Alert icon
We're changing our privacy policy. This stuff matters.  Learn more  Dismiss

SS Canberra victoriously returns home from the Falklands War. Southampton, July 11th, 1982.

Loading...

Sign in or sign up now!
Alert icon
Upgrade to the latest Flash Player for improved playback performance. Upgrade now or more info.
35,347
Loading...
Alert icon
Sign in or sign up now!
Alert icon

Uploaded by on Apr 15, 2009

After the Argentine invasion of the Falkland Islands in 1982, which initiated the Falklands War, the Ministry of Defence requisitioned the "Canberra" as use as a troopship. Nicknamed the "Great White Whale", the "Canberra" proved vital in transporting the Parachute Regiment and Royal Marines to the islands more than 9,000 miles from the UK. Whilst the "Queen Elizabeth 2" was held to be too vulnerable to enter the war zone, "Canberra" was sent to the heart of the conflict.
"Canberra" anchored in San Carlos Water on 21 May as part of the landings by British forces to retake the islands. Although her size and white colour made her an unmissable target for the Argentine Air Force, the "Canberra", if sunk, would not have been completely submerged in the shallow waters at San Carlos. However, the liner was not badly hit during the landings as the Argentine pilots tended to attack the Royal Navy frigates and destroyers instead of the supply and troop ships.
When the war ended, Canberra was used to repatriate the Argentine Army, before returning to Southampton to a rapturous welcome. After a lengthy refit, Canberra returned to civilian service as a cruise ship. Her role in the Falklands War made her very popular with the British public, and ticket sales after her return were elevated for many years as a result.

***

Rule Britannia!
God save the Queen!

  • likes, 3 dislikes

Link to this comment:

Share to:

Top Comments

  • I was there/..Royal marines 42 commando.

  • Aah, I remember all this. It was good to be British again after years of whining, whinging, defeatist Labour government. Can you imagine Callaghan or Wilson sending a task force to boot the Argies out? They would most likely have sent a T.U.C. delegation to Argentina to decide how best to hand over power.

see all

All Comments (184)

Sign In or Sign Up now to post a comment!
  • Rule Britannia from Germany

  • @Matthewonutube I will have some of that make it 300!

  • @LionheartNh Respect to you.

  • Try again diego and the same will happen hehehehehe!!!!

  • what a ship

  • My dad was on that ship.

  • @adamswampy lol brilliant.

  • @111jasy111

    start talks for what? You got your ass raped, if you want it go and take it pussies

Loading...

Alert icon
0 / 00Unsaved Playlist Return to active list
    1. Your queue is empty. Add videos to your queue using this button:
      or sign in to load a different list.
    Loading...Loading...Saving...
    • Clear all videos from this list
    • Learn more