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Falklands War Timeline


Timeline Description: The Falklands War (April-June 1982) was a short war between Argentina and Britain. Argentina invaded the British-controlled Falkland Islands, located off the coast of Argentina. Britain defended the islands and won the war.

DateEvent TitleEvent Description
April 2, 1982Invasion of Falkland Islands(April 2-3, 1982)Argentinian forces invaded the Falkland Islands, entering the capital city, Port Stanley and forcing the governor to surrender. The following day, the invasion was condemned by the UN Security Council.
April 5, 1982British RespondBritish task force of more than 100 naval ships set sail for Falkland Islands, including aircraft carriers.
April 25, 1982British Royal Marines Retook South GeorgiaSouth Georgia was retaken by Royal Marines on April 25, 1982. British Prime Minister Thatcher refused to provide details.
April 30, 1982Task Force ArrivedThe British task force arrived in 200-mile exclusion zone surrounding the Falkland Islands on April 30, 1982.
May 1, 1982Air AttacksAir attacks began by both sides on May 1, 1982. Argentinian planes attacked the British task force, while British planes attacked the Port Stanley airfield.
May 2, 1982Argentinian Cruiser SunkOn May 2, an Argentinian cruiser, the General Belgrano, was torpedoed and sank by a British submarine. There was international criticism, as the Argentinian ship was outside the exclusion zone.
May 4, 1982HMS Sheffield AbandonedThe British Navy abandoned the HMS Sheffield following significant damage in battle on May 4.
May 21, 1982Frigate HMS Ardent SankOn May 21, 1982, the HMS Ardent sank, causing 22 British deaths, and the British began landings at San Carlos. A number of Argentinian aircraft were shot down.
May 25, 1982HMS Coventry SankArgentinian aircraft successfully sank the HMS Coventry on May 25, 1982. An attack on a British merchant ship resulted in a number of deaths.
May 28, 1982Battle of Goose Green(May 28-29, 1982)Fierce fighting at the Battle of Goose Green resulted in Argentinian surrender. More than 1000 Argentinian soldiers were taken as prisoners of war.
June 8, 1982Attacks on British Landing CraftArgentinian attacks on British landing crafts RAF Sir Galahad and RAF Sir Tristram resulted in a number of British deaths.
June 11, 1982British Take Mount Longdon and Mount Harriet(June 11-12, 1982)The British retook key sites, including Mount Longdon and Mount Harriet in the Falkland Islands. This enabled them to overtake Argentinian positions in the mountains.
June 14, 1982General Mario Menendez SurrenderedOn June 14, 1982, Argentinian General Mario Menendez surrendered to Major General Jeremy Moore as British forces entered Port Stanley.
June 17, 1982Argentinian President ResignedArgentinian President Leopoldo Galitieri resigned following his defeat in the Falklands War.