Goose Green: The Decisive Battle of the Falklands War – by the British Troops Who Fought It

This is a fantastic gritty and inspiring collection of interviews with veterans from the 2nd Battalion Parachute Regiment who fought at the battle of Goose Green in the Falklands War. It is a great insight into how tough and brutal the battle for Goose Green was with First World War type combat in awful cold conditions in the Falkland Islands. It was a close run thing and the Paras only won because of their superior fitness training and esprit de corps. They were vastly outnumbered by the Argentinian soldiers at Goose Green but thanks to excellent non comissioned Officers and section commanders and the bravery of the Toms in 2 Para they hung on to win a very hard fought victory. It was the first and the most important and decisive victory in the Falklands War. It is an excellent read and very well put together by Nigel Ely who fought with 2 Para at Goose Green. It also indicates what a rash and irrational Commanding Officer Colonel Jones was. He was clearly very brave but probably got himself and some other Officers and other ranks killed by his behaviour and driving personality. Major Chris Keeble who took over from H after he was killed on Darwin Hill seemed to be a more considered and thoughtful commander who cared more about the troops he commanded and who masterminded the Argentinian surrender at Goose Green leading to the prevention of a lot more potential deaths. The book also highlights the heroic efforts of the Army Air Corps pilots and medical staff who supported 2 Para throughout the battle of Goose Green. A very inspiring and great read. I was a "crap hat" who served in the Light Infantry for 5 years in the 1970s and did 4 tours of Northern Ireland and I only have admiration and awe for what the Paras achieved at Goose Green and Wireless Ridge. A breed apart indeed.

The author states near the beginning of the book how although the blokes were fighting no more than a few metres from each other they had no idea what their mates were doing or going through. This book gives a powerful account of the individual experiences of many of them, stories never heard or shared before. An excellent book with doubtless hours of research and commitment in getting others experiences out about what 2 Para did at Goose Green. By far the best book I’ve read on the conflict!

A very very good account of the 1st and most important battle of the Falklands War.

Spent six years working with Nigel, travelling all over the country to carry out Interviews, sadly Covid caused a Big Delay, all the accounts are genuine from People who were actually there. As for a certain Royal Marine, this is the same one who has made so many False claims in Other books, Including single handedly beating off an Air Strike against 3 Cdo bde HQ, with 1 Blowpipe. This claim was proved to be false by A Royal marine Senior Rank from 3 Cdo Intelligence section in His Book My Friends the Enemy.. We had Royal Marines attached to us, Mainly from 59 Cdo RE, sadly Mick melia was killed attached to A Company. Yes he was Air Defence with a Blowpipe Missile but he was not fighting clearing Trenches, or went near the forward slope at Goose Green which C Company advanced down. How can he claim that this book is totally Innacurate, just because he didnt get Interviewed. Same Marine also claimed that He was Put forward for a Military Medal By Major Chris Keeble, Chris Keeble does not recall this and no citation was ever written up. Yes he was at Goose green but was not front line, attached to Tac HQ, and at the end of the Day, he was Air defence and that is what his Job Was. Jealousy comes to Mind, along with his own Ego, We have not made any efforts to Insult the Small Royal Marine detatchment at Goose Green. We receieved some excellent gunfire support with the Little Ammo that 29 Cdo battery had at their disposal and also the Bravery of the Scout Pilots from 3 Cdo Air Sqdn, and also lost Mick Melia 59 Cdo Royal Engineers who was also 9 Para Sqdn Airborne Engineers.

This book really is something a bit special. I sat the war out in Arbroath in an SF team in an anti-terrorist role. Gutted didn’t even begin to describe how I felt at the time. This book is a remarkable collection of the recollections of the men who were there at the time, one person could never hope to have the full picture of what went on or who did what, where and when. Memories fade, details get lost. Most of the men involved will be at least 58 years old now. The narrative they weave collectively made this book one I could not put down. Some of the early sections describing a balloon jump brought back a few memories for me from 1977, I’d forgotten about the winching arrangement! The disjointed and confusing nature of battle is brought to life, the humour, the fear, the sadness, the anger and the humanity. One of the best books I have read in a very long time.

Relentless in describing the realities of war. I’m fascinated by the falklands conflict. This has left me feeling a bit sick. So much misery.It describes incredible feats. Close to disaster.Was it really needed as an operation? Lots in the book to think about.My deep respect for all those who served in this terrible battle.

Why do we moan and groan about such trivial things?What these young men put them selves through is very humbling and quite incredible . I wonder if the young men of today's time would have the grit determination and self belief these guys had. Then I remind my self they were Paras , I feel today's military will mould shape young men into the best fighting force in the world. Thanks lads.

Excellently presented collection of interviews which takes the reader beyond the political and media hype, to understanding the experience and cost of war on individual lives. It's a must read, whether you are interested in military history or not. War is messy. Don't expect to be entertained, expect to be educated.