Themes

Article highlights

• HMS Fearless in the Falklands

• Britain's amphibious capabilities

• Fearless in the Task Group

• Heading South

• Ascension Island - preparation for war

• To the TEZ

• Preparing to land

• Further duties

• The return home

Heading South

HMS Fearless left Portsmouth on 6 April 1982 and travelled with its Task Group to Ascension Island where they could train and prepare for war.

During this time all departments undertook much preparation. In the medical section stores had to be sorted out and prepared for use.

The ship’s Air Department had to get used to integrating with the squadron from the Fleet Air Arm personnel and carrying out flight deck training, as Fearless had never had any experience of operating with 846 Squadron before. It was in fact, the first time that Sea King helicopters had operated from an assault ship’s flight deck.

Troops busied themselves on the long journey with maintaining their fitness and preparing themselves for what would be ahead.

First aid training as well as mortar and artillery fire drills was carried out so that troops knew the procedures for calling for and adjusting fire. Training to raise awareness of the likely terrain of the Falkland Islands was also carried out.

On board the ship was incredibly cramped. The LPD was stocked with every possible store, vehicle and weapon that they would need for the expedition.

On 16 April Rear Admiral Sandy Woodward, Commander of the Carrier Battle Group, visited the ship via helicopter from HMS Hermes for the first of many high level conferences on board.