Falklands veteran describes the fierce Battle of Two Sisters in 1982

2022 has marked the 40th anniversary of the Falklands conflict and Forces News has been speaking to veterans who were there.
In 1982, Ian Gardiner commanded X-Ray Company, 45 Commando Royal Marines, on the gruelling journey across the roughest terrain, leading his marines during the fierce night battle for Two Sisters, a 1,000-foot-high mountain, on the approach to Stanley in the Falklands.
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[@davie45]

Hello Sir, you were the adjutant at Lympstone when I went through my training in 1979. As a young marine going through training the adjutants inspection was met with much trepidation, I remember you said: good turnout, made my day having spent days preparing for this inspection. I met you again at San Carlos in the Falklands. My commander needed to know were your troops were in case we were attacked. I met you and you gave me the positions. I remembered you at that time as the scary adjutant but you were brilliant and showed me the positions. Of all the officers I came across in my service, you always came to the front. I salute you sir. From marine Hearsey . , T

[@ianstewart2335]

Those giants of men we came across at CTC stay with us, forever. My section commander there was Les Daniels and he still remains one of the greatest role models, to this day. He was the AE in NP8901. Very sadly he crossed the bar a few years ago… 🇬🇧

[@williamlebotschy2729]

Most impressive to listen to an intelligent and educated soldier, relating a difficult battle , with such humbleness.

[@hudson7354]

Intelligent soldier 😂😂😂😂 That’s not ever possible, dream on cowboy

[@williamlebotschy2729]

@@hudson7354 depends on which country you come from, to have that attitude.

[@TheGodParticle]

Listening to him and this incredible story brought a tear to my eye. Me, a grown man, such bravery. Cheers

[@highstakes1235]

@@hudson7354moron.

[@highstakes1235]

@@hudson7354Would love to see your intelligence levels stuck in boggy mountainous terrain carrying 100lbs of equipment using nothing but a compass in the pitch black to locate the enemy. But you’re too much of a coward to serve your country so you’ll never know.

[@jonathanryan5860]

Evan after these years, such quietly, calmy presented, with the dignity, and detail, that came from a leader of those men. To all, thank you. LEST WE FORGET.

[@derekgrieve188]

I had not long been out of the navy and had served on the Glamorgan. My heart went into my mouth when it was reported that she had been hit with fatalities. There was a feeling that I had let them down and I should have been there. It never leaves you after being part of the 'forces club'.

[@wendylinton453]

My husband is also ex Royal Navy and hadn't been out that long when Falklands started ..he also felt he let them down..Now we both support PTSD Resolution for our ex Vets ..God Bless All who serve and have served..🇬🇧

[@TheHk1966]

“Survivor’s guilt”

[@paulgdunsford7469]

We had a young sailor from Glamorgan when she visited Newcastle nsw Jamie ? always wondered what became of him and his mates the visit to Australia was in 1980 or 81

[@wetincornwall6882]

Similar when I left the RE, GW2 kicked off a couple months later and my last unit got sent straight out there.

[@Sidney1WG]

Derek Grieve, you didn't let anyone down at all. You did your time, and I have no doubt had you still been serving, you would have done your bit with distinction. You could not have predicted this war.

[@dondouglass6415]

I was a squaddie at the time serving in West Belfast... I know a number of this audience will not like that. To hear this officers memories gives me a lump in my throat... Maybe silly but it does... Such is....

[@CRISIS550166]

Respect to you Don. My brother was 9/12 Lancers in East Belfast at the time. The brave troops in Northern Ireland have my respect and admiration.

[@stephenhathaway269]

Not silly at all.

[@ProfileP246]

I’m from Belfast, the majority of us hail you boys as heros! Thank you for your service you did a great job in keeping NI free from the oppression of IRA terror🇬🇧👍

[@CRISIS550166]

@@ProfileP246 What a gracious and respectful comment. I am sure all veteran deeply appreciate this.

