Operation Keyhole facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Operation Keyhole |
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| Part of Falklands War | |||||||
 South Sandwich Islands |
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 Argentina |
 United Kingdom |
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| Strength | |||||||
| 9 military personnel | 1 frigate 1 icebreaker 1 fleet tanker 6 helicopters 2 rifle troop units (from 42 Commando) |
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| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| 9 captured | None | ||||||
Operation Keyhole was a special mission by the British military. It happened during the Falklands War in 1982. The goal was to take back Thule Island, which is part of the South Sandwich Islands. This mission took place on June 19 and 20, 1982.
Why the Operation Happened
Argentina had built a base called Corbeta Uruguay on Thule Island. They did this to support their claim over British land in the South Atlantic. Even though it was said to be a weather research station, Argentine military people also used it.
The British government found out about this base in December 1976. Before the Falklands War started in 1982, Britain tried to solve the problem peacefully. However, they were not successful.
The Operation Itself
After Argentina surrendered in the Falkland Islands on June 14, 1982, a British group of ships sailed to the South Sandwich Islands. This group included the frigate HMS Yarmouth, the patrol ship HMS Endurance, the tanker RFA Olmeda, and the tug Salvageman. Their job was to end Argentina's presence there.
Special reconnaissance marines from Endurance and 42 Commando Royal Marines secretly landed on Thule Island. They went to watch what the Argentine forces were doing. The conditions on the island were very tough. The air temperature was minus 20 degrees Celsius. Strong winds, gusting up to 60 miles per hour, made it feel like minus 52 degrees.
The British ship Yarmouth fired its gun to show its power. Several helicopters also flew around the Argentine base. With the Royal Marines on the island and the ships nearby, the Argentinians raised a white flag. Royal Marines, who had been forced to lower the British flag on South Georgia on April 3, now raised the British flag on Thule Island. The final surrender of the war was signed on the ship Endurance. All the commanders were there.
Ten people (one civilian and nine military personnel) were taken from the island. They were moved to the tanker Olmeda, which then sailed to South Georgia with Yarmouth. The Argentine base "Corbeta Uruguay" was closed. Its buildings were sealed up to protect them from the weather. The other ships, Endurance and MS Salvageman, followed. They arrived back at Cumberland East Bay, South Georgia, by June 24, 1982. No one was hurt or killed on either side during this operation.
What Happened Next
In March 1983, a British spokesperson said that on December 19, 1982, a research ship, HMS Hecate, found that someone had returned to the base. They had lowered the British flag and put up the Argentine flag instead.
To stop Argentina from trying to return to Thule Island, the base was later destroyed. This happened in February 1983. Crew members from HMS Ariadne and the supply ship RFA Tidespring carried out the demolition. The flagpole, two weather beacons, and a hut with supplies were left untouched.
See also
- Hope Bay incident
