May 25, 1982 · Falkland Sound / North Falklands Theater
May 25, 1982
May 25 was Argentina's national day, and the Argentine air force mounted its most ambitious attacks. HMS Coventry, operating as a radar picket to protect the San Carlos beachhead, was struck by three 1,000-lb bombs dropped by A-4 Skyhawks in a devastating low-level run; she capsized in minutes, killing 19 of her crew. Within hours, a Super Étendard fired an Exocet that struck the Atlantic Conveyor — a merchant container ship converted to carry helicopters and vital logistic supplies — killing 12 and destroying three Chinook and six Wessex helicopters. The loss of the Chinooks forced the British infantry to 'yomp' across the island on foot.
Commanders