Gavin Hamilton (British Army officer) facts for kids

Captain Gavin John Hamilton (born May 15, 1953 – died June 10, 1982) was a brave soldier in the British Army. He was a leader in a special forces unit called the SAS during the Falklands War. Captain Hamilton was sadly killed in action while working behind enemy lines on West Falkland. He was awarded the Military Cross for his courage.

Military Career

After finishing his training at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, Gavin Hamilton became an officer in the Green Howards regiment in 1975. He served with the British Army in different places around the world. These included Cyprus, Belize, and Northern Ireland during a time of conflict known as The Troubles. In 1981, he joined the SAS, which is a highly trained special forces unit. He was part of D Squadron, 19 (Mountain) Troop.

The Falklands War

The Falklands War was a conflict between Argentina and the United Kingdom in 1982. Captain Hamilton played a very important role in several key battles.

South Georgia and Pebble Island

Captain Hamilton showed great bravery early in the war. He survived two helicopter crashes in bad weather on the Fortuna Glacier in South Georgia. Just two days later, he led his team to capture the main Argentine positions in a place called Grytviken. This action led to the surrender of the Argentine forces on South Georgia.

Soon after, he led a daring mission called the Raid on Pebble Island. During this raid, his team destroyed eleven Argentine aircraft on the ground. This was a big blow to the enemy's air power.

Battle of Mount Kent

When British ground forces landed at San Carlos, Captain Hamilton and his SAS Squadron moved 40 miles behind enemy lines. Their job was to watch the main enemy defenses near Port Stanley. His leadership was key in taking control of this important area. This spot was later used to launch the final attack on Port Stanley, which helped win the war.

On May 27, 1982, he spotted an Argentine patrol trying to sneak into his squadron's position. In the fight that followed, he captured an Argentine prisoner. The next night, his troop fought off another enemy attack. This allowed 42 Commando Royal Marines to fly in and make their position stronger on May 31, 1982. This was a very important step in the Falklands campaign. The day after, his troop ambushed another Argentine patrol, capturing five of its members.

Skirmish at Many Branch Point

On June 5, 1982, Captain Hamilton led a small four-man observation team behind enemy lines on West Falkland. Their mission was to watch Argentine activity at Port Howard. The team set up a hidden observation post on a ridge called Many Branch Point. From here, they sent radio reports about what they saw.

In the late morning of June 10, 1982, Captain Hamilton and a radio operator were at the post. They were discovered by an Argentine patrol. A firefight began, with both sides using rifles and grenades. Captain Hamilton was hit in the arm. He ordered his team to fight their way out. He provided covering fire, allowing his radio operator to withdraw first. As Captain Hamilton tried to follow, he was hit again by enemy fire and sadly killed.

Captain Hamilton was buried with military honors by the Argentine forces on West Falkland. His grave is in the small cemetery at Port Howard.

After the war, the Argentine Commander of Port Howard, Colonel Juan Ramon Mabragana, spoke about Captain Hamilton. He said Hamilton was "the most courageous man I have ever seen." He even suggested that Hamilton should receive an award for his bravery. Captain Hamilton was later given the Military Cross after his death.

Remembering Captain Hamilton

In 2002, the Argentine commando who led the patrol that day, José Martiniano Duarte, met Captain Hamilton's wife, Vicky Hamilton. He expressed his sadness about what happened at Many Branch Point 20 years earlier. He also praised Captain Hamilton's bravery.