Three Days in June, page 20
Lt Mark Cox would write of his men:
Persons worthy of mention:
Connery – tremendous energy and drive in front of enemy fire and came forward with myself to secure position.
Bailey – with Sgt McKay and James attempted to take out the machine-gun post with near fatal consequences.
McLaughlin – Exemplary leadership of his section while in contact and an inspiration to his comrades.
Gough – Gray – both showed considerable courage in the face of a .50 Calibre machine gun, which they took out using 66 and grenades, killing the gun crew and capturing the gunner. They had covering fire from LCpl Carver, Juliff. Pte Gough acting as 2ic of his section displayed strong leadership qualities and was a strength within the platoon throughout the engagement. Mulgrew – Lloyd – in the face of enemy fire, they tended to casualties in an exposed location without regard to their own safety.
Lt Shaw would later write of 6 Platoon:
Throughout the night every individual had performed well, but especially Pte Roe (very cool and capable medical work), Pte Lewis (Initiative, energy and attitude) and Pte Gannon, whose courage, medical expertise and unfailing energy contributed more than anything to the treatment of the wounded. Cpl Steggles and Wilson should be praised for their leadership and thanked for their assistance throughout.
Signed, Shaw 18/06/82
Major Argue’s initial award list from the back of his notebook:
Cox – MC
Shaw – MID
McKay – VC
Bailey – MM
Carver – MM
Grey
Gough – MM
Phillips
McGlasson
Gannon – QGM
Eaton
Clark
Weeks
Probets
McLaughlin – MM
Fuller – MM
____________
1 From La 2ª Sección en Longdon ‘The 2nd Platoon on Longdon’ by Lt Sergio Dachary.
2 It is not known how Pte Tony McLarnon made his way back to rejoin 4 Platoon, as after leaving the army, Tony suffered from PTSD and spoke very little of his time in the Falklands. Tony died in 2009.
3 From Green-Eyed Boys by Christian Jennings and Adrian Weale.
4 From Above All, Courage by Max Arthur.
5 Cpl Lamas was located with HMG No. 3 in the Third Bowl. From La 2ª Sección en Longdon ‘The 2nd Platoon on Longdon’ by Lt Sergio Dachary.
6 From La 2ª Sección en Longdon ‘The 2nd Platoon on Longdon’ by Lt Sergio Dachary.
7 The helicopter may have been Lt Col Mike Rose flying in to negotiate a ceasefire.
CHAPTER FIVE
‘KEEP GOING UP BUT WATCH OUT FOR SNIPERS’
SUPPORT COMPANY 3 PARA
5.1 ‘Fire immediately began to erupt from the mountain’
FRIDAY 11 JUNE 1982
At 16.00hrs (zt) on 11 June, the main Support Company group is flown forward to B Company’s position in order to marry up with our heavy equipment, which has been moved up by vehicle. The man pack group [on foot] is commanded by OC Support Company Major Peter Dennison, while the vehicle group is commanded by the battalion 2ic Major Roger Patton. As the man pack element of the firebase advances, the vehicle group remains in A Company’s location Grid 265767 north of Mount Kent. The man pack group moves off at approximately 20.45hrs (zt).
At the 300m contour line, west of Mount Longdon, the B Company Mortar Detachment are dropped off with two 81mm mortars under the command of Sgt Dave Hallas. They have a .30 Browning machine gun manned by Spr Dave Raes of 9 Squadron RE. This weapon is for local protection against a similar weapon that is known to exist on Two Sisters. Shortly before midnight, Captain Mason and Sgt Colbeck inform Company HQ that they are firm in their allocated positions, due north and south of the main firebase. Captain Mason has one Milan post and two SF gun teams and Sgt Colbeck has one Milan post and one SF gun team. Shortly after that, at 00.31hrs (zt) the remainder of the firebase teams, under Major Dennison, CSM Caithness and CSgt Knights, along with the primary RAP under the RMO Captain Burgess, are also in position. At the same time, A and B Company begin their advance from their respective Start Lines.
