Battle of Goose Green (The Falklands Conflict)

Agenda

• Gratuitous Picture of Puppy• Overview• Battle of Goose Green• LTC ‘H’ Jones• Understand• Direct• Lead• Assess• Conclusion of the Battle• Aftermath of the Conflict

Overview

Battle For Goose Green

LTC Herbert ‘H’ Jones

• Commander of 2 Battalion, Parachute Regiment

• Tasked to Defeat Argentinean Forces at Goose Green

• Killed on Darwin Hill While Assaulting an Argentinean Position

Understand

• Developed Training Plan Based On Threat Environment

• Personally Briefed All Commanders and Key Assets

Direct

• Provided Specific Guidance to Subordinate Commanders

• Ordered His D Co CDR to “Take the Hill”

Lead

• Lead a Charge Against a Machine Gun Position

• Seamless Transition from CDR to XO

• Insisted His Subordinate Commanders Lead the Battle With Their Men

• Argentinean Officers Observed Torturing and Executing Their Own Soldiers

Assess

• MAJ Keeble Identified a Need for a Tactical Pause

• Identified Self Limitations and Enemy Strengths

• Assessed Enemy Morale

Conclusion of the Battle• British

– 17 KIA– 35 Wounded– 1x Harrier Destroyed– 1x Scout Helicopter Destroyed

• Argentina– 47 KIA– 145 Wounded– 1200 POW– 12x Pucara CAS Aircraft– 1x Artillery Battery (105)– 1x ADA Battery (20mm/35mm)

Aftermath of the Conflict

• Argentina Driven From the Falklands

• The Commonwealth Restored Under British Protection

• Complete Collapse of the Punta Government and Rise of Democracy in Argentina

• Thorough Reassessment of Military Capabilities and Doctrine on Both Sides

Bibliography

1. Aldea, David. "Blood and Mud at Goose Green." Military History, April 2002: 44-49.

2. Griffin, Jim. "Still Relevant After All These Years." Naval Review; Proceedings, May 2012: 48-52.

3. Hastings, Max. Battle for the Falklands. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, Inc, 1983.

4. Oakley, Derek. The Falklands Military Machine. Kent: Spellmount LTD, 2002.

5. Stanton, Martin N. "The Falklands War; A Reassessment of the Argentinean Effort." Command: Military History, Strategy and Analysis, no. 47 (February 1998): 52-59.

6. www.Google.com

Questions