Falklands War: Snipers Down South (New Book)

[Roy W]

I have read this book now. It is an easy to read book, the kind of which you can pick up and put down without losing track. The beginning and end are more reference information about the L42 and L96, and as such, to more informed readers, more of a revision than enlightenment. However, the main section of the book, and the purpose of the book, consists of the personal accounts. These are the bits I read first, before finishing with the beginning and end. The personal accounts are an eye opener into how ill prepared the British Army were with regards to sniping, WW2 all over again. It also shows that real 'sniping' didn't occur in vast quantities during the conflict, but was more ad hoc, if at all.

The book also highlights the battle for South Georgia and the opening battle by NP8901 when the invasion occurred. These two actions perhaps standout as much for the lack of formal recognition for the participants as they do for the fierce fight put up by the defenders.

A good coffee table book and useful addition to any collection of sniper rifles or equipt. The fact it funds charities is a nice touch.

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[Gil Boyd]

Roy,

Thanks for that summary. It is as you say a charity book, and today Frank and I gave our first amount to SAMA on the first anniversary week of the battle for the Falkland Islands, with the ABF Museum recieving their initial sum by the end of the week.

Exactly as you said, the interesting feature throughout when I interviewed those who were trained snipers during the war, was that the commanders of each Regiment, didn't really know how to utilise such a fantastic and highly trained resource, on geographical ground that cried out for work by these highly trained individuals.

It also flagged up, the total lack the Gurkhas had for trained snipers, and who were being trianed by a seconded SAS Officer on the way down south on board ship. Their frustration is evident, when they were issued the L42A1 rifle but also given an L1A1 as well. You can only imagine the weight of equipment ammo, Platoon mortars/7.62 link etc plus personal equipment that needed to be carried on their backs.

The two interviews that presented the biggest challenge were indeed the Gurkha sniper and the Argentinian sniper on Mount Longdon.

Thanks for your kind words on the book, certainly a different experience for me, as my past book writing for the Airborne Assault Museum charity of which I am the Fund raising Trustee, has in the past been about BING The Parachuting Dog who saved hundreds of lives attached to the 13th Battalion, and Mertyl The Parachuting Chicken, who parachuted into battle inside the smock of its owner, Lt Pat Glover, both true stories and now sold out, raising a lot for the museum.

We have done a limited edition on this book. Hope those that want one have theirs on the way.

[Ovidio]

Here it is!!!
Gil, thank you for the book and for the personal message. I really appreciate it!
Next read!

Attachment 107137

[Gil Boyd]

Glad you got it mate in one piece and shows the posties are doing their best in these difficult times, albeit the corners look like they have taken a couple of strikes or is that the image?
Good to hear your feedback when you have the time.
Stay safe