Scimitar into Stanley: One Soldier's Falklands War

In May 1982, Captain Roger Field, The Blues and Royals, sailed on the Queen Elizabeth 2 to liberate the Falkland Islands. He wrote a diary detailing his journey, including the Battle of Wireless Ridge, where he took command of an armoured car and fought the rest of the battle from the turret. The account is unique as it describes the War from the viewpoint of a staff officer, infanteer, and armoured vehicle commander.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 01 April 2022
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

In May 1982, Captain Roger Field, a member of The Blues and Royals, embarked on a remarkable journey as part of the second wave of troops dispatched to liberate the Falkland Islands. As he arrived at Brigade HQ, he was taken aback by the unfolding events and decided to document his experiences in a diary. His journey led him to Fitzroy, where he witnessed the devastating impact of Argentinean aircraft on the landing ships Sir Galahad and Sir Tristram. Fate intervened when he encountered the Commanding Officer of 2 Para, who invited him to join the Battle of Wireless Ridge.

During the intense battle, Roger assumed command of one of the Blues and Royals armoured cars after the loss of its commander. He courageously fought from the turret, leading his troops to victory. The following day, as 2 Para and The Blues and Royals spearheaded the triumphant charge into Port Stanley, Max Hastings clung to the back of Roger's vehicle, relishing the moment of triumph.

Captain Field's account, while occasionally revisionist, offers a unique perspective on the War, encompassing the roles of a staff officer, infanteer, and armoured vehicle commander. His writing is refreshingly candid, providing a gripping read that immerses readers in the heart of this historical conflict.

Weight: 520g
Dimension: 164 x 241 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399072342