On front line near Stanley

Press, 3 June 1982, Page 8

On front line near Stanley

NZPA Near Stanley British spearhead troops are now in sight of the Falklands capita) of Port Stanley, writes Robert McGowan of the “Daily Express." Standing on a mountain top with a forward patrol of the advancing paras I saw the first view by the British liberating ground forces of Stanley. As I watched, Royal Marine comhiandos on dur flank stormed the strategically vital Two Sisters ridge overlooking Moody Brook, where fellow Marines of Naval Company 8901, who put up such valiant resistance to the invaders two months ago, were based. Through a bitterly cold night, specialist units hit Argentinian observation posts in the high country overlooking the capital while the Paras, to whom I am attached, swept in and took a key pass. Opposition throughout was slight. Specialist troops were involved in sporadic firefights as Argentinian patrols fell back and took to the hills for Stanley. We found enemy trenches with boots, ammunition, and clothing still in them, indicating that the Argentinians ran when they saw the British sweeping in on them.

With more Marines on our other flanks, I can say with

confidence that Britain holds the high ground around Port Stahley. The British are not prepared for defeat. They will never accept the notion of it. As the Paras moved in to where Tony and Ailsa Heathman have recently started up a sheep farm, just 24krn from Stanley, troops beyond the glow of the moonlight caught an enemy special services patrol attempting to gain intelligence on our advance.

The Red Berets crept in around the four out-houses towards the white woodenwalled farmhouse with its red corrugated steel roof. The Paras thought enemy troops might be inside. "Open up — it’s the British Army,” said an officer as flares burst into life around the four bedroom building and Paras took up -firing positions.

Ailsa Heathman, clutching her baby, Nyree, aged one, lay on the floor along with Tony, aged 32. They have nine others in the house, all refugees from Stanley — three men, three women, and three children.

“I thought it may have been an English-speaking Argentinian officer,” said Mrs Heathman. “There are quite a few of them.”

In her spacious kitchen she made tea for the Paratroopers and added: "We are really pleased to see you.