The Moment That Made Me | Major General Julian Thompson

[@TheNukite]

Can't believe hes 90 years old, he is in good shape for that age.

[@paulbradford8240]

"You should love your men, otherwise you shouldn't command them". What a wonderful statement. A great interview that could have gone on for longer!

[@philipwells2793]

A soldiers soldier, a gentleman, and a great friend to many.

[@thetruthhurts7675]

A Royal Marine, and proud of his part in the Royal Navy. Not a squadie by any means at all.

[@tonystevens9278]

Another excellent interview. I like the fact that Julian Thompson is so ready to give credit to his team (both RM and Army) and acknowledge that he under resourced the Goose Green' action. Impressive man.

[@Drummer2020]

I am honoured that he wrote the foreword to both my books about the many times Royal Marines musicians have actually put down their instruments and gone off to war. A real gentleman and great leader.

[@chuckymcchuckface8768]

What's the name of your books? Sorry for being ignorant of such.

[@donpark759]

I got married on 1st April 1982, and shortly after, my RSM gave a wedding present- a signal putting me on short notice for Op Corporate - the retaking of the Falklands. Julian Thompson and Jeremy Moore did a great job. We were lucky to have them!

[@abbiscuit]

Thank you for this wonderful interview. He is as sharp now as he ever was. He respected those he commanded and received their respect in return. He also leads the way with a humanitarian approach to former enemies and as an advocate for veterans. A great British commander.

[@scottborham2838]

As a nine year old here in Australia I was glued to the TV when the Falklands war was on. And for many years I watch docos / interviews and read books ect about the war. And there was always something about Maj Gen Thompson he was a inspiration a Soldiers Soldier and a true leader. Him had a impact on me to enlist in the Army. Funny how some you don't know have never met can have such a impact on your life. Truly a amazing Marine.

[@bikenavbm1229]

I know some of the story, but listening to this Man's story you can just feel the depth of his Professionalism, Humility and Humanity. In life its important to know the guy/gal at the top knows what they are doing, In the ultimate endeavor this is the kind of Man you need, Thank you Major General for then and now for taking the time to tell us a little. Brilliant Kate as usual saying little but making it count. Happy New Year both.

[@AC-SlaUkr]

We were so lucky to have leaders like Julian Thompson. When you look at some of the others the outcome could have been so different.

[@SaintAdam49]

Mohamed Thompson

[@rickyb5499]

👍👏

[@chrissheppard5068]

Like 5 Bde.

[@jf7243]

Thanks Kate. What an excellent interview. Historic.

[@ctbaw9484]

Makes me feel old. I was a high school kid in CT, USA and I remember all of this. Thank god for these gentlemen doing these interviews. It all history and first sources are so important.

[@billstackable]

American Gulf War vet (3rd Armored Division) here; much respect to the General and all the troops who served in the Falklands. Hopefully this world will find more like you in the days ahead; needed everywhere! God bless…

[@rileyuktv6426]

Remarkable achievement 🇬🇧

[@bluesteel6612]

Brilliant reflection of a critical situation

[@Aerosnapper]

A fascinating insight - and it shouldn't be overlooked what a great job Kate does of the interview - excellent open questions that turned on the mental tap for General Julian.

[@zen4men]

I met the officer in charge of Mexeflotes at San Carlos, ========================================== while hitch-hiking in Sussex about 5 years back. I love the spontaneous meetings and conversations that thumbing a lift throws up! I have always had an interest in the Falklands War, so to hear the Mexeflote story firsthand is something I greatly value. Should that Gentleman happen to see this - Thank You! /

[@bevboakes8982]

Great to listen to my old Major (Cpl 45Cdo) talk about his experience in the Falklands etc,plus for him to mention my next door neighbour Brigadier James Hill sadly no longer with us.

[@davidhumphreys7035]

How did a Cpl end up next door neighbours to a Brigadier? Sounds like a great dit.

[@bevboakes8982]

⁠@@davidhumphreys7035the Brig moved in next door to me,two veterans together a maroon lid and a green lid chewing the fat

[@lleifior2]

Brilliant interview - the thing that history is made of.

[@fredboland3934]

Definitely a Soldier's Soldier, what a man!!!

