Customer Reviews

The Battle for the Falklands (Pan Grand Strategy)

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This book is an in-depth study of the war fought between the United Kingdom and Argentina over the Falkland Islands from April to June 1982. The book begins with a highly informative history of the islands, focusing on the two countries' claims to the islands. The war is recounted in excellent depth, focusing heavily on the British side. The final chapter is on the aftermath of the war, which is severely limited, due to the fact that the book was published in 1983.

Finally, there are three excellent appendices: A covers the British task force, giving everything from silhouettes of the ships and airplanes through list of the units involved complete with their commanders; B lists the honors given to Falklands veterans; and appendix C contains the Franks Report on the conflict. The maps contained in the book are excellent, as are the numerous black-and-white pictures.

This book is quite fascinating, and highly informative on the war. I found myself completely unable to put this book down, but just had to read a little more, and a little more, and a little more... I wish that it contained more information on the Argentine side, which would give the book more all-around information. However, that said, it is a great book, giving the reader a good idea of what happened both on the battlefield, and in the halls of the politicians (a great deal of the British side was run for more political, rather than military reasons).

This is a great book, and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in this fascinating war.

"The Battle for the Falklands" is a good overall narrative of the history of the brief war between Britain and Argentina over the disputed islands. It delves into the politics that led to the war, the U.S. attempt at mediation between its two allies and, of course, the actual fighting. The whole affair seems a bit surreal as it also must have to the British soldiers who fought there. The Falklands themselves, as remote and windswept as it is possible for any inhabited location on Earth to be, were hardly worth all the trouble. But for both Britain and Argentina, national pride and honor were at stake. The irony is that by invading the islands, Argentina's military leadership made it less likely that the country will ever gain possession of them. This book is a good tribute to the men who fought what will probably be the last colonial war, and it is well written historical account.

This is a good overall narrative account of the Falklands War, as well as the diplomatic events leading up to it. Like most military writing however it does suffer from being too clinical, in spite of the fact that Max Hastings shared the same hazards and privations as the ground level soldier. For a more complete picture of what it was like being involved in the actual conflict, at the squaddie's level, you should read The Battle for the Falklands in conjunction with Ken Lukowiak's superb "A Soldier's Song" (Orion Books, 1993). Disjointed, reflective, ambivalent, irreverant, Lukowiak's account of the conflict must rank alongside "All Quiet on the Western Front" as a testament to the pointlessness of war in general. Interestingly, it does lay bare the British media's manipulation of events for maximum emotional effect -- a shining example of this being the myth that Colonel Jones, who died leading the attack at Goose Green, was affectionaly known as "H" to his men; to the ordinary squaddies of 2 Para, the Colonel was respected but only the officers referred to him as "H" - the sqaddies called him "Jonesie" or somesuch. It's also interesting how Lukowiak was repelled when The Sun ran its "Gotcha" headline on the sinking of the General Belgrano - he and many others fighting the war felt that the UK media, safe behind their word processors in Wapping, London, had no right to be so belligerant and jingoistic as they weren't the ones up to their necks in sheep ... in the trenches fighting the actual war! He has another great anecdote about how a Brit journalist desirous of wiring home a news story, attempted to queue-jump a line of paratroopers who were themselves waiting to call home to their loved ones on a satellite phone and was very nearly bashed for his trouble! You get the feeling somehow that the reporters weren't particularly respected by the squaddies. All in all, for the bare facts & analysis I'd read Hastings, but for the authenticity of the experience, I'd stick to Lukowiak anytime.

This has to be the most definitive account, from a British perspective, of a war that continues to invoke emotive reactions when discussed either side of the Atlantic. The narrative is perfectly balanced with the immediacy of the action described by Max hasting who was on the ground with the Task Force and the intrigue of the politics explained with unnerving clarity by Simon Jenkings. The book interwieves a stark narrative of the realities of battle with an enlightening view on the working of politicians and their influence on the start and ultimate outcome of war. While the book should appeal for those with a thirst for the factual, there is sufficient analysis of both the strategy of battle and the politics of war to satisfy most. I began reading this book looking for answers to how and why the war started, in this regard I feel the account fully satisfied my curiosity. What surprised me was the degree to which the descriptions of the strategy for naval warfare invoked images and scenarios that were as reminiscent of ancient history as they were relevant to contemporary conflicts. Descriptions of diplomatic efforts to forestall a war, the series of mis-communications that led ultimately to open conflict, the initial celebrations in suport of the Task Force and the ultimate subdued reaction to conclusion of war all make sobering reading. For detailed tactical accounts of naval battles this must be one of the best case studies since the Second World War. The ultimate question as to whether the war was justified or otherwise is analysed in conclusion although the authors err on the side of impartiality raising more questions than answers. A thoroughly recommended read.

