1982 31st March
Argentine Invasion of Falklands
Governor Rex Hunt is informed Britain believes Argentina is planning a submarine landing on the Islands as a means of increasing pressure over South Georgia
Falklands War · permanent subject timeline
Rex Hunt and the Argentine Invasion
Governor of the Falkland Islands during the 2 April invasion. This page combines historical context with 11 matching records drawn directly from the World History Database Falklands War archive.
Historical context
Rex Hunt and the Argentine Invasion: overview and significance
What happened?
Governor Rex Hunt was the senior British civilian authority in the islands when Argentine forces landed on 2 April 1982. He coordinated the local response and resistance before surrendering after fighting around Government House.
Why was it important?
Hunt's experience provides a civilian and governmental perspective on the opening hours of the war, the occupation and the restoration of British administration after the Argentine surrender.
World History Database records
Rex Hunt and the Argentine Invasion timeline
The records below are selected from the 481-record Falklands War archive using this page's subject criteria and are ordered chronologically.
1982
1982 31st March
Invasion Warning
Is warned that an Argentine landing may be imminent.
1982 March
Argentine Invasion of Falklands
The invasion met a nominal defence organised by the Falkland Islands Governor Sir Rex Hunt, giving command to Major Mike Norman of the Royal Marines
1982 March
Argentine Invasion of Falklands
The invasion met a nominal defence organised by the Falkland Islands Governor Sir Rex Hunt, giving command to Major Mike Norman of the Royal Marines
1982 1st April
Argentine Invasion of Falklands
Governor Hunt is informed at 3.30pm FI time that Britain now believes a full invasion is planned and summons an immediate meeting of Government heads of department.
1982 1st April
State of Emergency
Warns islanders and mobilises local defences.
1982 2nd April
Argentine Invasion of Falklands
Governor Hunt orders the surrender at 9.15am - by now the whole town other than Government House is under Argentine control.
1982 2nd April
State of Emergency
Governor Hunt advises Islanders that Galtieri has rejected Reagan's intervention, and declares a State of Emergency at 3.25am
1982 2nd April
Surrender of Stanley
Orders surrender after Argentine troops control Stanley.
1982 25th June
Argentine Invasion of Falklands
Governor Rex Hunt returns to Stanley as Civil Commissioner
1982 25th June
Return to Stanley
Returns to Stanley as Civil Commissioner.
Editorial provenance
Sources and editorial review
Compiled and edited by World History Database
Historical context is editorial material; the chronology is generated from the World History Database Falklands War records.
Last reviewed: September 2026.
Reference points: Imperial War Museums · National Army Museum · The National Archives
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