On 2 April 1982 Argentinian trooops invaded the Falkland Islands against minimal British opposition, precipitating a major British effort to retake the islands, beginning 21 May. the battle for Darwin and Goose Green was the first major land battle of the war as well as the bloodiest. The battle offered the first opportunity to test new weapons systems in combat, and to establish tactics which were used in later operations. The capture of some 1,600 Argentinians by a British battalion helped precipitate the eventual surrender of all Argentine forces in the islands.

ADE 751076-5 Approved for public release distribution is unlimited.