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| Battle of Goose Green | |
|---|---|
| |
| Conflict: Falklands War | |
| Date: 28-29 May 1982 | |
| Place: Falkland Islands | |
| Outcome: British victory | |
| Combatants | |
| Commanders | |
| Strength | |
|
690 troops |
1,083 troops |
| Casualties | |
|
18 killed |
55 killed |
The Battle of Goose Green occurred from 28 to 29 May 1982 during the Falklands War. British troops, primarily of 2 Para, sometimes fighting at night, captured Argentine strongpoints at Goose Green and nearby Darwin, which could have posed a threat to the British landing area at San Carlos.
Background
The destruction of the British helicopters with the sinking of MV Atlantic Conveyor during the Battle of San Carlos Water was a heavy blow to the land campaign of the British troops during the Falklands War, forcing them to move on foot instead. Argentina had 2,000 troops in the East Falklands, 1,000 at Goose Green, and around 10,000 in the Stanley area, but the majority of their troops were conscripts, making them inferior to the professional British troops. From 27 to 28 May, 2 Para (500 men) and artillery support from 8 Commando Battery approached and attacked the Argentine 12th Infantry Regiment at Goose Green.
Battle
The Argentine regiment was positioned on the ridge, giving it an advantage over the British troops. 2 Para sought to complete the battle during the night to avoid becoming easy targets during daylight, but this was not to be. After 14 hours, the British forced the Argentines into Goose Green, having sent two companies around the ridge to attack the Argentine left flank; in addition, British Harriet jets struck the Argentine positions. The British commander Chris Keeble sent a request of surrender to the Argentines, threatening them with bombardment; the Argentine commander Italo Angel Piaggi reluctantly agreed, and 961 Argentine troops surrendered.
