Historical place archive
Browse historical events and people recorded at Falkland Islands in Great Britain. The records below are rendered directly from the World History Database into this page's initial HTML.
Unaware of the French presence Captain John Byron explored and claimed Saunders Island, at the western end of the group, where he names the harbour of Port Egmont, and sails near other islands, which he claimed for King George III
Spain attacks Port Egmont, ending the British presence, The expulsion of the British settlement brings the two countries to the brink of war, but a peace Treaty allows the British to return in 1771 with neither side relinquishing sovereignty
Britain takes control of the islands by force with the invasion of the Falkland Islands following the destruction of the Argentine settlement at Puerto Luis by the American sloop USS Lexington
The Royal Navy builds a base at Stanley, and the islands become a strategic point for navigation around Cape Horn. British forces return and inform the Argentine commander that they intended to assert British sovereignty, existing settlers are allowed to remain, with an Irish member of Vernets settlement, William Dickson, appointed as the Islands governor
The Royal Navy destroys most of Admiral von Spee's East Asia Squadron, reversing the shock of the Coronel defeat.
Sturdee sinks Spees cruisers the Scharnhorst & Gneisenau. Destroys the German Navys South American commerce raiding force. A Reversal of the Battle of Coronel
Sturdee's force destroys most of von Spee's squadron, vindicating Fisher's decision to send superior battlecruisers south.
Britain agrees to United Nations resolution to find a "peaceful solution to the problem"
The Falkland Islands Committee in Parliament stressing "wishes of the Islanders"
The Falkland Islands Committee in Parliament stressing "wishes of the Islanders"
Agrees a "Memorandum of Understanding" to transfer sovereignty
Agrees a "Memorandum of Understanding" to transfer sovereignty
Argentina ousts a British envoy in dispute over the Falkland Islands
Argentina ousts a British envoy in dispute over the Falkland Islands
Appointed Prime Minister's Principal Adviser
Appointed Prime Minister's principal adviser on the war
Appointed Chief of the Defence Staff
Appointed Member of Falklands War Cabinet
Thatcher in a private letter to a Conservative Party activist makes clear that she regards the Royal Marine presence in Stanley as sufficient to prevent an Argentine invasion
Thatcher confirms the retirement of HMS Endurance
Deputy Foreign Minister Richard Luce begins sovereignty talks with his Argentine counterpart Ernesto Ros in New York
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
BBC journalist Laurie Margolis was able to speak with an islander at Goose Green via amateur radio, who confirmed the presence of a large Argentine fleet and that Argentine forces had taken control of the island
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
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
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
British and Argentine deputy Foreign Ministers issue a joint communique praising the cordial and positive spirit of sovereignty discussions held in New York
MP Julian Amery asks if all necessary steps are in hand to ensure the protection of the Islands against unexpected attack but receives an evasive reply
MP Julian Amery asks if all necessary steps are in hand to ensure the protection of the Islands against unexpected attack but receives an evasive reply
Foreign Secretary Lord Carrington refuses to send a submarine to patrol off the Islands and South Georgia
Hercules aircraft operated by Argentine military airline LADE,on a mail run to an Antarctic base, lands at Stanley Airport, falsely claiming a fuel leak, and carrying senior Argentine officers who survey Stanley
Thatcher asks the Foreign Office and Ministry of Defence for contingency plans in case of an Argentine blockade or invasion of the Islands
Carrington says a diplomatic solution is being pursued
Carrington says a diplomatic solution is being pursued
Britain begins contingency planning for the sending of a task force to the Islands
British Foreign Secretary Carrington asks US Secretary of State Alexander Haig to intercede with the Argentine junta in an attempt to avoid military action
British Foreign Secretary Carrington asks US Secretary of State Alexander Haig to intercede with the Argentine junta in an attempt to avoid military action
The Joint Intelligence Committee reports an invasion seems imminent, Thatcher orders 3 nuclear submarines south to the Islands
Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Sir Henry Leach advises a crisis meeting headed by Margaret Thatcher that Britain could and should send a task force if the islands are invaded.
At a crisis meeting headed by Thatcher, First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Henry Leach advises that Britain can and should send a task force if the islands are invaded.
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
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.
Leach sends orders to a Royal Navy force carrying out exercises in the Mediterranean to prepare to sail south.
