of that on the Seacot deck. That was when Brittnell was hit by a small piece of shrapnel, you probably heard that on the news. Well that was our first piece of Action and I was scared stupid for the whole time.

  After that for the next few days we kept our distance during the day, legging it in at night, bombing designated targets and rejoining the main group again by morning.

  I can’t remember what day it was but I know it was a shocking blow to everyone when the Sheffield was hit by the missile. Our ship was the first one to get near her, the only things beating us there being our own helo [helicopter] and some Sea Kings from the Hermes. At first we waited off sailing around her in circles because apart from the missile attack we also had a Possible Submarine Contact. Our first job was to get fire fighting equipment and Medics to her which we did by helo, we then tried to get as close as possible to her so as we could help fight the fire with our own hoses but twice we had to leg out of the way of two Torpedoes. The Yarmouth then joined us and we prosecuted the sub contact, the Yarmouth lobbing mortars into the water like they were going out of fashion. Eventually we got alongside her managing to tie ourselves ruffly [sic] together not helped by the long swell that was running … but eventually it was decided to abandon her, Yarmouth pulled away and we switched off our hoses and started grabbing blokes and pulling them on to our ship. As we eventually pulled away because of the danger of her ammunition blowing there were still a few people including the skipper still on deck but they were taken off safely by helo.

  Since then we have been doing night bombardments fairly regularly… Yesterday, or last night rather, Alacrity and ourselves closed the coast hunting for ships of any sort that might be using the hours of darkness for blockade running and resupply to the shore… Well that’s enough of that, in fact there’s far too much trash there really… Still no news of when we will be home although I have it on fairly good authority that our relief ships sailed from home yesterday. Well I think that’s about it for now. I’m feeling very tired and I’m on watch again in four hours so all at home take care, keep the letters coming, thanks again for the papers.

  Love,

  Glenn

  xx

  Back ashore, the men of 3 Commando Brigade had established a beachhead and were preparing to take the fight to the Argentinian forces. On the night of 26 May, 2 Para set out for Goose Green and Darwin, while the rest of the brigade marched towards Stanley. At the beginning of June reinforcements arrived in the form of 5th Infantry Brigade, and the British were now ready to take on the ring of mountain positions that defended the capital, Port Stanley.

  Sergeant Ian McKay was the platoon sergeant of 4 Platoon, B Company, 3 Para, and he won a posthumous Victoria Cross for his heroic actions in the night attack on Mount Longdon on 11/12 June. In his last letter home, written on 8 June, to his family he describes conditions before the attack.

  … Sorry this is a bit scruffy, but the bottom of my hole in the ground might not be the cleanest part of the island but it is the safest.

  Mind you, things are much quieter now than for some time and finding things to occupy our time is now a problem.

  Some clown has put one of our artillery batteries just behind our positions and as the Argentinian guns try to range in on them they sometimes drop one in around [our] position. Life isn’t dull all the time.

  Mail is taking the best part of three weeks to get here so I assume the same applies vice versa. It is quite possible we will be on the way home befo
re this gets to you.

  Personally I can’t wait to get back on board. I have never known a more bleak, windswept and wet place in my life. We spend our life with wet feet trying to dry out and keep warm. The wind blows constantly but is cooling rather than drying. You cannot walk 50 paces anywhere, even on the mountainsides, without walking in a bog.

  I thought the Brecon Beacons was bad, but this takes the biscuit.

  One of the officers I knew in the depot was shot while standing under a white flag when 2 Paras took Goose Green so feelings are running quite high both in 2 and 3 Para.

  Also the papers we get, again all well out of date, mention only Marines and Guards so if we aren’t officially here we might as well come home.

  Apart from that bit of grousing things aren’t too bad and things should be over one way or another in a week so you will probably be [reading] this with hindsight.

  We will be home hopefully about two weeks afterwards…

  With the fall of the mountain positions the road to Stanley lay open and the Falklands conflict came to a rapid conclusion.

  Lance Corporal Andrew Mortimore was part of the 1st Battalion, Welsh Guards, who had been shipped around East Falkland at the beginning of June and were caught aboard the LSL Sir Galahad when the Argentinian Air Force attacked. He was meant to be on the tank deck with the Mortar Platoon when the ship was hit by three bombs, but, luckily, he was in search of a cup of tea at the time and so survived the attack. 49 men were killed, with another 115 seriously injured.

  23rd June – Town Hall – Port Stanley

  Dear Kay,

  Many thanks for the postcard, yes I am looking forward to seeing Exmouth again. Got to Port Stanley yesterday after being on the Canberra doing the POW run to Argy Island. When they came on board first they smelt just like the school house at Cusichaca! Two weeks ago, as I’m sure you know already, we were hit badly as we waited to go ashore from the Sir Galahad. By not being where I should be I escaped with singed hair and a large burn hole in my waterproof. Had I been where I should have been I wouldn’t be writing this. Thanks to your first aid lessons at least one soldier got away alive who wouldn’t have had I not known what I was doing – only two medics got out.* The whole thing was a mess – a mess that got 25 of my mates killed. We were left in daylight for eight hours without air cover! There was hardly any warning, just someone screaming ‘Air Raid Warning Red, Air Raid’ – he never finished. A 500lb bomb came through the wall about 15ft away from me and carried on through two more walls and a floor where it exploded. The guy stood behind me was killed. I didn’t have time to panic or be scared. Even after I got out I had to go back again to bring some others out. The smoke was so thick you could walk on it.