Oh give me break, we all know it was UFOs. Part of Argentina is Patagonia and aliens have been visiting that part of the world for thousands of years. I mean they talk about it on Ancient Aliens all of the time.
HMS Anson soldiers on
- Thread starter alspug
- Start date
Oh give me break, we all know it was UFOs. Part of Argentina is Patagonia and aliens have been visiting that part of the world for thousands of years. I mean they talk about it on Ancient Aliens all of the time.
The Argentinian Air Force had a considerable force available but a limited ability to project to a location around the Falkland islands . The Air Force only had 2 KC-130 tankers and this limited the size of the strike operations . The A-4 Skyhawks would carry out strikes needing 2 refuelling's and could only carry one 1000lb bomb or 4 500 lb retarded bombs . The Mirage and Dagger aircraft would be unable to refuel and at the absolute limits of their endurance . Even taking a single 500 lb bomb instead of the 1000lb version would make little difference . Of course the closer the Royal Navy came to Argentina the better it would be .
For the Reconnaissance aircraft and the aircraft with decent radars the operational conditions became more and more arduous . The C-130 squadrons had become used to flying into Stanley every day at Dawn and then again at dusk . Typically 4 transports would arrive with equipment and men , most of whom had until recently served in the Cuban Army or Air Force . The proliferation of twin 23 mm anti-aircraft cannon owed much to this supply chain . By the time the Royal Navy began reaching a point that would have been traditionally used to start air strikes the Argentinian forces on the island had swelled due to the Cuban volunteers to 14,000 men . These men had been spread out to defend various localities and had limited Artillery and mobility . The large numbers of mines that had shown up on various SAS and SBS probes had become a concern . A landing at Stanley would work due to the presence of HMS Anson . What would be true is that the mines would make it a very rough day . With this in mind taking the Argentinians from behind was preferable .
The first location on Falkland island soil to be liberated was the Airstrip on Pebble island . It would be symbolic and also could be turned into a forward airbase for the Harrier units allowing them to provide better air cover . Current intelligence was being updated by a pair of SBS soldiers on a small rise overlooking the airfield . The recent installation of several zu-23 anti-aircraft units was carefully noted and the artillery plot worked out . During the night the SAS and SBS units landed and proceeded to locations overlooking the runway . By a stroke of good luck a Sentry was observed saluting everyone entering a dugout . This was noted as the first target .
As the Sun rose the sound of tearing canvas and the eruption of soil into the sky signalled the first two 14 inch shells . These landed 300 ft short of the command post . even as the officers woke up and began to react the SAS sniper teams began engaging weapon crews . Then a full salvo of 5 14 inch shells landed around the command post . By the time the dust settled any attempt to command the defences was gone .
For the Reconnaissance aircraft and the aircraft with decent radars the operational conditions became more and more arduous . The C-130 squadrons had become used to flying into Stanley every day at Dawn and then again at dusk . Typically 4 transports would arrive with equipment and men , most of whom had until recently served in the Cuban Army or Air Force . The proliferation of twin 23 mm anti-aircraft cannon owed much to this supply chain . By the time the Royal Navy began reaching a point that would have been traditionally used to start air strikes the Argentinian forces on the island had swelled due to the Cuban volunteers to 14,000 men . These men had been spread out to defend various localities and had limited Artillery and mobility . The large numbers of mines that had shown up on various SAS and SBS probes had become a concern . A landing at Stanley would work due to the presence of HMS Anson . What would be true is that the mines would make it a very rough day . With this in mind taking the Argentinians from behind was preferable .
The first location on Falkland island soil to be liberated was the Airstrip on Pebble island . It would be symbolic and also could be turned into a forward airbase for the Harrier units allowing them to provide better air cover . Current intelligence was being updated by a pair of SBS soldiers on a small rise overlooking the airfield . The recent installation of several zu-23 anti-aircraft units was carefully noted and the artillery plot worked out . During the night the SAS and SBS units landed and proceeded to locations overlooking the runway . By a stroke of good luck a Sentry was observed saluting everyone entering a dugout . This was noted as the first target .
As the Sun rose the sound of tearing canvas and the eruption of soil into the sky signalled the first two 14 inch shells . These landed 300 ft short of the command post . even as the officers woke up and began to react the SAS sniper teams began engaging weapon crews . Then a full salvo of 5 14 inch shells landed around the command post . By the time the dust settled any attempt to command the defences was gone .
What gets me is why Cubans (communists) are helping a far right dictatorship.
Other than that, it's a fantastic TL so far. Really enjoying it.
Other than that, it's a fantastic TL so far. Really enjoying it.