UN Security Council meets at Britain's request and calls for restraint and avoidance of force
Galtieri hails the "recovery" of the Malvinas, saying Argentina had been left no option other than military action, while Carrington tells Parliament "Port Stanley is now occupied by Argentine military forces"
Galtieri hails the "recovery" of the Malvinas, saying Argentina had been left no option other than military action, while Carrington tells Parliament "Port Stanley is now occupied by Argentine military forces".
Commodore Mike Clapp is in charge of the amphibious ships
Galtieri hails the "recovery" of the Malvinas, saying Argentina had been left no option other than military action, while Carrington tells Parliament "Port Stanley is now occupied by Argentine military forces"
Governor Hunt orders the surrender at 9.15am - by now the whole town other than Government House is under Argentine control.
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
Following the Argentine invasion, Cabinet approval is given for formation of a task force to retake the islands, implementing the naval response Leach had advocated.
After an emergency meeting of the cabinet, approval is given for the formation of a task force to retake the islands
Commodore Mike Clapp is in charge of the amphibious ships
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
1st day of the Falklands War when the Argentines capture the Falklands
Galtieri hails the "recovery" of the Malvinas, saying Argentina had been left no option other than military action, while Carrington tells Parliament "Port Stanley is now occupied by Argentine military forces"
Governor Hunt advises Islanders that Galtieri has rejected Reagan's intervention, and declares a State of Emergency at 3.25am
UN Security Council passes Resolution 502 by 10 votes to 1 (with 4 abstentions) demanding immediate Argentine withdrawal from the Islands - Argentina refuses to comply
Backed by an emergency session of the House of Commons
The United Nations directive 502 is passed through the House of Commons
The United Kingdom's United Nations ambassador Sir Anthony Parsons submits a draft resolution to the United Nations Security Council, the resolution, which condemned the hostilities and demanded immediate Argentine withdrawal from the Islands
UN Security Council passes Resolution 502 by 10 votes to 1 (with 4 abstentions) demanding immediate Argentine withdrawal from the Islands - Argentina refuses to comply
The United Kingdom's United Nations ambassador Sir Anthony Parsons submits a draft resolution to the United Nations Security Council, the resolution, which condemned the hostilities and demanded immediate Argentine withdrawal from the Islands
UN Security Council passes Resolution 502 by 10 votes to 1 (with 4 abstentions) demanding immediate Argentine withdrawal from the Islands - Argentina refuses to comply
The United Nations directive 502 is passed through the House of Commons
UN Security Council passes Resolution 502 by 10 votes to 1 (with 4 abstentions) demanding immediate Argentine withdrawal from the Islands - Argentina refuses to comply
The United Kingdoms United Nations ambassador Sir Anthony Parsons submits a draft resolution to the United Nations Security Council, the resolution, which condemned the hostilities and demanded immediate Argentine withdrawal from the Islands
The United Kingdoms United Nations ambassador Sir Anthony Parsons submits a draft resolution to the United Nations Security Council, the resolution, which condemned the hostilities and demanded immediate Argentine withdrawal from the Islands
The United Nations resolution is adopted by the council United Nations Security Council Resolution 502, which passes with ten votes in support, one against (Panama) and four abstentions (China, the Soviet Union, Poland and Spain)
The United Kingdoms United Nations ambassador Sir Anthony Parsons submits a draft resolution to the United Nations Security Council, the resolution, which condemned the hostilities and demanded immediate Argentine withdrawal from the Islands
The United Nations resolution is adopted by the council United Nations Security Council Resolution 502, which passes with ten votes in support, one against (Panama) and four abstentions (China, the Soviet Union, Poland and Spain)
The United Nations resolution is adopted by the council United Nations Security Council Resolution 502, which passes with ten votes in support, one against (Panama) and four abstentions (China, the Soviet Union, Poland and Spain)
The United Kingdom's United Nations ambassador Sir Anthony Parsons submits a draft resolution to the United Nations Security Council, the resolution, which condemned the hostilities and demanded immediate Argentine withdrawal from the Islands
Lighthousekeeper and radio ham Reg Silvey makes radio contact with the UK and continues clandestine broadcasts throughout the occupation
The United Nations resolution is adopted by the council United Nations Security Council Resolution 502, which passes with ten votes in support, one against (Panama) and four abstentions (China, the Soviet Union, Poland and Spain)
British Government announces it will impose a 200-mile exclusion zone around the Islands on 26 April
