Stanely Runway:Black Buck
Pse see below - reply to Daily Telegraph
BLACK BUCK
Colonel Southby-Tailyour is a remarkable man: few know the environs of the Falkland Islands better than he does; his contribution to the success of our invasion force in 1982 was more than vital – it was fundamental. Thus, his views deserve attention. However, I do have comment on his recent letter (“Effects of bombing Stanley Runway”– 4 May 2004).
The Vulcan raid was the opening salvo of the War; thus, it made a decisive statement of our intent. Moreover, 21 x 1000lb bombs arriving out of the darkness, in total surprise, had more than a deleterious effect on the morale of the conscript defenders at Stanley airfield who were already living in poor conditions; this dramatic arrival of the British also had a real affect on the morale of the residents of Stanley. Later, Vulcan anti radar sorties significantly impinged on the Argentine use of their radars. Also, the Argentine Government could never be sure that a subsequent attack might be made on a mainland base. As to their use of the runway at Stanley, while it was certainly too short for normal fast jet operations, Squadron Leader Withers attack ensured that they did not have use of it for emergency refuelling – which would have given them another option. While the Vulcan sorties should certainly be viewed alongside the outstanding contribution of Harrier and Sea Harrier operations, the Vulcan missions had a part to play in the context of the war. Whatever one’s view of the results, these were remarkable missions achieved by the efforts of planning staffs, Vulcan crews and the much too unsung Victor tanker crews whose contribution to the wider support of the conflict was remarkable.
Often, in these pages, we see inter-Service sniping; I am sure this was not the Colonel’s intent and nor is it mine: everyone gave of their best. Although much of all our efforts did not go as planned (and often they did not) the overall achievement of our forces was remarkable – and, at this juncture we should remember our success with humility and recognise the sacrifice of those who gave their lives and those who were injured to ensure the freedom of these remarkable Islands.
I should make clear that I am not entirely detached from these events!
Monty
Vulcan Detachment Commander, Ascension Island 1982