Ramontxo
Donor
Well Franco always respected Castro and refused to break economic (and others) relations with him even in the worst moments. When Spain (Basque) Ambassador broke upon a TV (tipically long) Interview that Castro was giving in Cuba's TV, after he felt insulted and had an expectacular exchange with the bearded leader he had to be recalled. Spanish press make him an hero. Franco told him (in a really cold) interview that he (Franco) was insulted Very, very often but had never reacted like that . And had him "Haciendo pasillos" (waiting for another position) for months. Birds of the same feather...
Derek Pullem
Donor
IOTL it's reasonably certain that they were supplying soviet arms through Libya to Argentina with a Brazilian "blind eye"
http://cafefuerte.com/puntos-de-vis...as-malvinas-y-el-largo-brazo-de-fidel-castro/
An open intervention is surprising but not beyond AH boundaries IMHO.
When you want to fight against imperialistic Villains like the British you are not far away from the goals of the traditional idealistic enemy . I personally find communism and fascism to be fairly similar in basic operations . The fascists however seem to favour a capitalistic society with socialist controls . Kind of like taking the best of someone else's idea and then adding a few additions . The Cubans throughout the cold war worked in any conflict they could as mercenaries . It was one of the ways Castro got his weapons .
Ramontxo
Donor
An interesting Argentinian document about hidden satelit soviet help (in Spanish) It states that there were ambivalent relationship between the fiercely anticomunista Junta and the Soviets and their very much needed exportation market. To the point that in the savage, widespread repression against Montoneros left Peronistas and others the Argentina official Communist Party was actually allowed to be (and it is not the first time I have heard that)
https://www.infobae.com/sociedad/20...ron-a-la-flota-britanica/?outputType=amp-type
edited to add this photo
/s3.amazonaws.com/arc-wordpress-client-uploads/infobae-wp/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/16165459/Documentos-Desclasificados-malvinas-relacion-de-la-junta-militar-con-la-Union-Sovietica-2.jpg)
https://www.infobae.com/sociedad/20...ron-a-la-flota-britanica/?outputType=amp-type
edited to add this photo
Two hours after the first 14 inch shell landed Pebble island was securely in British hands . The Fleet was heading away to gain some room to avoid easy attack and the runway at Pebble island was being prepped into a forward air base . Munitions had been limited to a few pallets of 30 mm ammunition , 2 dozen AIM-9L missiles and several hundred 68mm Sneb rockets and launchers . Rounding out the munitions was a dozen 1000 lb bombs and 2 dozen Bl-755 cluster bomb units . Several fuel bladders had been moved into position by the four Chinooks of No18 squadron now operating a taxi service from the various ships of the fleet to the airfield . The Airfield defence was taken over by 63 squadron RAF Regiment and with 8 Rapier launch units well spread out the airfield was as well protected as possible . Enterprising members of the Regiment had managed to add several ZU-23-2 to their TOE and manned those as well . While the defences and munitions built up the Pioneer units spent the morning filling in several craters in the runway . This was a massive task made easier when the Squadron Leader of 63 Squadron took offence to the several dozen men watching the work and doing as little as possible . Within 20 minutes close to a hundred men had been turned into coolies and set to work . 3 back braking hours later the runway was ready and the first Sea Harrier Cap landed and while being refuelled one of the pilot's found a corner to relieve his bladder . A quick Sanga and he was ready to take off again . 30 minutes after landing both Sea Harriers had begun to climb back to the CAP orbit . As they climbed the Argentinian command sent a Pucara COIN aircraft to see what was causing the lack of radio response .
Heh, I recall at the time it was noted the Harriers were the first aircraft in decades not to be fitted with 'relief tubes' for the pilots....
Keep up the good work!
Regards,
Under that interpretation isn’t it legal for the British to execute them as pirates?
The OP mentioned that the British UN Delegation declared war on the Argentine's bout 2-3 chapters/posts ago. UK and Argentina are now a formal state of war unlike OTL.
Loving this thread, it's looking like HMS Anson's going after the Warspites record, lol.
After the original conflict had finished the RN changed the way it did business as did a lot of other navies (lessons learnt) it would be really interesting to see future navies around the world looking towards new modern BB designs once again.
After the original conflict had finished the RN changed the way it did business as did a lot of other navies (lessons learnt) it would be really interesting to see future navies around the world looking towards new modern BB designs once again.
Flying at low altitude the Pucara cruised at 400 km/hr as it cruised through valleys trying to avoid being detected by the prowling Sea Harriers . So long as he was within 40 km of Stanley no interception would occur . As he neared Pebble Island he noticed several Helicopters flying towards the airfield . Assuming the worst he pushed his throttle forward flipped the arming switch and radioed Stanley to inform them that Pebble island was either under attack or had been already lost . Having passed this message he was torn between shooting the Helicopters down or heading back to base . With a groan internally he decided to engage the helicopters .