[@NorrinRaddNorrinRadd]

It’s funny how so many people are quick to forget the bombings of innocent people in pubs, nightclubs, and any other civilian place, so that one to two percent of the population can bully everyone else, just like Vietnam etc etc etc…………… I thank you for standing up for the innocent civilians who were not legitimate targets, and their attackers were not legitimate soldiers who were in uniform, or registered as soldiers of any legitimate government………,… And the fact that the septics are still giving money “for the cause”, even though it’s supposedly a major felony in the US to support terrorist organisations and/or activities, yet they still do it……………

[@RichardOutdoors]

Never once spoke or boasted about his own personal achievements as the CO. Such a humble man and a shining example of bravery, leadership and humility.

[@jr-ep8ol]

What a wonderful boss to have

[@andyharris17able]

You put it perfectly...👏

[@jimpaul5925]

He was a Royal Marine COMMANDOS, enough said.🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@marcgardiner6278]

Greetings to a fellow Gardiner from South Africa. My grandfather, Ian Keith Gardiner, flew for the RAF In 208 fighter-reconnaissance squadron during WW2.

[@jim_dubhglas]

Bravo Sir for your exemplary service, successful command of your troops, and for being so modest about your achievements in that war. A true leader indeed!

[@mortdecai6655]

I've recently finished the Yompers by Ian Gardiner & it's rather delightful hearing his voice in reality; well done.

[@stevejohnstone1702]

Spot on, a phenomenal man and book

[@jimpaul5925]

I am also reading Yompers,wonderful book. I was a troop SGT in XCOY 45CDO 1973 unfortunately missing the conflict in the Falklands.

[@jimmymc10021]

What a humble man, giving credit to all ranks involved in the operation. He went on to be a Brigadier in the RM.

[@shack7631]

What a fantastic story teller this man is. So much detail.

[@markriley1677]

A very good but short documentary by the OC of one company of Bootnecks from four-five Commando RM. I can totally relate to this as I was with the newly formed J Company and the lads from NP8901 led by Major Mike Norman, in four-two Commando attacking Mount Harriet before the move into Stanley. It is very true how bad the weather was and how constantly being wet was slightly demoralising , but we are Royals and always work best when outnumbered, the elements against us, and Yomped everywhere across the island to get too the main prize of Port Stanley. Without the Royal Navy taking the hits and losses of ships and lads for us, we would never of been able to achieve what we did without them, I have total respect for our Royal Navy and the lads whom are still lost at sea never too return home.

[@ianstewart2335]

I was incredibly lucky to have been in training under Les Daniels… jeez, what an absolute privilege and honour to have had this legend as my role model in 1990. I have more than a few amusing memories, one being his red / white 2CV ragtop which he drove around camp in with Woodbine perched on a cushion, next to him and another was during GPMG training he referred to the ‘insulated thumb piece’ - of course, I heard it as ‘insulated FUN piece!’ - due to his accent! He also showed us how to arrange our 58 webbing into gucci speed March mode by attaching the poncho roll above the kidney pouches with L2 grenade rings to the yoke… stuff you remember 34 years later! 😁

[@selfco8142]

Massive respect to the British army/marines, from the first major Battle ( goose green) to the final battle ( wireless ridge) they didn't lose anyone of them, despite being at many disadvantages, pure class.

[@hbombharry]

Cpl Stephen R Prior 10/9/1954-28/5/1982 2 Para A coy Goose Green Gone but not forgotten Also his nephew Daniel Stephen Prior 31/12/1983-18/3/2011 2 Para D coy Nahr-e-Saraj Afghanistan Gone but never forgotten

[@MrMh722]

As an ex-Para I was ready to drop a (tongue-in-cheek of course) sarky comment here… but I just couldn’t. What a delightful and heroic fellow.

[@PaulStevens-z8b]

He's a brilliant orator

[@tonyhobson9677]

Beautiful recollection of what must have been an horrendous experience, said with the utmost respect for his soldiers and the soldiers they faced

[@stephensmith4480]

I couldn`t imagine having to put up with treacherous conditions like what those lads had to endure and then fight a fierce action when you reach your objective. My complete and utter Respect to those young men. Listening to Ian, he comes across as a very capable Officer who his Men would trust without hesitation. These lads really are the highest caliber. God Bless them all.

[@MichaelKingsfordGray]

Gods are fictional. Blessings are worse less than nothing, in fact destructive.

[@stephensmith4480]

@@MichaelKingsfordGray What a Happy little Ray of Sunshine you are.

[@lestrem11]

@@MichaelKingsfordGray When you stare death in the face sonny you will pray.

