Mt Longdon with FIDF

At 9:30 AM, the group departed from the Museum car park in their minibus, heading towards Wireless Ridge where we were set to meet the FIDF members. In charge of the operation, codenamed 'Past Finders,' was Trevor Law, a former Royal Marine. We were split into four groups and transported in FIDF 4x4s—specifically, 130 Land Rovers. The ground was wet in places, and we were caught by surprise when all of the vehicles got bogged! Mud flew, and wet feet became the unfortunate reality for one team!

Upon arriving at the northwest end of Mount Longdon, we quickly jumped out of the vehicles and prepared for battle. The group was issued various equipment to carry, and the Burgans proved a bit heavy for the younger members. This area had served as an aid post and ammunition station during the 1982 conflict.

Trevor took the time to provide us with an in-depth history of the Battle of Mount Longdon. He explained how 3 Para landed at Port San Carlos, then tabbed across East Falklands via Teal Inlet, clearing Mount Simon, Top Marlo, and Estancia House. The battalion began sending out patrols to scout the area around Mount Longdon, understanding that taking the high ground was crucial before the British forces could retake Port Stanley. Trevor gave a brief overview of the key positions around the area, including Mount Kent, Two Sisters, Mount Harriet, Goat Ridge, Mount Tumbledown, Wireless Ridge, and Mount William.

The task for 3 Para was to take Mount Longdon on the night of June 11th-12th, 1982, timed to coincide with 45 Commando’s attack on Two Sisters and 42 Commando’s assault on Mount Harriet. The operation began with a silent approach at 00:15, but that changed when Corporal Milne stepped on a landmine, alerting the enemy. From that moment on, chaos erupted. Trevor pointed to the spot where the Argentines had laid landmines on the west end of Mount Longdon, a path that extended around the mountain’s south side. This is still visible today, even after the mines were cleared by deminers years ago.

4 Platoon was hit hard by enemy fire, suffering one fatality and four wounded, including their commander. Sergeant McKay stepped in and took charge of 4 Platoon, pushing forward. We followed in their footsteps, trekking up the left flank (north side) of the mountain, which was incredibly steep with rock faces on either side. Trevor explained that this area was known as "Grenade Alley" because the Argentines would throw grenades down on the British troops as they ascended. After scrambling through dense ferns, Trevor discussed how 5 and 6 Platoon entered the battle to attack and clear the area.

As we continued forward to the summit, Trevor pointed out enemy positions, where countless lives were lost. At the summit today, several memorials stand in honour of those who died. The group laid a wooden cross and observed a two-minute silence to remember those who gave their lives for our freedom. We also reflected on Ben Lovett, a former history teacher at FICS, who took students to Mount Longdon to teach them about the 1982 battle. Ben's father tragically lost his life on Mount Longdon, and we stood together in remembrance of him and his comrades.

The descent took us to a memorial for B Company, 3rd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment. Just to the east of this location was a temporary burial ground for Argentine soldiers. We then moved across the mountain to one of the Argentine gun positions, which had an excellent line of sight to Stanley and the mountain tops. The group then scrambled down the north side to a newer memorial for Sergeant Ian John McKay VC. From there, we made our way to a sniper position near where Sergeant McKay fell. Sergeant McKay was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for his courageous actions.

After descending the mountain, it was time to head back to Stanley. Along the way, the youth group had many questions, showing their genuine interest and engagement with the history of the battle. It really felt like we were walking through history. Trevor’s passion and enthusiasm brought the story of Mount Longdon to life.

A huge thank you to the FIDF members—Trevor, Amy, Mike, and Kristan—for providing such an insightful and moving experience of the Battle of Mount Longdon in 1982.