With 2 20 mm cannon and 4 7.62mm machine guns he was well armed for the task he was about to attempt . Directly ahead of him he could see 4 Chinook helicopters and a pair of Gazelle helicopters flying alongside . He was excited and hopeful . As he approached the Gazelle flight turned towards him and began to separate to make the engagement easier . Both gazelle helicopters had a pair of 7 tube launchers along with a single 7.62 mm GPMG being handled by the Co-pilot. As the Pucara reached 1500 yards both Gazelles began to fire . The Sea Harrier's that had just launched from Pebble Island stopped climbing and turned for the Pucara . Due to the proximity of the helicopters no missile launch was possible . Both dived and tried to reach the scene of the location . As they watched both Gazelle's seemed to explode . The launch signature of the Sneb rockets was visually spectacular . As the rockets flashed past him the Pucara pilot began to manoeuvre to avoid the attack . As he climbed a single sneb rocket impacted his starboard wing and detonated . Luckily it was a hollow charge and although it damaged the wing it was not immediately fatal . The damage made him lose perspective and turning as tight as he dared he began to close the Gazelle's . Just as he was about to open fire the Lead Sea Harrier opened fire and sent a stream of 30mm Aden shells into the damaged Pucara . A single shell hit the already damaged wing and simply took the outer wing off .
This failure to protect the Chinooks was nearly fatal . very rapidly several Gazelle's received a single 30 mm Aden cannon jerry rigged onto the Starboard outrigger . Firing trials showed success .
With 2 20 mm cannon and 4 7.62mm machine guns he was well armed for the task he was about to attempt . Directly ahead of him he could see 4 Chinook helicopters and a pair of Gazelle helicopters flying alongside . He was excited and hopeful . As he approached the Gazelle flight turned towards him and began to separate to make the engagement easier . Both gazelle helicopters had a pair of 7 tube launchers along with a single 7.62 mm GPMG being handled by the Co-pilot. As the Pucara reached 1500 yards both Gazelles began to fire . The Sea Harrier's that had just launched from Pebble Island stopped climbing and turned for the Pucara . Due to the proximity of the helicopters no missile launch was possible . Both dived and tried to reach the scene of the location . As they watched both Gazelle's seemed to explode . The launch signature of the Sneb rockets was visually spectacular . As the rockets flashed past him the Pucara pilot began to manoeuvre to avoid the attack . As he climbed a single sneb rocket impacted his starboard wing and detonated . Luckily it was a hollow charge and although it damaged the wing it was not immediately fatal . The damage made him lose perspective and turning as tight as he dared he began to close the Gazelle's . Just as he was about to open fire the Lead Sea Harrier opened fire and sent a stream of 30mm Aden shells into the damaged Pucara . A single shell hit the already damaged wing and simply took the outer wing off .
This failure to protect the Chinooks was nearly fatal . very rapidly several Gazelle's received a single 30 mm Aden cannon jerry rigged onto the Starboard outrigger . Firing trials showed success .
In London the feeling of easy success was palpable . Only the professional military men knew that even with the naval victories a single successful air raid could wreck the hopes for a liberation of The Falkland Islands and her British citizens . As the day began to transition to night Margret Thatcher finally agreed to expanding the TEZ to include all of Argentina's coastline and to announce a military blockade including searches for military supplies . This declaration was seen as essential as satellites had picked up Soviet flagged freighters loading in Libya and also in Cuba with Humint sources claiming Argentina as the destination . Along with the declaration was a request from the Naval commanders to allow for operations against the mainland . The permission for this was problematic as civilian casualties had to be avoided . Much discussion also occurred with regards to the best location for the actual invasion proper . Tentatively the chosen location was split into two landing one at Bluff cove and a second at Fitzroy . Both had the advantage that HMS Anson could potentially provide both air cover with her missiles and ground support with her guns . SBS and SAS operations in the vicinity had failed to locate any problems beyond the lack of good roads . Something that was a local specialty . Thankfully no Chieftans had been sent as no terrain for them to be effective existed . An operation to secure the various mountains on the march to Stanley was also discussed . The option of landing directly at Stanley was declared impossible after the presence of massive minefields was detected through SAS operations . The SSM sites at Stanley had to be removed as did the SAM battery in order to allow for unimpeded helicopter operations .
As I recall, Scorpions were part of the deployment. I recall reading at the time one of their advantages as a light tank was their footprint exerted less pressure on the ground than an infantryman (pounds per square inch or kg per square cm, I don't recall what the measurement was) so bogs, sand, swamps and muddy conditions didn't hamper them like wheeled vehicles or larger tanks....
Great work, looking forward to more.
Regards,