[@MichaelKingsfordGray]

@@stephensmith4480 I am known for it.

[@MichaelKingsfordGray]

@@lestrem11 As an Army-trained marksman/sniper, I *have* stared death "in the face" on 3 occasions. I have NEVER prayed! Prayed to Zeus? Athena? Buddha? All gods are FICTIONAL! Yet you remain an anonymous DELUSIONAL coward. Grow up. I grew up at the age of 12, when I volunteered for the Army Cadets. You cowered in your Great-Granny's basement!

[@rodneyallister9877]

I thank you all my son inlaw was in the gards He went to the Farmlands came home safe thank you to all his Brigade very proud

[@tonyb67984]

Wow... what an honest and forthright account of the battle for two sister's Thankyou to every soldier and sailor involved our debt of gratitude is immense

[@StephenButlerOne]

What a star this man is. The pride on his face and his humility speaks volumes.

[@anthonygreen2100]

I was at Two Sisters - in another fighting company in Four Five Commando. I was 19. It was a good nights work: the most frightening and exhilarating of my life. Glamorgans gunnery was ferocious and tremendous- thank you to our Matelot Oppo's. Ian is right of course, the 66mm LAW was a tremendous 'bunker buster'. Up the Royals. His Majesty's Finest.

[@StuHNomadBiker]

Well in Royal, don't forget to thank the Percy Pongos ... Army Commandos OP teams from 148 Commando Bty that were calling in that ships fire 👍 .. read the book "Falklands Commando" by Hugh McManners, a Captain at the time in 148 bty...

[@anthonygreen2100]

@@StuHNomadBiker Hola mate. I do thank our army gunners all the time and have been thanked before for doing so on various forums. After all, Four Five had their own battery - 'our' battery - Major Jerry Akehurst was the FOO I seem to recall. But on this occasion I was being specific to Ian's comments. He also give fulsome praise to the R A Gunners in his book, 'Yompers'. All the Best, 'Up the Royals - H M Finest.'

[@montybrewster7]

I was an 11 year old boy enthralled by the stories coming back from the falklands of the battles waged by the british forces without ever understanding the horror & the hardships of war. As the years have gone by & stories of those heroes became more well known my admiration & gratitude for the men & women of our armed forces has grown beyond the comprehension of that 11 year old boy. I thank you all for your service. God bless.

[@DeniseFactor]

To look at this gentleman in the street, one might think he's just any normal old guy that you might encounter and pay him no attention of course. But who would ever think that man was once no doubt, as 'hard as nails' if not still so, with a fantastic military brain. A man who could think very fast on his feet: and had to in order to keep the men serving under his command, alive and active. Much respect to him.

[@richardford7322]

All those lad's have my utmost respect!

[@davidrobertson5700]

Thank you all for your service, Every day is poppy day Love from Great Britain

[@micchaelfearn5163]

Its good to get a insight by the men who were there, brave men all of them.

[@grahambarber2766]

I joined One Troop, X Ray Coy, 45 Cdo RM straight after recruit training in October 1986. It was men of this calibre that mentored sprogs like me to become part of a Brotherhood that I'll be proud of for life. Special thanks to Ginge Harris, my brother from another mother.

[@joebush1663]

When Ian Gardner humbly pays homage to the sacrifices that the Royal navy made in support of his and other Falkland land operations is the most poignant part of the video. He is an honourable man.

[@alanstanley9465]

Massive respect to everyone who was out there, i was so grateful to be able to pay my respects in person in January this year at the memorial in Port Stanley. Brave men all.

[@darrenjosephgregory]

What an eloquent gentleman. Bravo Sir.

[@warriorinagardenianbradbur6109]

My dad was on hms broadsword. It was horrible sitting at home waiting for news. Full respect to anyone risking their lives for their country, and thoughts to all those who got the worst news.

[@andrewrixon2347]

A work colleague, with whom I worked with fir 2 years until he retired, was also on Broadsword. I started my basic at Raleigh a few months after the Falklands and my first posting was a short stint on Broadsword!

[@warriorinagardenianbradbur6109]

@@andrewrixon2347 she is/was a good ship. Incredibly fast. I hope life is good for you 🙏🏻

[@davidboots9316]

Bless ' em all,the Rambo films don't do it justice.I do not feel ashamed to be a Brit and I hope others take the time to listen to what this gentleman and others like him have to say.

