Battlefields Tour

The Falkland Islands are most notably known for the 1982 Falklands Conflict between Argentina and Great Britain. This exclusive half-day excursion will provide passengers with an in-depth understanding of the conflict and it's enduring impact on these quiet islands.

Britain has occupied and administered the Falkland Islands since 1833.  Early in the twentieth century, Britain formally claimed them, despite Argentina's claim to the territory, however this dispute became a conflict in 1982, when Argentina invaded the islands, which claimed nearly 1,000 English and Argentine lives.

  

The Tour starts with a leisurely drive to the camp settlement of Fitzroy.

Upon arrival we will visit the memorials of the Sir Galahad and Sir Tristram which were hit by Argentine missiles just near to the settlement. Here, your professional battlefield escort will provide a brief commentary on the conflict and the battlefields that you will visit.

 

 

We will take a short break at the settlement's club were you can relax with a cup of tea/coffee and biscuits.

On our journey back towards Stanley your first stop will be at Mount Kent.  At 1,500 feet, Mount Kent is the highest peak of the mountains surrounding Stanley and forms the head of the valley leading down to the town. Not only was it an ideal vantage point for reconnaissance, but a logical starting point to capture the town. Initially the site of the Argentine helicopter depot, it was the location of the conflict’s initial air-to-surface battle of May 21st.  After Mount Kent fell to the British, it became the English military headquarters.

Continue then to the base of Mount Harriet, Mount Tumbledown and Mount William. At each of these sites, your guide will explain troop movements and the strategies used to overcome the occupying forces.

The battle for Mount Longdon proved the costliest for British troops with fierce battles during the night prior to the Argentine surrender on June 14, 1982. As the Scots Guards advanced under the cover of night on Mount Tumbledown, English troops simultaneously began their assault on Wireless Ridge, which served as the last Argentine position of strength on the north side of Stanley. After the capture of Wireless Ridge and Mount Tumbledown the capital of Stanley was surrounded.  

On your return to Stanley, your coach will make a stop at Moody Brook, at the head of Stanley harbour to the West of Stanley, to visit the site where the first and last shots of the Falklands conflict were fired.  You will then continue to the 1982 Liberation Memorial for photographs. We will then return you to the Visitor Car Park and you will hopefully arrive back to your ship with a more complete understanding of the Falkland Island’s turbulent past.

Note: As this excursion may involve walking over uneven terrain, it is recommended that guests wear comfortable walking shoes. Cool temperatures can be anticipated during this excursion, and it is recommended that guests carry a warm jacket or sweater and a hat.

Bottled water will be provided.

Excursion duration: approximately 4 hours  

Extremely limited participation

 

ESTIMATED TIMELINE (very very estimated!!!!)

0930-0935    Pick up at Public Jetty/Visitors Centre and dive to Hillside Camp

1010-1100    Depart Hillside Camp and head to Fitzroy Settlement

1150-           Depart Fitzroy

1220-1230    MPA Road to the base of Mt Harriet

1235-1245    Tumbledown

1245-1300    Travel back to Stanley

1300-1315    Moody Brook

1315-1330    Return to Public Jetty

 

 

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Last modified: Thursday May 05, 2005 19:23:01