[@MarkWadsworth-c7n]

Reading his book about the Falklands war at present.... brilliant man... without him in charge of the land battles it would have been alot worse....

[@jonbroadsword7572]

This has been a great series and members of the military or even civilian business management could certainly learn a lot from watching these interviews.

[@alisoncooper1421]

Brilliant interview, most impressed with the respect and understanding of the Interviewer. She allowed the a humble man to tell his own story, Britain are lucky to have soldiers of his calibre protecting them..

[@The_Oracle]

Major General Julian highlighting the importance of the team!

[@uyd]

Amazing feat of military and logistical success

[@IwasBraveFor2WholeSeconds]

I'm surprised he didn't get his Knighthood, after all he won the war and saved Margaret Thatchers political career.

[@garypoulton7311]

Looking at the calibre of knighthoods today, I would imagine he's glad not to be sharing the same title as Starmer and Kahn. He is a true patriot, and seems to be a rare breed of intelligent, decent leader.

[@martinhogg5337]

What an impressive gent!

[@nickmathews7445]

Great interview - good on this man.

[@georgemurray2901]

What a man ! Honest about his failings and yet still resolute.

[@ianblewett3118]

Excellent.

[@danielhargreaves5992]

Legend

[@sophrapsune]

This is a fantastic series, thanks!

[@pm1104]

What a top guy …..incredible story ! 😊

[@rickyb5499]

God bless you Sir 👏🇬🇧

[@davidharris4062]

Sergeant Ian McKay also died alongside Colonel H Jones and was also awarded a VC

[@seamuskavanagh2566]

Jones was 2 Para and died at Darwin Hill near Goose Green, whereas McKay was 3 Para and died at Mount Longdon around two weeks later. Both were very brave men.

[@lonpfrb]

Non-comissioned officers, the backbone of the British Army. R.I.P Sgt McKay. Airborne!

[@TANGOMAN1]

What amazing humility from a GOC

[@EdMcF1]

His remarks about Goose Green: Reminds me of the 1960s sketch: "At this stage of the war, Perkins, we need a futile gesture'. However, it was very meaningful to the locals imprisoned in the hall and must have made a tremendous impression on the enemy.

[@hb1338]

The attack on Goose Green was not at all a futile gesture. After losing _HMS Sheffield_ at the beginning of May, in the week before Goose Green, the task force lost 3 ships ( _Ardent_ , _Antelope_ and _Coventry_ ) as well as all the large transport helicopters on _Atlantic Conveyor_ . The opposition took the view that the Falklands mission was ill-conceived and should be aborted and threatened to withdraw its' support. The government desperately needed a victory in order to keep the whole campaign alive and viable. In Chip Chapman's interview he says that the victory at Goose Green had a devastating effect on Argentine morale across the Falklands.

[@geoffwaterman6560]

Never heard perspective from the regimenal Sargent majors and warrant officers how they went about implementing practically the orders to arrange the logistics.

[@pauljermyn5909]

The mod are still utterly incompetent today 40 years later.........

[@neilsheehan1065]

Good one

[@AbbeySnooks]

What a wise man.

[@Alfie1970Waterhouse]

Thank you

[@nickmiller21]

You sir are an example to all soldiers

[@nicholasdavies6264]

When you think that this guy joined the Royals so many years prior to the Falklands, he was the substance of leaders during the 2nd world war... a fighter, a leader and most importantly he tried to look after his Marines!

[@neilmaston5116]

We were so lucky to have great leaders such as Julian Thompson during the Falklands conflict . With out a doubt the Corp got it absolutely right with the Officers who went to the top 👍

[@amanullahkariapper2503]

Lovely old man-an officer and a gentleman

[@alwishy2696]

No where near long enough, love listening to him. I didn't even know the Paras were in the Falklands !

[@hb1338]

Have you been asleep for the last 40 years ?

[@graemebowyer4901]

Great bloke.

[@edwardreed8862]

Served with you in Brigade HQ Singapore I believe, Blood Reed

[@IwasBraveFor2WholeSeconds]

I recall the chaps whose job to shot down aircraft with their blow pipes couldn't carry them to an elevated area due to being extremely unfit handed them to the Paras. However the guys weren't trained on them and the approaching aircraft were free to sink the ships in the bay resulting in many casualties.

