Operation Sutton facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Operation Sutton
Date 21–23 May 1982 Location San Carlos Water, Falkland Islands Result British victory
Belligerents
United Kingdom	Argentina
Commanders and leaders
Sandy Woodward Julian Thompson Michael Clapp	Ernesto Horacio Crespo Lt. Esteban
Strength
2 destroyers 6 frigates Amphibious Task Force Sea Harrier CAPs	50-60 fighters 62 ground troops
Casualties and losses
3 killed 1 captured 2 helicopters 1 RAF Harrier GR3	6 killed 8 captured

Operation Sutton was a secret plan by the British military during the Falklands War. It involved British troops landing on the shores of San Carlos Water in the Falkland Islands. This important landing happened near places like Ajax Bay and Port San Carlos on East Falkland. The operation took place from May 21 to May 23, 1982.

British Troops Arrive

Under the cover of night, British commandos and paratroopers arrived. They came ashore from large ships like the SS Canberra and the HMS Fearless. The HMS Fearless is a special ship designed to land troops and equipment. At first, there was very little resistance from the Argentine forces on the ground.

First Contact at Fanning Head

The main Argentine force in the area was a small group called Combat Team Güemes. This team was part of the 25th Infantry Regiment. They were positioned at a place called Fanning Head.

Around 2:50 AM, the Argentine team spotted the British ships. They immediately started firing. They used mortars and recoilless rifles. British warships quickly fired back with their powerful guns. A special British team, the SBS, also returned fire.

Helicopter Incidents

During this exchange of fire, two British helicopters flew overhead. These were a Sea King and an Gazelle. The Argentine troops shot at them with machine guns.

Sadly, the pilot of the Gazelle, Sergeant Andrew Evans, was hit. He was badly injured but managed to crash-land the helicopter into the sea. Sergeant Evans and the other crewman, Sergeant Edward Candlish, were thrown from the aircraft. Argentine troops continued to shoot at them for about 15 minutes while they struggled in the water. Their commanding officer told them to stop, but they did not listen.

When the shooting finally stopped, Sergeant Candlish managed to pull Sergeant Evans to shore. Sadly, Sergeant Evans died there. Minutes later, a second British Gazelle helicopter, flying the same route, was also hit by gunfire. This helicopter crashed, and both crew members, Lt. Ken Francis and L/Cpl. Pat Giffin, were killed.

Argentine Retreat and Captures

Eventually, the Argentine troops at Fanning Head had to retreat. They left behind their communication equipment. At least eight other Argentine soldiers who fled the scene were later captured by the British forces.

Harrier Jet Shot Down

Later, Argentine commandos shot down a British GR.3 Harrier jet. This happened near Port Howard. The jet was on a mission to gather information. They used a Blowpipe missile to hit the aircraft. The pilot, Flight Lieutenant Glover, managed to escape by bailing out. He broke his arm and collar bone when he landed. Argentine soldiers quickly captured him. He was then flown to a military hospital in Argentina.

Aftermath

Operation Sutton was a key part of a larger British plan called Operation Corporate. The British landings at San Carlos Water led to a strong response from the Argentine Air Force and Navy. This intense fighting became known as the Battle of San Carlos. Six Argentine pilots were killed during this operation.

Images for kids

• British Paratroopers at a deployment zone near Port San Carlos

  British paratroopers getting ready near Port San Carlos.