British Government announces it will impose a 200-mile exclusion zone around the Islands on 26 April
The task force sails for the Falklands
The British Government sets up a War Cabinet to provide day-to-day political oversight of the campaign
A task force is sent by Britain to recapture the Falkland Islands from Argentina
The maritime exclusion zone comes into operation
200 mile maritime exclusion zone around the Islands declared by Britain to prevent Argentine reinforcements and supplies reaching the Islands from the mainland
Reagan terminates Haig's peace mission, declares US support for Britain, imposes economic sanctions on Argentina, and offers Britain materiel and other aid. British destroyer group takes up holding position in mid-Atlantic
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
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
The exclusion zone comes into force
Argentina rejects Haig's plan unless Britain agrees to transfer sovereignty by 31 December 1982 and allow Argentine nationals to settle in the Islands
British War Cabinet orders repossession of Islands
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
A "defence area" is declared around the fleet
Admiral Woodward's task group rendezvous with mid-Atlantic destroyers
The task force arrives at the exclusion zone
Reagan declares US for Britain and promises "materiel aid"
Maritime exclusion zone is declared a total exclusion zone, applicable to all ships and aircraft supporting the Argentine occupation of the Islands
Directs SAS operations in theatre during reconnaissance, raids and actions supporting the British land campaign.
Air attacks begin on the Argentine garrison on the Falklands
Leads Sea Harrier combat operations as British fighters engage Argentine aircraft on the opening day of major air attacks.
The General Belgrano is sunk by HMS conqueror
The exclusion zone is extended to 12 miles off the Argentine coast
Britain extends total exclusion zone to 12 miles off Argentine coast
QE2 leaves Southampton with 5 Infantry Brigade comprising Scots Guards, Welsh Guards and Gurkhas
War cabinet gives Admiral Woodward the go ahead for landing plan
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
Offers to place the Falklands under jurisdiction of the UN, Argentina refuses
Offers to place the Falklands under jurisdiction of the UN, Argentina refuses
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
UN Security Council Resolution 505 instructs de Cuellar to seek negotiated settlement
Organization of American States condemns Britain's military action and calls on the US to stop helping Britain - only the US, Chile, Colombia and Trinidad and Tobago abstain
Is Mentioned in Despatches for his service commanding D Company during the Falklands campaign.
Peter Blaker, Minister of State for Defence, announces that the official count of British military and civilian war dead is 255, with approximately 300 wounded
Peter Blaker, Minister of State for Defence, announces that the official count of British military and civilian war dead is 255, with approximately 300 wounded
British forces land on Southern Thule (South Sandwich Islands) - Argentines surrender without a fight. Britain formally declares an end to hostilities
200 mile exclusion zone established around the Islands during the war is replaced by a Falkland Islands Protection Zone of 150 miles
200 mile exclusion zone established around the Islands during the war is replaced by a Falkland Islands Protection Zone of 150 miles
Thatcher appoints an official commission headed by Lord Franks to examine the causes of Britain's failure to prevent Argentine capture of the Islands
Thatcher appoints an official commission headed by Lord Franks to examine the causes of Britain's failure to prevent Argentine capture of the Islands
Britain lifts the Exclusion Zone around the Islands
Lifts the exclusion zone around the islands.
The War Cabinet is dissolved
The United Nations General Assembly passes a resolution calling for a peaceful solution to the sovereignty dispute
Addresses Commons questions concerning defence of the Falkland Islands.
Under the Falkland Islands constitution there is an Executive Council and a Legislative Council, The Executive Council advises the Governor & chaired by the Governor
Under the Falkland Islands constitution there is an Executive Council and a Legislative Council, The Executive Council advises the Governor & chaired by the Governor
The Ponting case follows leaked documents about the Belgrano sinking.
Oversees continuing military defence of the islands.
Appointed Governor of the Falkland Islands
Appointed Governor of the Falkland Islands
Provenance
These entries are generated from stored World History Database records whose country and place fields match Great Britain and Falkland Islands. Names, dates, event labels and descriptions are reviewed and normalised as the database develops. Historical place names may not match modern administrative boundaries.
This database is a research index. For formal scholarly citation, verify individual claims against appropriate primary, archival, academic or specialist sources.