Cpl Peter (Tomo) Thompson, 26 yrs – Support Company Medium Machine Gun Platoon
The MMG platoon had re-formed at Estancia House prior to the attack on Mount Longdon; before this, they were split into three detachments, each of seven men. A Company’s detachment was commanded by Cpl Jon Cook, B Company’s detachment was commanded by me, and C Company’s detachment was commanded by the platoon sergeant, Sgt Geoff Deaney. But due to a situation beyond our control, we would only have 6 MMGs in the SF [sustained fire] role for the attack on Mount Longdon.
The whole of Support Company received orders from the OC Major Dennison and CSM Caithness. When this was over the MMG Platoon Commander [Mike Oliver], Platoon Sgt [Geoff Deaney] and I went to a quiet area of Estancia House and discussed in detail exactly how we would achieve our mission.
My SF machine gun was to be the point gun for the attack on Mount Longdon and be under the direct control of the CSM, who had the only NOD [night-observation device] in the company. Guns 1 and 2 were under the command of Cpl Jon Cook; they would also have the Platoon Commander with them, and they were all attached to Captain Mason with his Milan team. Guns 3 and 4 were under the command of LCpl Mark (Rolly) Rawlings and attached to C/Sgt Knights’ Milan team and gun number 5 would be in reserve under the command of LCpl Tony Peers and attached to Sgt Colbeck’s Milan team. Prior to the attack we issued orders to the platoon and issued the ammunition not only to the gun teams, but also to all the stretcher-bearers and attachments.
On Friday afternoon 11 June we were flown by helicopter from Estancia House to the A Company assembly area. From here we would be moving on foot with the Support Company Group commanded by Major Dennison. When we arrived at the assembly area I did a quick head check, and all 17 members of the platoon were present. The OC then called me over and said, ‘Cpl Thompson, these gentlemen are from the Press, and they will be coming with us; I would like you to look after them.’ ‘These gentlemen’ were Les Dowd from Reuters and photographer Tom Smith from the Daily Express.
I thought these two men were the last thing I needed. They had no equipment, no food and just one water bottle each. I took both reporters to our platoon area and briefly explained to them the orders and our mission. I also informed them that if they were coming with us, they would have to carry two boxes of ammunition each. Both reporters stated that they were non-combatants. However, I explained to them the situation that we were going into and they picked up their allocation.
We also had 18 stretcher-bearers plus attachments, each carrying between 600 and 800 rounds of link; including the amount of ammunition that was allocated to other groups and what all the gun teams were carrying, this would provide us with at least 36,000 rounds of 7.62mm one in five tracer-linked ammunition. We waited until last light at approximately 20.45hrs (zt). We were then called forward. The other gun teams moved directly to the Milan group they were attached to, and we then all moved off together. Each of the gun teams was carrying at least 2,500 rounds. I kept the reporters directly behind me as we moved off in single file. We made our way across the Murrell River and on towards the Furze Bush stream. We were now running slightly late – we should have been in the position for 00.01hrs (zt).
Pte Chris Parris, 21 yrs – Ammunition-Bearer, HQ Company
When we crossed the river, a member of our section was lagging behind. I waited for him, but when he eventually caught up he was exhausted and said, ‘You go on; I will catch you up later.’ It was then I noticed that the rest of my section had moved off, so after a few minutes walking in roughly the direction of Mount Longdon, I stopped and tried to work out where I was. I remembered Major Dennison’s model, and from that I knew how to get to the main firebase. So I skirted along the hillside, and eventually I could hear people talking, and I then heard the very reassuring voice of CSgt Knights saying, ‘Who the fuck is that?’ I then joined the main Support Company firebase.
Lt Col Hew Pike, 40 yrs – Commanding Officer, 3 PARA
At approximately 20.15hrs (zt), A Company would move off first, followed by my group Tactical Headquarters, followed by B Company, Support Company and C Company in that order. Our H-Hour was 00.01hrs (zt) and our objective was to capture Mount Longdon. It was approximately 6.5 kilometres away from our assembly area; I estimated a three-hour march. However, we had a few problems crossing the Murrell River, which delayed us slightly. A Company would be in position for 11.45hrs (zt) but unfortunately B Company would not reach their Start Line until 00.30hrs (zt). A Company also began their advance at 00.31hrs (zt). We [3 PARA Tac HQ] had found a rocky outcrop approximately 500 metres north-west of Mount Longdon, where we positioned ourselves. From here I could observe the advance of my two leading companies.
