Goose Green: The decisive battle of the Falklands War – by the British troops who fought it

I’ve read this book through, multiple times, and pick up something new each time it read it.I served in the British army for 16 years, starting out in 2 para. I joined in 94, so many of the names in this book are familiar and I was lucky enough to serve with a few.The book is written in chronological order by a multitude of different veterans of the battle, from different subunits of the battle group. It’s written per vadum from the statements given during interviews with each veteran. This conveys perfectly the unique dark humor, joy, sorry, frustration, fear, and every other emotion that ruled the day, Minute by minute from pre deployment to the final surrender of the goose green settlement, and beyond.I’d really like to thank Nigel Ely and everyone else who was involved, for giving this amazingly thorough account of the battle of goose green, and immortalizing the heroics of the men from my former battalion, the glorious 2 para.

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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.

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.