Synopsis

In the spring of 1982 a brief but vicious conflict between Britain and Argentina over the bleak and windswept Falkland Islands 8,000 miles away in the South Atlantic, captured the attention of the world. It brought about the downfall of an Argentine dictator, revived the fortunes of an unpopular UK Prime Minister and liberated a tiny colony loyal to the crown. Twenty five years on, this ‘small war’ still looms large in the thoughts, dreams and nightmares of hundreds of British servicemen and their families. A measure of the price they have paid is that at least ten Falklands veterans take their own lives every year: more have now died through suicide than in the entire course of the conflict.

Act of War uncovers the brutal reality behind one of the most disturbing, traumatic and controversial incidents of the Falklands campaign - the disaster at Fitzroy – and explores and its continuing impact in the lives of those who were caught up in it. It’s a remarkable and, even today, a shocking and little-understood story of heroism and bravery mixed in with incompetence, petty rivalry and disastrous decision-making.

Specifically examining the bombing of Sir Galahad & Sir Tristram, fifty men were killed – fifty sever more were badly burned and injured. This one incident continues to be the source of much bitterness and recrimination between the services and among those who fought in the Falklands War. For it’s clear that this was a disaster that owed as much to failures in British military planning, communication and discipline, as it did to the prowess of the Argentine Air Force. Through interviews with people who were there and who played key roles in the unfolding drama, Act of War tells the story of what happened on that fateful day at Fitzroy, the factors that led up to it and the physical, mental and emotional impact it continues to have in their individual and family lives.

Date:31.07.2006

Coverage:1 x 49 minute programme

Duration:1 x 49 minute programme

Rights:All broadcast rights, DVD clearable on request

Territories:Worldwide ex-US and UK

Format / Aspect Ratio:16:9

Production Company:BBC / Open University