Telling the untold tale of the Falklands War

Press, 1 February 1988, Page 17

Telling the untold tale of the Falklands War

Nearly six years after the start of the war in the Falklands, many facts are still wrapped in red tape. Many of the key figures have remained silent. And no-one has been to Argentina to tell the other side of the story. Until now. “The Falklands War — The Untold Story,” (8.30 p.m. on One) shot in Britain, the United States, Argentina and the Falklands, reveals for the first time the reality of a war fought far from the television cameras — the real, human story of how the Falkland Islands were won ... and lost. It includes film shot through net curtains by islanders of the Argentine invasion. And there are exclusive interviews with officers and men on both sides of the conflict.

They throw new light on the death of Colonel ‘H’ Jones at Goose Green. And Argentina’s military governor, General Menendez, tells for the first time how he swallowed the bitter pill of defeat.

There is also an exclusive interview with Brigadier Julian Thompson, the man who masterminded the British recapture of the Falklands.

And there are moving human stories of the men and women whose lives were changed for ever by the war.

Viewers will also see for the first time, video footage shot by the Argentine navy. More than 1000 people

died and at least 1800 were wounded in the battle for the islands.

Seven ships and 34 British aircraft were lost. Argentina lost more than 100 aircraft.

Researchers spoke to many of the young Britons who sailed and to many of the Argentines who were pressed into military service in the cause of national glory. The programme’s producer and director, Peter Kosminsky, says: “We set out to tell the real story of what war is like in the 1980 s.

“People who are still serving in the armed forces speak freely about their feelings when faced with the death and mutilation of their colleagues.

“I think viewers will find it a disturbing but realistic picture of the Falklands War.”

Kosminsky adds: “We found some scenes upsetting when we filmed them. Listening to a mother talking about her dead son, whether she was British or Argentine, was truly distressing. “But I hope the programme will challenge some of the assumptions people have made about the war.”