Sgt Graham Colbeck, 33 yrs – Support Company Anti-Tank Platoon
As we began to leave the assembly area I received a radio message from Major Dennison instructing me to check the vehicles to see if they contained any ‘special equipment’. I had no idea what the ‘special equipment’ might be, but I assumed it would be apparent when I saw it. I halted my team and returned to the vehicles, which had not yet begun their advance. I couldn’t find anything but ammunition and so reported a ‘negative finding’ to the Company Commander. It later transpired that the ‘special equipment’ was a steel girder that was to be used to help bridge the Murrell River.
CSgt Brian Faulkner, 34 yrs – Regimental Aid Post Team
We were attached to the Support Company group commanded by Major Dennison. All the medical team carried substantial Bergens full of essential medical kit, but we were also told to carry as much ammunition as possible. For some reason, we were also asked to carry an extremely heavy steel girder, which was to be used for crossing the Murrell River. The steel girder was slowing us down. Even though we took turns carrying it, it was just too heavy. The medical team were completely exhausted, and in the end, I told the lads to ‘Fucking dump it!’ We would cross the river by whatever means possible.
SATURDAY 12 JUNE 1982
Support Company inform the CO Hew Pike that they are running approximately 30 minutes late:
00.05hrs (zt): from C/S 59 to C/S 9: ‘Now at rear, ETA 30 minutes.’
Support Company now inform the CO they were nearly in position:
00.31hrs (zt): from C/S 59 to C/S 9: ‘Going firm (Free Kick) ready in five minutes.’
Cpl Peter (Tomo) Thompson
We set up our guns, and I whispered to CSM Caithness that the guns were ready to fire. He said, ‘Await my order.’ We then just sat and waited. One of the main problems was the lack of night-observation devices. We were now lined up to fire at night without the benefit of night sights. However, CSM Caithness had managed to obtain one of the few NODs available, and with this, he would direct our fire.
CSgt Derek (Dex) Allen, 38 yrs – Regimental Aid Post Team
I was with Captain Mason’s group; we took cover in a ditch facing north-west of Mount Longdon. We waited here until the rest of the battalion reached their various forming-up points. It was absolutely freezing.
Sgt Chris Howard, 33 yrs – Support Company Anti-Tank Platoon
I was on the Start Line with Support Company Group, it was bitterly cold, and both A and B Companies had begun their advance. I remember there wasn’t a sound as both companies moved towards the mountain, but after about 40 minutes there was a small explosion, and the battle began. We now lay shivering up against a peat bank watching the battle unfold.
Pte Pat Harley, 22 yrs – Support Company Anti-Tank Platoon
We were laid up in the Support Company Group position. I was now extremely cold, as I’d fallen in the Murrell River while trying to shuffle across the ladder! I was soaking wet and my back was aching, as I’d hurt it when I fell in the river. I heard a small explosion which later turned out to be Cpl Milne standing on a mine. Fire immediately began to erupt from the mountain; we could see grenade flashes and bullets ricocheting into the night sky.
Approximately 40 minutes after the advance begins, B Company HQ reports to the CO Hew Pike that they are now in contact with the enemy:
01.07hrs (zt): from C/S 29 to C/S 9: ‘Contact wait-out.’
LCpl Denzil Connick, 25yrs – Radio Operator Anti-Tank Platoon
We sat and waited whilst A and B Companies started their advance. I was now shivering; it was absolutely freezing. The radio operators Pte Steve [Errol] Flynn, LCpl Garry Cripps and I peered over the peat bank and were staring at the black silhouette of the mountain when it suddenly erupted into life with small-arms fire and explosions – there seemed to be lines of tracer flying everywhere.
