hist2004
05-28-2005, 08:40 AM
Brit's battle vs. Argentine Special Forces at Murrell Bridge
Does any one have any definitive information on this fierce patrol action? Here is a synopsis of the encounter:
Adrian Weale admits that on the night of 6-7 June 1982 Captain Ruben Figueroa led an attack by a section of 601 Commando Company against the Paras dug into the rocky height overlooking Murrell Bridge.
The performance of the Ejercito Argentino (Argentine Army) was less undistinguished than would appear from Max Hastings' account. However, Max Hastings' book is a must read. Comando Conjunto Malvinas (Argentine Divisional Headquarters) has been sharply criticised for its lack of initiative and failure to carry out counterattacks during the battle for Port Stanley's hills. The truth was that 42 Commando's observation post on Wall Mountain and 3 Para's patrol base near Murrell Bridge were raided by the Argentine Special Forces (601 Commando Company and 602 Commando Company), which were tasked with capturing prisoners (on 10 June at 0200 local time a bloody skirmish took place between a platoon of 45 Commando and Argentine Commandos near Murrell River, the Royal Marines only escaping after Sergeant Jolly took out an Argentine machinegun pouring fire over their getaway route. The Argentine Special Forces claimed that at least four British were killed, but no British record can be found of that). A study of the Argentine Army point of view using Nick van der Bijl's Nine Battles to Stanley (Leo Cooper) which has only recently become available (September 1999) refutes the charge that Argentine officers and NCOs ran off at critical moments, leaving the lukewarm conscripts to fend for themeselves. Nick van der Bijl, a spanish-speaking warrant officer attached to 3 Commando Brigade, spent long hours questioning the Argentine regimental commanders.
Regards,
Hist2004
Does any one have any definitive information on this fierce patrol action? Here is a synopsis of the encounter:
Adrian Weale admits that on the night of 6-7 June 1982 Captain Ruben Figueroa led an attack by a section of 601 Commando Company against the Paras dug into the rocky height overlooking Murrell Bridge.
The performance of the Ejercito Argentino (Argentine Army) was less undistinguished than would appear from Max Hastings' account. However, Max Hastings' book is a must read. Comando Conjunto Malvinas (Argentine Divisional Headquarters) has been sharply criticised for its lack of initiative and failure to carry out counterattacks during the battle for Port Stanley's hills. The truth was that 42 Commando's observation post on Wall Mountain and 3 Para's patrol base near Murrell Bridge were raided by the Argentine Special Forces (601 Commando Company and 602 Commando Company), which were tasked with capturing prisoners (on 10 June at 0200 local time a bloody skirmish took place between a platoon of 45 Commando and Argentine Commandos near Murrell River, the Royal Marines only escaping after Sergeant Jolly took out an Argentine machinegun pouring fire over their getaway route. The Argentine Special Forces claimed that at least four British were killed, but no British record can be found of that). A study of the Argentine Army point of view using Nick van der Bijl's Nine Battles to Stanley (Leo Cooper) which has only recently become available (September 1999) refutes the charge that Argentine officers and NCOs ran off at critical moments, leaving the lukewarm conscripts to fend for themeselves. Nick van der Bijl, a spanish-speaking warrant officer attached to 3 Commando Brigade, spent long hours questioning the Argentine regimental commanders.
Regards,
Hist2004