Battle for the South Atlantic
Date: 14th May 1982
Battle Location: Pebble Island - West Falkland - Falkland Islands
Battle Type: British Assault - Argentine Defend
Description: SAS Pebble Island Raid
During the night of 14 May, two Westland Sea King HC.Mk.4 helicopters of 846 Naval Air Squadron,
part of the Commando Helicopter Force, departed with 45 members of D Squadron on board.
The delivery point was 6km (3.7 miles) from the airstrip on Pebble Island. Mountain Troop was tasked
with the destruction of the Argentine aircraft, while the while the remaining personnel acted as a protection
force, securing approaches to the airstrip, and forming an operational reserve. The raiding party unloaded over
100 L16 81mm Mortar bombs, explosive charges, and Rocket 66mm HEAT L1A1 Light Anti-tank Weapons to
carry into the engagement zone from the helicopters, with each man in the raiding party carrying at least two
mortar bombs. For small arms, M-16 rifles were used, some with underslung M203 grenade launchers.
Approach navigation was conducted by a member of the Boat Troop who had carried out the reconnaissance.
As the raiding party approached the target they spotted an Argentine sentry but were not seen,
allowing them to enter the target and lay charges on seven of the aircraft. Once all the aircraft
had been prepared the raiding team opened fire on the aircraft with small arms and L1A1 rockets.
All of the aircraft were damaged, with some having their undercarriages shot away. Following this cue
Glamorgan began shelling the Argentine positions on the airfield using high-explosive rounds, hitting
the ammunition dump and fuel stores.
The defending force did not engage until the entire raiding party had re-grouped and were preparing to
move out. One British soldier was hit and wounded while the raiding party returned fire using small arms
Sources: Wikipedia - 1982 invasion of the Falkland Islands
Designer: Wigam - aka Marcus DOMINEY
Blitzkrieg Wargaming Club
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