Lt Col Hew Pike
When the first contact was made at the foot of Mount Longdon, I saw a small explosion followed by muzzle flashes and tracer fire. I immediately contacted Major Dennison, telling him to send the RAP team forward to set up at the base of Longdon. I also told Captain Mason to take his Milan team and two SF teams over to A Company on Wing Forward to assist in the support of B Company.
Padre Derek Heaver, 35 yrs – Army Chaplain, RAP Team
Just after the battle started, Captain Burgess [doctor], CSgt Faulkner, Sgt Bradley, Pte Kennedy and I were despatched by Major Dennison to Mount Longdon. He asked us to take as much ammunition as possible with us. So I grabbed two big metal containers of ammunition and made my way towards the mountain. At that time, I didn’t know about the minefield. When we reached Mount Longdon Doctor John Burgess chose a spot for us to set up the RAP. There was a huge amount of noise and tracer fire going overhead.
Captain John (Doc) Burgess, 26 yrs – Regimental Medical Officer
I don’t recall the mine explosion, but I do recall the radios coming to life with reports of it. We were despatched with a group of stretcher-bearers, who in addition to their own equipment were also carrying large amounts of ammunition forward to Mount Longdon. We’d been tasked to set up the Regimental Aid Post. We moved across the 800 metres of open ground as fast as we could, passing through what we now knew to be a minefield. When we eventually reached Longdon, I did a quick visual appreciation and decided to set up at the base of the north-west corner, keeping close in to the rocks. The time was now approximately 01.40hrs (zt). We waited for the casualties to be brought to us.
CSgt Steve Knights
The CO came over the radio and asked the RAP Team to go forward. We moved out quickly and in my haste to set off, I left my fur-lined leather gloves, which I never saw again! I would regret this as it was fucking freezing. We made our way as fast as possible in single file to the base of the mountain. While en route, we discovered via the radio that there had been a mine explosion and that we were now possibly moving through a minefield; we then moved with great caution for obvious reasons.
5.2 ‘I want you to get us to the top of that mountain, and I want you to get us there as quickly as possible’
01.15hrs (zt): from C/S 29 to C/S 9: ‘Call Signs 2/1 and 2/2 in contact – northern edge of feature. Sporadic small-arms fire, one casualty, anti-personnel mine, artillery now hitting Full Back hard.’
Pte Pat Harley
CSgt Steve Knights said, ‘Get your fucking kit together, we’re moving.’ I gave a groan, picked up my Milan missiles and set off once more with my heavy load and my aching back. We moved forward in single file, straight through the minefield to the base of Mount Longdon. Once there, we paused for a while near the RAP, which was in the process of being established. It was here we would learn of B Company’s first casualties. I looked into the night sky at the tracer flying over the top of the mountain and disappearing into the distance. I was apprehensive about what was coming next.
Captain Tony Mason, 27yrs – Anti-Tank Platoon Commander
I received a radio message from the CO telling me to take my Milan detachment plus Lt Oliver with his two SF teams and move as fast as possible to join A Company on Wing Forward. Once there we were to assist B Company with supporting fire. We made our way around the rear of A Company as fast as possible. En route we came across a medic [Pte Wright], who was attending to Cpl Hope, who had been wounded. I knew and liked Cpl Hope; he was a decent steady hand.
Pte Craig (Tommy) Onions
CSgt Allen, Sgt Hopper and I along with some others were told to go with Captain Mason and the Milan and SF teams to join A Company. We made our way as quickly as possible to A Company’s location on Wing Forward, which was about 700 metres away. The pace was very fast, and the ammunition carriers were struggling to keep up. There was a lot of incoming fire from Mount Longdon and also Argentine artillery fire.
Sgt Graham Colbeck
I received a message from Major Dennison telling me to move north and RV at his location. After approximately ten minutes I met up with him. I was told that Captain Mason and CSgt Knights had been tasked to join A Company and B Company respectively, but I was unaware of any difficulties that B Company may have been having at this time. We waited for what only seemed like a short time before we moved off.
CSM Ernie Rustill, 38 yrs – D Company, responsible for security of 3 PARA Tac HQ