Max Hastings is a renowned and revered author on battles. His best book was published straight after the Falklands War and was titled "Don't Cry For Me Sergeant Major". I assumed that this newer book would be of a similar ilk, as he joins the troops and gets his hands (cold and) dirty. However, with Jenkins' aid he manages to step away from the action and explain more of the background processes at 10 Downing Street which, sadly, neither of the authors were privy to.

Overall 'The Battle for the Falklands' is an informative book, probably the most rounded account of the war for these small islands. A very interesting read although so much more could have been gained by the inclusionof Hastings', and others, personal accounts.

This has to be the most definitive account, from a British perspective, of a war that continues to invoke emotive reactions when discussed either side of the Atlantic. The narrative is perfectly balanced with the immediacy of the action described by Max hasting who was on the ground with the Task Force and the intrigue of the politics explained with unnerving clarity by Simon Jenkings. The book interwieves a stark narrative of the realities of battle with an enlightening view on the working of politicians and their influence on the start and ultimate outcome of war. While the book should appeal for those with a thirst for the factual, there is sufficient analysis of both the strategy of battle and the politics of war to satisfy most. I began reading this book looking for answers to how and why the war started, in this regard I feel the account fully satisfied my curiosity. What surprised me was the degree to which the descriptions of the strategy for naval warfare invoked images and scenarios that were as reminiscent of ancient history as they were relevant to contemporary conflicts. Descriptions of diplomatic efforts to forestall a war, the series of mis-communications that led ultimately to open conflict, the initial celebrations in suport of the Task Force and the ultimate subdued reaction to conclusion of war all make sobering reading. For detailed tactical accounts of naval battles this must be one of the best case studies since the Second World War. The ultimate question as to whether the war was justified or otherwise is analysed in conclusion although the authors err on the side of impartiality raising more questions than answers. A thoroughly recommended read.

The Falkland Islands War was a strange event. I was only 12 at the time, but even so, I remember thinking it was very unusual that a war could start and end so quickly, between nations you would not consider traditional enemies. As the authors point out, it was the last of Britains colonial wars - fought maintain prestige more so than because of the worth of the territory. Argentina invaded the Islands on the assumption that Britain would not fight for them. Obviously they underestimated the will of the British people, and especially that of the Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, who quickly dispatched the largest task force she could muster to reclaim the islands. This book starts well before the war and explains the colonial situation and the history of Argentina's attempts to win sovreignty over the islands they can the Malvinas. It then moves to the details of the actual invasion and attempts to rationalise the motives behind the Argentine junta's decision. The book really hits its stride with the dispatch of the task force and the battles that then took place on land and at sea.

The book was written shortly after the end of the war. Max Hastings is a journalist that accompanied the task force, and brings a level of authenticity that only a first-hand experience can give. Simon Jenkins's contribution was on the home front, detailing the cabinet and parliamentary discussions and direction of the war. That these two parts seamlessly mesh is a credit to the editor.

Even though there was little time between the end of hostilities and the release of the book, the conclusions of the authors have stood the test of time. Unfortunately, we will likely never know all the details about the Argentine side (due to the instability of the government at the time), so most of the commentary and description of events is from the point of view of the British forces. The authors are careful not to "cheerlead" the British side, and condemn both sides equally for failing to resolve the dispute peacefully.

Most importantly, the book is very easy to read, and tells an exciting story besides. The conclusions are inescapeable - the British won due to superior training, tactics, and motivation of the footsoldier on the ground. Full marks go to the Argentine Air Force for their spirited conduct during the hostilities, but air power alone cannot win a war. The authors also blame the situation on the lack of human intellegence (as opposed to signal or satellite intel) that totally missed the imminent threat to the Falklands from Argentina. They further argue for balanced armed forces because, as we rediscovered on Sept. 11, you never know what kind of threat you will face. These conclusions are applicable today, which tells for the universality and timelessness of this fine account.