[@mkdy218]

I salute you Sir ,your men and I thank you for your service.

[@richardgiles2484]

I take my hat off to all our armed forces 👏👏👏

[@jayhaycock5865]

I was OC A/tk troop in 45 - supporting z coy - and knew Ian . This is probably the best summary of what that night was for all three rifle companies that I’ve seen.

[@brendoncollins5887]

What a man, and a warrior

[@ZephodBeeblebrox]

I remember watching it all happening on TV. I was in Gowerton Comp at the time. I think the Falklands persuaded a lot of my schoolmates to join the forces. One fellow joined the RAF regiment and was in Berlin when the wall came down.

[@carabus0354]

I was 10 years old and glued to my little 14" TV as much as I could, so so proud of all our services liberating the Falklands. I am pround to say I have since made friends of some that served in the confict. Thank you all for your service each and every one of you.

[@andyberryman3148]

What a wonderful man. If you enjoyed his eloquent recounts and his dignified, respectful storytelling I have great news for you. He wrote a fantastic book about his experiences entitled "The Yompers" it really is a brilliant book and I've read it twice. I'd highly recommend it to anybody as enamoured with this very pleasant and brave leader as I am. "The Yompers", pick up a copy.

[@paulbradford8240]

Those guys did a magnificent job. A mate of mine was a Royal Marine who was there. He had just completed his training and was flown to Ascension Island to meet up with his group. He later joined the Police and we often worked together. He was very relaxed. I would say he was obviously overconfident, but he certainly had a presence.

[@jonathanwalker8730]

What an extraordinarily articulate, dignified, humble account.

[@jonbritland8389]

Tremendously tough men. Yomping all that way knowing there is a fire fight at the end of it when you could be killed. Beyond belief ultimate respect.

[@bawtreerd]

These guys stepped up to the plate when it mattered Amazing deat of endurance in the conditions.The brutality of having to leave your comrades behind whrn injured must have been a hard but necessary action

[@pjk1714]

Very well described. Least we forget.

[@dizdizzy8937]

Thank you for sharing!

[@andrewmountford3608]

What a man, what a voice

[@oscartorres4]

In 1986 HMS Glamorgan was sold to the the Navy of my country, the Chilean Navy, and was renamed Almirante Latorre. The destroyer served for 12 years until late 1998. Almirante Latorre was the third ship of that name, named in honor of a great Chilean sailor Admiral Juan José Francisco Latorre Benavente, Hero of the War of the Pacific and who captured the Peruvian monitor Huascar in the Combate de Angamos in October 1879, ship, the Huascar, which continues as a museum ship at our naval base in Talcahuano. Greetings to the United Kingdom, and may Chile and Great Britain remain allies for centuries to come.

[@3321far]

Very inspiring. An officer has to have a bank of credibility with his commander built with months or years of 100% commitment and dependability. Then when the time comes to give him bad news, he won’t bat an eye and simply adapt the plan to the circumstances.

[@neanderthaloutdoors9202]

We were carrying on average over 120 pounds with bergen, belt order, weapons and ammo, we stopped off for a break along a barbed wire perimeter fence and a few of us rested our bergens on the wire which gave way and we ended up on our back's with our arms and legs flailing away trying to get up, we all needed help to stand back up, after that we were called turtles.

[@tleynen4448]

A great man. Thanks for the insights.

[@carlpearson6734]

At 8-54 he somehow kept it together unlike me…god bless him

[@barryhamilton7845]

👏👏👏Millions salute you and the many others............SIR!!!

[@winstonk400]

And that's why we do "wet and dry" routine in basic trg especially in the middle of winter!...aaargh! It takes some getting used to I'll say that lol

[@Mark.G475]

Thank you for sharing. Best wishes and a Happy New year. Cheers from Milwaukee to our cousins across the pond 🇬🇧

[@hudson7354]

Ohhh boo bo you love your liccle friend

[@Mark.G475]

@@hudson7354 your English needs some work.

[@pablopeter3564]

Thanks Mr.Ian Gardiner for your detailed description and your service.

