40th Anniversary of the Falklands

On 2 April 1982, Argentinian forces invaded the British overseas territory of the Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic. The brief but bitter conflict lasted 74 days, during which 649 Argentine troops and 255 British servicemen lost their lives, as did three Falkland Islanders.

British forces landed on the islands on 21 May. After a series of activities against the Argentinian Army, they began the battle for Stanley, the islands’ capital, on 11 June.

The Argentinian forces surrendered on 14 June.

During the conflict the Argentine air forces sustained attacks on the British fleet, sinking two frigates, a destroyer, a container ship carrying transport helicopters, and a landing ship disembarking troops. One of the ships that sunk during the conflict was HMS Ardent (F184).

We are proud to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Falklands conflict with stamps depicting HMS Ardent in action and some of the memorials for those who lost their lives.