List of leaders of the Falklands War facts for kids

The Falklands War was a short but important conflict in 1982 between the United Kingdom and Argentina. It was fought over who owned the Falkland Islands, a group of islands in the South Atlantic Ocean. Many important leaders, both political and military, played key roles on both sides during this time. This article will introduce you to some of these important figures.

United Kingdom Leaders

During the Falklands War, the United Kingdom had important political and military leaders who made key decisions.

Political Leaders

These leaders were in charge of the government and made big decisions for the country.

The Queen

• Elizabeth II was the Queen of the United Kingdom from 1952 to 2022. As the head of state, she was a very important symbol for the nation during the conflict.

The Prime Minister

• Margaret Thatcher was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1979 to 1990. She was the head of the government and made the big political decisions about how the UK would respond to the situation.

Governor of the Falklands

• Sir Rex Masterman Hunt was the Governor of the Falkland Islands from 1980 until April 2, 1982. He was the Queen's representative on the islands when the conflict began.

Military Leaders

These leaders were in charge of the armed forces and planned the military operations.

Defence Leaders

• John Nott was the Secretary of State for Defence from 1981 to 1983. He was in charge of the UK's military forces and advised the Prime Minister on defence matters.
• Terence Lewin was the Chief of the Defence Staff from 1979 to 1982. This was the highest military position in the UK, advising the government on military strategy.
• David Evans was the Vice-Chief of the Defence Staff from 1981 to 1983. He assisted the Chief of the Defence Staff in leading the armed forces.

Naval Leaders

• Henry Leach was the First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff from 1979 to 1982. He was the professional head of the Royal Navy.
• John Fieldhouse was the Commander-in-Chief Fleet from 1981 to 1982. He was in charge of the main naval fleet.
• Sandy Woodward was the Flag Officer First Flotilla from 1981 to 1983. He commanded the naval task force that sailed to the Falklands.

Royal Marines and Army Leaders

• Steuart Pringle was the Commandant General Royal Marines from 1981 to 1984. He was the head of the Royal Marines.
• Jeremy Moore was a Major-general of the Royal Marines. He commanded the land forces during the conflict.
• Michael Clapp commanded the amphibious assault group Task Group 317.0. This group was responsible for landing troops on the islands.
• Julian Thompson commanded 3 Commando Brigade from 1981 to 1983. This was a key fighting unit of the Royal Marines.
• Nick Vaux commanded 42 Commando from 1981 to 1983, another important Royal Marines unit.
• Tony Wilson commanded 5th Infantry Brigade, a major British Army unit.

Special Forces Leaders

• Jonathan Thomson commanded the Special Boat Service, a special forces unit of the Royal Navy.
• Michael Rose commanded 22 SAS, a famous special forces unit of the British Army.

Argentina Leaders

Argentina also had important political and military leaders during the Falklands War.

Political Leaders

These leaders were in charge of the government and made big decisions for Argentina.

The President

• Leopoldo Galtieri was the President of Argentina from 1981 to 1982. He was the head of state and made the main political decisions for Argentina.

Military Governors

• Oswaldo Jorge García was the interim Military Governor of the Malvinas, South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands. He was temporarily in charge of the islands after Argentina took control.
• Mario Benjamín Menéndez became the Military Governor of the Malvinas, South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands. He was the main military leader in charge of the islands during the occupation.

Military Leaders

These leaders were in charge of Argentina's armed forces and planned their operations.

Defence Leaders

• Julio Martínez Vivot was in the Ministry of Defense from 1982 to 1983. He was involved in managing Argentina's military.
• Leopoldo Galtieri also served as the Chief of the General Staff of the Argentine Army from 1981 to 1982, leading the army.
• Leopoldo Suárez del Cerro was the Chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. This role involved coordinating all branches of the Argentine military.

Service Commanders

• Jorge Anaya was the Commander-in-Chief of the Navy. He led Argentina's naval forces.
• Basilio Lami Dozo was the Commander-in-Chief of the Air Force. He led Argentina's air forces.

Operational Commanders

• Juan Lombardo was the Commander-in-Chief of the South Atlantic Theatre of Operations. He was in charge of all Argentine military operations in the region.
• Ernesto Horacio Crespo commanded the South Air Force, an important part of Argentina's air power during the conflict.