Adkin Mark. The Battle for Goose Green: A Battle Is Fought to Be Won

Pen and Sword Military, 2017. — 320 p.This book tells the story of the battle for Goose Green--the first crucial clash of the Falklands War--through the eyes of the commanders, both British and Argentine, from brigadier to corporal. It follows in detail, with the aid of maps, the fourteen hours of vicious infantry as both sides struggled for the tiny settlement of Goose Green. The book explains how 2 Para came close to failure as the battalion fought over open ground, in daylight, without adequate fire support against prepared positions. Controversial questions--such as: Was it an unnecessary battle? Why did London overrule the brigadier commander's reluctance to attack? Did Col. Jones's solo charge, which won him the Victoria Cross, decide the issue?--are discussed frankly. The author, himself a former infantry officer, has had the full support of the Parachute Regiment, and has assembled the views and comments of over forty-five veterans of all ranks who fought there. The Falklands War showed British military personnel at their best and most innovative under the most testing of conditions, and the Battle of Goose Green was one of the classic actions.