|
|||
 |
|||
 |
 |
 |
 |
The steps which led to victory: March 19 Scrap-metal workmen, hired to dismantle a disused whaling station, land without British consent at Leith, South Georgia, and hoist the Argentinian flag. April 2 Argentinian troops invade the Falkland Islands. April 3 Argentina seizes South Georgia after fierce battle with Royal Marines contingent. April 4 United Nations condemns Argentinian aggression and calls for withdrawal of troops. Frenzied activity in Portsmouth dockyard to prepare naval task force. April 5 Lord Carrington resigns as foreign secretary. First ships in Britain's task force, including carriers Hermes and Invincible, sail from Portsmouth. April 6 US secretary of state Alexander Haig starts peace-seeking mission. Francis Pym appointed foreign secretary. April 8 Britain declares 200-mile war zone around Falklands with effect from April 12. Argentinian junta reasons with its own South Atlantic operations zone. April 9 P&O liner Canberra sails from Southampton for the war zone. April 12 Two British nuclear submarines arrive off the Falklands. April 16 Task force sails from Ascension Island for the Falklands. April 21 First contact between task force and Argentinians - Royal Navy Sea Harrier intercepts and warns off Boeing 707. April 24 Two British warships take up position 50 miles off South Georgia. April 25 Royal Marines retake South Georgia. About 190 prisoners captured. Two Wessex helicopters crash in the island, but there are no British casualties. April 28 Sea blockade around Falklands extended by Britain to exclude aircraft of all nations as well as ships. April 30 Argentina declares 200-mile `no-go' zone covering same area as Britain's total exclusion zone. |
|
|
|
|
|