In 1982,
Britain and
Argentina had
been in dispute over the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands for 149 years. Although the
population of the islands wished to remain British, Argentina claimed sovereignty,
by virtue of their geographical proximity and on the basis of inherited claims from the
Spanish colonial era.
The dispute came to a head when Argentine civilians landed on uninhabited nearby South Georgia (also
claimed by Argentina) and raised the Argentine flag.
Argentina's ruling military junta, led by defacto President,
Leopoldo Galtieri, interpreted the lack
of a strong immediate British reaction, together with planned British naval cut-backs,
as a loss of interest in, and willingness to, defend the islands.
In early April, Argentinainvaded
the Falklands, overwhelming the tiny British garrison.
Outraged and humiliated, Britain quickly assembled a naval task force (consisting
of almost the entire Royal Navy), with the objective of recovering the islands.
Operation Corporate was the name given to the British military
operation to retake the Falkland Islands.
On this web site, you will find information about:
