Falklands Task Force and Operation Corporate

During a crisis meeting headed by the Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Sir Henry Leach, advised them that "Britain could and should send a task force if the islands are invaded"

During a crisis meeting headed by the Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Sir Henry Leach, advised them that "Britain could and should send a task force if the islands are invaded"

Britain begins contingency planning for the sending of a task force to the Islands

Chief of Navy Staff Admiral Sir Henry Leach advises a crisis meeting headed by Thatcher that Britain could and should send a task force if the islands are invaded;

Chief of Navy Staff Admiral Sir Henry Leach advises a crisis meeting headed by Thatcher that Britain could and should send a task force if the islands are invaded

Advises Thatcher that a task force can retake the islands.

Operation Corporate is the codename given to the British military operations in the Falklands War, the commander of task force operations is Admiral Sir John Fieldhouse

Operation Corporate is the codename given to the British military operations in the Falklands War, the commander of task force operations is Admiral Sir John Fieldhouse

Leach sends orders to a Royal Navy force carrying out exercises in the Mediterranean to be prepared to sail south

Orders his ships south to join the task force.

Cabinet approves dispatch of a task force.

Commodore Mike Clapp is in charge of the amphibious ships

In overall command is Commander in Chief Fleet, Admiral Sir John Fieldhouse at his headquarters at Northwood near London

Following the invasion on 2 April, after an emergency meeting of the cabinet, approval is given for the formation of a task force to retake the islands

After an emergency meeting of the cabinet, approval is given for the formation of a task force to retake the islands

Destroyers and frigates exercising off Gibraltar under Rear Admiral Sandy Woodward were ordered south. They were joined by the carriers Hermes and Invincible, loaded with Sea Harrier fighters as well as amphibious ships and merchant ships

Cabinet approves the sending of the task force

Commands Operation Corporate from Northwood.

Backed by an emergency session of the House of Commons

The nuclear submarine Conqueror sets sail from France

The two aircraft carriers Invincible and Hermes, in the company of escort vessels, leave Portsmouth

Oversees dispatch of carriers Hermes and Invincible.

A task force is sent by Britain to recapture the Falkland Islands from Argentina

The main task force sails south from Ascension Island. Admiral Sir John Fieldhouse chairs conference at Ascension Island with Admiral Sandy Woodward and 3 Commando Brigade which sets out detailed plans for the retaking of the Islands by force

British task force arrives in Falklands waters

Britain warns Argentina that any military or civilian ship or aircraft representing a threat to the task force will be destroyed

Britain warns Argentina that any military or civilian ship or aircraft representing a threat to the task force will be destroyed

Admiral Woodward's task group rendezvous with mid-Atlantic destroyers

The task force arrives at the exclusion zone

Directs the Argentine Air Force as it prepares for combat against the approaching British task force.

Commands 22 SAS as the regiment deploys with the British task force for operations in the South Atlantic.

Completes aerial refuelling with Bedacarratz before the pair continue at low level toward the British task force.

Takes off in a Super Etendard with Armando Mayora for an Exocet strike against the British task force.

War cabinet gives Admiral Woodward the go ahead for landing plan

Thatcher accuses Argentina of obduracy and delay, deception and bad faith, tells Commons of collapse of peace process, and orders task force into battle

Thatcher accuses Argentina of obduracy and delay, deception and bad faith, tells Commons of collapse of peace process, and orders task force into battle

Two brigades of troops had been transported 8,000 miles and one of the most successful amphibious landings was conducted in San Carlos Water when 3,000 troops are put ashore without casualties

Two brigades of troops had been transported 8,000 miles and one of the most successful amphibious landings was conducted in San Carlos Water when 3,000 troops are put ashore without casualties

Takes off from Rio Grande with Julio Barraza for a second major Exocet strike against the British task force.

The whole task force eventually comprises 127 ships: 43 Royal Navy vessels, 22 Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships and 62 merchant ships