Wensleydale will also confirm that there was a 'serious' question asked of 8 Sqn on whether it could reach the FIEZ and how long it could remain on task. Once off task the plan was to ditch near the TF. While this might have given a useful, albeit very short, time on task the best that could be achieved was 4 or 5 shots before writing off the sqn.
To be honest - I had not heard this one, although I believe (crewroom gossip) that the Squadron was asked whether we could get a Shackleton or two down to the Falklands Islands once they had been recaptured. Breaking down the aircraft and rebuilding it on the island after transportation by sea was considered but thought to be too difficult. A direct transit was also considered - without any diversions (which is where the ditching next to the ships may have come from) but due to the very slow speed of the Shackleton at range speed, we would have had to refuel in Buenos Aires, but again, this was considered to be a bit complicated diplomatically.