[@ganndeber1621]

The Blowpipe failed miserably, it was nothing to do with who carried them, it was a bad manpad design and was replaced quickly.

[@edwardreed8862]

Greetings from Blood 709 now I’m in California

[@mairiconnell6282]

Great interview from a great man! Now Charlie Company 40 Cdo only had 6 at a full muster and once again the powers that be are talking about disbanding the RM’s.

[@raystewart6524]

I was Duty Driver in York and got a call to go to the Comcen pick up a Priority signal to take to the G.O.C. N/East district.. Got there...a guy there with a briefcase handcuffed to him said get me to the GOCs gaff..ASAP.. So off we went..in he went the boss was there waiting..said to me go get a brew from the kitchen..then I found out the Argies had gone in...the GOC came in the kitchen and asked..where are The Falklands..he got an Atlas and I showed him...he said..this is gonna be a tough one

[@squirepraggerstope3591]

Wasn't Thompson one of several furious participants in the Falklands War who justifiably considered suing the repugnant BBC after its repeated irresponsible and blase releases of information that might well have assisted the then Argentine enemy and so put the lives of British servicemen at risk?

[@benwilson6145]

The unsung heroes of the Falkland War was Logistics, they did the impossible

[@DonWan47]

Goose Green was the biggest blunder of the war. It’s good to see MG Thompson admit and recognise that. Political considerations shouldn’t factor into tactical warfare.

[@hb1338]

After losing 3 ships and 3 out of 4 Chinooks in the previous week, the government desperately needed some form of military victory in order to prevent the opposition from withdrawing its' support, which would probably have been terminal for the entire Falklands campaign. The idea to attack Goose Green was demanded by the circumstances, but Thompson did not provide sufficient resources because he was (probably) unaware of what was at stake. It takes a good and honourable man to admit to such an error.

[@DonWan47]

@ Opposition support was irrelevant. Thatcher killed the men of 2 Para for no strategic benefit.

[@DanSimmons-s2f]

I don't understand. How can you be - "The 2am call to war"

[@matthewgardner1568]

I wish these people went into politics. We might have some better national leadership.

[@hb1338]

In the military, you can tell the yappers, the naysayers and the opposition to shut up. In politics you can't.

[@jenseninsulation2202]

Fieldhouse should have also been interviewed - politics ran riot at Northwood and the forces fighting in the Falklands felt the un-needed repercussions. Did Fieldhouse fold to the political pressure?

[@docdr7199]

Interviewing Fieldhouse is a bit difficult - he died in 1992.

[@hb1338]

If we had not taken Goose Green, there was a significant risk that the opposition would have withdrawn its' support for the government, which would very probably have had fatal consequences for the entire Falklands campaign. Do you now understand why Fieldhouse agreed to find a quick win ?

[@nickgood8166]

Background telly is a distraction. Good interview.

[@SaintAdam49]

Innit

[@chrissheppard5068]

Do you miss freezing your Nads off. No.

[@JelMain]

I concur on the RCT, I'd not long before very reluctantly turned the SAS down because of the Nairac business - I'd been offered his job, it's all part of a public enquiry at the moment - so now I was in a pivotal position in Cadbury Schweppes I most certainly wasn't going to chicken out now I simply sold NAAFI the entire contents of our UK storehouses and by the time the management came in the next morning, they were somewhere off Ushant! I as saved by Peter Carington, who'd come straight from resigning as Foreign Secretary to a Main Board meeting - he was a non-exec - to discover the agenda as scrapped, for a reason which found his funny button.

[@mikewinston8709]

Why oh why does she call them Argentinians? There is no such word. They are Argentines.

[@Cous1nJack]

There is and either is acceptable. Consistency is key so as long as one doesn’t bounce between the two the world will keep spinning.

[@mikewinston8709]

@ Argentinian in the context of describing the people is wrong; as was pointed out to me by an Argentine.

[@Cous1nJack]

@@mikewinston8709 so the word does exist now?

[@mikewinston8709]

@ Read what I wrote and not what you miscomprehended. Your lack of erudition is obvious.

[@Cous1nJack]

@@mikewinston8709 ‘Argentinian in the context..’ implies there is a context where it would apply [this one] but you stated ‘there is no such word’. Read what you wrote, please.