[@gavinroger417]

A very articulate Scotsman and a Royal Marine Commando, to think of what Nicoliar Sturgeon has done to Scotland boils my blood.

[@bawtreerd]

These guys are awesome

[@lorrainereeves4466]

How wonderful and noble our values were back in the day. Going forward let’s hope we have a prime minister with a backbone.

[@MikeH401]

Condor Troop, 59 Independent Commando Squadron, RE were attached to 45 Commando and landed with them at Red beach. A section was attached to each RM Company and completed the yomp and the attack on the Two Sisters. Sapper Chris Jones was killed on that assault. Two other members of the Troop suffered anti personnel mine injuries.

[@DavidAldea-f4q]

Sergeant Thorpe was wounded near the Murrell Bridge. What was the name of the other British Sapper?

[@johntait491]

Slogging across Rannoch Moor eh..? Yep, soul destroying heartache. Thank you Ian for a good and interesting story. 👍

[@asonofharoldgodwin]

Shush, keep it quiet, coz it's not allowed in this day and age, but after watching this brilliant rendition of this man's spine tingling story i felt proud to be a Brit 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧 for a few minutes anyway ! From an ex rubber dagger !

[@johnbradley1599]

Ian, I salute you and your men.

[@blahblah5750]

Humble man.

[@redbarron7293]

If a Royal Marine officer is saying a yomp was hard then by god it must have been a nightmare….an excellent officer who firstly pays honour to his men and the courage and bravery of The Royal Navy…..

[@vmax42dave]

Respect. (rtd 42)

[@Fantic156]

Heroes all ... and nice of Commander Gardiner to remember the sailors lost .. Thanks ... 😜

[@vetworker]

I was 10 when the Falklands conflict started. These guys are nothing but heroes 🇬🇧 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@jonnysaunders7513]

thank you. and for being humble

[@30firebirds]

This was magnificent. Thank you.

[@richarddepledge960]

Total respect sir. Very intelligent.

[@martinlee9391]

Respect. I was just leaving school when this all happened.

[@hudson7354]

Who cares where you were ? You are of no interest like Prince andrew

[@vivaseineldin]

Lieutenant Andy Shaw from Yankee Company 45 COMMANDO would later condemn the Argentinian defenders on Two Sisters for defecating in their positions, perhaps forgetting that the Afrika Korps had done the same thing in the North African Campaign when pinned down for several days by Allied softening up bombardments, except the German soldiers had brought with them pigs to eat the mess and to butcher and eat the pigs when supplies failed to arrive. (Source: Battles of Mount Harriet and Two Sisters Mountain/Conservapedia: The Trustworthy Encyclopedia)

[@jockstrapp21]

British Green & Red Berets , both overcame a logistical nightmare to get to Port Stanley, and still had the resolve to take the fight to the enemy..who although mainly conscripts , put up a damn good fight themselves

[@blahblah6968]

Brilliant

[@putnamcountycrimeanalysiswandr]

I find it disgraceful, and worse, that Argentina lost twice as many men yet the story is ALWAYS told from the heartwarming perspective of the British.

[@jimpaul5925]

SHUT UP

[@garethlewis5457]

Well done Royals .see you in Stanley

[@peterraine9340]

I was on the Glamorgan that night/morning RO1(G) pretty hairy experience RIP to our oppos still on patrol.

[@ArtistisMe]

I remember it well.

[@karmpuscookie]

Very, very tough guys.

[@angloaust1575]

Their training equipped them for the climate of the falklands As prince philip said if anyone can do it the marines will It was a change from ulster having a foe to face!

[@hudson7354]

What else did Phillip say ? Did he mention Jimmy Saville his great friend?

[@LLACEM]

HEROE

[@CRISIS550166]

What an impressive guy.

[@carmentabeni4570]

2:00 min, imagina lo que pasaron los argis después de 1 mes y 15 días, si usted se sentía así al segundo...sobre todo soportando la falta de comida ( porque desde port Stanley no llegaba, por que los caminos son intransitables y las fragatas británicas bombardeaban día y noche, sin cesar , sin poder hacer nada...hasta que al fin llegaron los piratas y pudieron dispararle a alguien de carne y hueso...

