Raid on Cortley Ridge facts for kids
The Special Air Service (SAS) and the Special Boat Squadron (SBS) are special forces groups from the United Kingdom. On the night of June 13-14, 1982, they tried a secret attack during the Falklands War. Their goal was to create a distraction at Port Stanley Harbour on East Falkland island. While other British soldiers attacked Wireless Ridge, about 30 SAS soldiers and six SBS members planned to cross the harbour. They used four fast boats called Rigid Raiders. Their mission was to destroy oil tanks on Cortley Ridge.
The Secret Mission Begins
The British commandos were spotted before they could reach the fuel tanks. An officer on an Argentine hospital ship saw them. This ship was getting ready to pick up Argentine Special Forces. A huge amount of gunfire then hit the SAS and SBS raiders. This fire came from many weapons, including anti-aircraft guns. These guns were placed along Cortley Ridge.
Despite the heavy fire, most of the raiders landed. But strong resistance from Argentine marines stopped them from moving inland. This forced the SAS and SBS teams to pull back. The Argentine marines were also supported by sailors. According to a book about the SBS, the four Rigid Raiders were badly damaged or sunk. Three British Special Forces members were also hurt in the attack.
One of the boats was badly damaged. It barely made it back to shore. Another boat sank close to the shore. Luckily, the team could swim to safety. The Rigid Raiders were full of holes and had to be destroyed.
What Happened Next
This attack was later questioned by some in Britain. They thought it was a risky operation. They felt it did not offer much strategic benefit. However, the raid did stop a big Argentine Special Forces plan. It also made the Argentine commanders believe that a major landing was happening. They thought British soldiers were about to enter Port Stanley.
Because of this, the Argentine Army Special Forces in Stanley changed their plans. They were preparing to go behind British lines. Instead, they were sent to help defend the anti-aircraft guns. They also looked for any SAS soldiers who might have been left behind.