This is without a doubt one of the best books ever written about this tragic war. The book while a little dry at times none-the-less is a detailed analysis of the precursors to the war, the battle timelines and the final victory as the British recapture the Falklands. The book points out the failed Argentine tactics of sending young inexperienced conscripts to defend the Falklands against a well armed and highly professional military force. Also, don't miss the fact that while the Argentine Navy was one of the strongest voices for the invasion of the Falklands, once the Argentine Heavy Cruiser, the General Belgrano was sunk, the Argentine Navy returned to port and left the real fighting to the Army and Air Force.

Few books, regardless of the balanced writing, even this one, has ever made the point that when the British liberated the Falklands they also set into motion the forces that liberated Argentina and allowed it to return its rightful place among the world's democracies.

The Falklands war is a piece of history that is largely forgotten piece of history, whose lessions are ignored these days. If Hastings & Jenkins book was better known that wouldn't be the case.

This book does a fine job covering all of the aspects of the conflict from the history of the Falklands, the diplomatic moves and the anxieties of both England and Argentina.

The accounts of the Battles and the Bravery of British troops would not shock a student of history, but might shock a person writing a history of England over the last 30 years. The heart of what was once the Greatest Empire in the world was laid bare and this books shows that heart in the person of the brave men who fought there.

The most telling moment of the book for me was the aftermath when they talked to people about what was learned. Three things stood out.

The Flyers of Argentina were basically abandon to fight one of the strongest nations in the world without proper support. The fought and died bravely. The lack of support by their government and the other branches of their military was disgraceful.

A statement made concerning tactics and training said a mouthful. To paraphrase: "These guys can't believe that it comes down to training and dedication. They think there is a secret pill or buttion that makes things work if only they could be told what it was." Training and skill made the difference here. It is why England always had the edge.

Finally the statement that it was shocking that England would actually fight. This belief in the weakness of demorcratic countries has caused the fall of many over the last 100 years. It is a lesson still being learned today.

All of these points are brought to life in this book. It is an engaging read and very relevent for the times.

Highly recommended.

I was six and a bit when the war began and ended, and I only have patchy memories of the period. I can remember Moira Stewart constantly calling it 'The Falklands Crisis' on the news, and I can remember news footage of grey ships sitting in a sunlit harbour, and Simon Weston, the badly-burned survivor of the 'Galahad', who went on to be something of a mini-celebrity. And, for that matter, Adrian Mole's dad leaping out of bed on learning that the islands had been invaded, as he believed that they were off the coast of Scotland. But that's about it. Nobody ever played Falklands War games at school and although Action Men (GI Joe figures, if you're American) were still popular, they always fought the Germans, not the 'Argies'. I think that more people in Britain genuinely hated the Argentines because of Maradona's 'Hand of God' goal than for the Falklands. For a long time computer games featured Harriers and Exocets, but after a few years the whole affair faded away, with the occasional media spurt - 'Tumbledown', for one - to keep it distantly in the imagination. As such, it's nice that this book is still in print. Originally released in 1983, it was reissued in 1997 (with a new foreword, although the content is still the same). It alternates between presenting a view of the conflict on the ground, and a view of the conflict in Whitehall - the former bits are engaging, whilst the latter are very dry and a little dull. That - and the fact that there isn't even a mention of the Sun's infamous 'Gotcha' headline - is the only real drawback, as I see it, as the history presented here seems definitive (of course, I wasn't there, so I have no way of knowing how definitive. But it rings true). I was surprised to learn that there were essentially only two land battles - Goose Green and the extended series of fights around Stanley - and I was also surprised at how passive the Argentines seemed. The Argentine Air Force seemed to be hammering the British Navy to start with, but then seemed to give up - the book explains that this was due to attrition, but that doesn't seem right. There are some useful illustrations, maps and so forth, and the photographs in the middle are poignant - lots of ramrod straight military men, some of them looking as if they had stepped straight from Rorke's Drift, some of them dead. As it was published in 1983, the only serious downside is that there isn't much from the Argentine point-of-view. By all accounts it seems as if the Argentines could have prolonged the battle for months, but they chose not to - political pressures at home, or psychological defeat? It's odd to see James Callaghan's name, not once, but several times.