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Key facts: The Falklands War

On 2 April 1982, Argentina invaded the Falkland Islands, a remote UK colony in the South Atlantic. The move led to a brief, but bitter war.

Argentina's military junta hoped to restore its support at a time of economic crisis, by reclaiming sovereignty of the islands. It said it had inherited them from Spain in the 1800s and they were close to South America.

The UK, which had ruled the islands for 150 years, quickly chose to fight. Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher said the 1,800 Falklanders were "of British tradition and stock". A task force was sent to reclaim the islands, 8,000 miles away.


Clockwise from top left: Captured Argentines, injured soldier, UK advance, HMS Sheffield, troops raise flag, Argentine soldiers

Clockwise from top left: Captured Argentine soldiers; injured British serviceman from HMS Sheffield; UK soldier during advance; HMS Sheffield on fire; UK troops raise flag: Argentine soldiers on Falklands


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