When Did HMS Hermes Leave for the Falklands?

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The Falklands War was a major conflict between Argentina and the United Kingdom. The war lasted from April to June 1982, and it resulted in the victory of the UK over Argentina. One of the major players in this conflict was HMS Hermes, a British aircraft carrier that played a crucial role in the operation.

Background

HMS Hermes was commissioned in 1959 and was the flagship of the Royal Navy until 1981 when it was decommissioned. However, due to the outbreak of hostilities with Argentina, it was recommissioned and sent to the South Atlantic as part of Operation Corporate.

Deployment

HMS Hermes left Portsmouth on April 5th, 1982, along with other British ships. The carrier had a crew of over 1,000 sailors and carried several fighter planes and helicopters. It arrived in the Falkland Islands on May 1st, after sailing through rough seas and facing several challenges along the way.

The Journey

  • On April 6th, HMS Hermes joined a task force that included other ships such as HMS Invincible and HMS Sheffield.
  • The journey to the Falklands took almost four weeks due to rough seas and bad weather conditions.
  • During this time, Argentine forces sank several British ships such as HMS Sheffield and HMS Ardent.
  • HMS Hermes narrowly avoided being hit by an Exocet missile fired by an Argentine aircraft on May 4th.

Mission Accomplished

Once it arrived in the Falkland Islands, HMS Hermes played a crucial role in providing air support for ground troops. It launched several airstrikes against Argentine positions and helped the British forces gain control of the islands.

After the war ended on June 14th, HMS Hermes returned to the UK, where it was decommissioned for the final time in 1984. It was eventually sold to India and renamed INS Viraat, where it served until its final decommissioning in 2017.

Conclusion

In conclusion, HMS Hermes played a crucial role in the Falklands War, and its deployment marked a significant turning point in the conflict. Its journey to the Falklands was fraught with danger, but the crew managed to overcome all obstacles and complete their mission successfully.

The story of HMS Hermes is a testament to the bravery and dedication of all those who served on board and a reminder of the sacrifices made by servicemen and women during times of war.

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