35th Anniversary of the Falklands Liberation - Lest We Forget - 2017 Unc. Cupro Nickel Coin

The long-running dispute between Britain and Argentina over the ownership of the Falkland Islands was brought to a head on the 19th March 1982 when 50 Argentines landed on South Georgia Island and hoisted their flag.  Under the order of Galtieri, President of Argentina, the invasion of the Falkland Islands was declared on 2nd April which triggered the start of the War.  The British Government then lead by Margaret Thatcher responded to this attack by sending a large task force to recapture the Islands, including a member of the British Royal Family, Prince Andrew, who personally fought in the battle.  The Campaign launched by Margaret Thatcher, which probably initiated her nickname of the ‘Iron Lady’, was one of the most memorable events in post-war British History, in which British Forces operated 8,000 miles from home and in terrible conditions.

Almost 1,000 people lost their lives during the 74-day conflict but the War was brought to an end on 14th June, with the surrender of Argentina and the announcement of Britain as the victor. One of the largest losses of life occurred on the 2nd May 1982 when the Argentine Light Cruiser ARA General Belgrano was sunk by nuclear-powered submarine HMS Conqueror. Over three hundred of its crew perished and during the sinking but fortunately over 700 were saved from the freezing seas. After the sinking of this cruiser almost all of the Argentine fleet returned to port and stayed there for the rest of the war.