[@digdougedy]

The fact that these Marines, the Paras, Ghurkas and Guards were able to survive and fight in these hypothermic conditions is a testament to the selection and training of the British Army and Navy. I have heard though, that if it had dragged on much longer, casualties from trench foot would have seriously impeded a successful outcome...... Respect for the Argentinian soldiers who did there duty for their country who, I believe, were at a serious disadvantage when it came to fighting the British, not least because the British military has more practical experience than any other army in the world.

[@oscarbosio9881]

Yo tambien respeto a las tropas britçanicas a pesar de ser argentino. El problema era que Argentina no contaba con tropas profesionales en cantidad, si soldados que estaban haciendo el servicio militar obligatorio ( yo era uno de ellos a pesar de no ir a Malvinas). Aparte Gran Bretaña contaba con el apoyo de sus aliados como EEUU,la OTAN y un Dictador vecino de Argentina muy cobarde que ayudaba por la espalda, a escondidas, mintiendo diciendo que era neutral. Argentina estaba sola contra todo esto, mas la capacidad que siempre tuvieron las tropas británicas. Fue una guerra leal, muy dura para ambos bandos, basta ver los relatos de los ex combatientes de ambos lados para ver el respeto que se tenian en los combates y terminada la guerra. Un abrazo.

[@digdougedy]

@@oscarbosio9881 El duque de Wellington, el general responsable de la derrota de Napoleón, dijo: "La victoria es la capacidad de luchar 5 minutos más que el enemigo". Fue una batalla cerrada. Un sombrero que espero que nunca se repita. Respeto a ti y a tus camaradas caídos.

[@oscarbosio9881]

@@digdougedy Un abrazo. Fueron batallas duras pero leales . Cada uno defendia lo suyo.Saludos

[@sunrayisdown1690]

Ian has never changed. Superb leader.

[@cycleSCUBA]

Even after just this short interview, you can tell he is the kind of officer the men would respect and follow literally to the ends of the Earth.

[@sunrayisdown1690]

Absolutely.

[@liamh9814]

Amazing.

[@stewartblackburn6218]

Amazing story about amazing men

[@karlv2876]

I remember month's later a young Army officer asked him , What was the effectiveness of the Bayonet ! He instantly replied , Is that South of the Bay of Biscay ! A true gent and the epitome of a RM Officer.

[@lead_farmer69]

Wowie, that terrain :O

[@antoniopaez2744]

Argentina did not invade the Malvinas, Argentina recovered the territory of the Malvinas in 1982, usurped and illegally occupied by the United Kingdom

[@JammyDodger45]

How do you explain there being a British presence on the Islands since before Argentina was a country? And why aren't you fighting to give back 'Argentina' to the indigenous people you Spanish invaders displaced?

[@Teapot69]

You spics and wops invaded and occupy Argentina and displaced the natives.

[@svencili]

R E S P E C T !!!!!!

[@Moggy471]

Brilliant oratory.

[@nathaniel4334]

Legend

[@edwinclark5041]

So savage. 30 days of a Vietnam vets tour.

[@lextalionis3754]

The story of a battle told as only a British officer could. I just wish he hadn’t called his Royal Marines, “teenage boys.” They were men.

[@cdobeson]

I served with the Royal Marines in 2004. Literally the best fighting men I’ve ever known.

[@chris_anon88]

Why strip injured soldiers of their weapons and ammo? To stop the enemy getting it? Seems a bit harsh really, leaving one of your own defenceless.

[@vk2ig]

They needed every bit of firepower they could get at the objective, and leaving that with injured men doesn't achieve that. Also, the likelihood of Argentinian forces patrolling in that area was very low. Instead of projecting power forward to the British beachhead at San Carlos, the Argentinian commanders chose to pull back into defensive positions in the high ground before Stanley - effectively they surrendered the initiative and unwittingly commenced the process of losing the war.

[@colinallen8924]

The Argentinians had pulled back to defend Stanley, so there was no risk to them from their forces. Every round of ammunition was needed for the battles that would have to be fought to defeat the Argentinians. The same goes for their weapons; spare weapons are useful at the front and the chaps left behind did not need them.

[@edcarson3113]

Not their rifles , but AT weapons, LAWs etc

[@davidpalin1790]

Heroes

[@braveravenmediamoiststudio7352]

Eloquent